A clean shave makes you clean and corporate – but none of these matters anymore when aftershave itching begins. Just then, you know something has gone haywire. We often tag it razor burns, as the itch comes with some burning sensation. Here in this guide, we will tackle the ‘hows’ to Prevent Irritation When Shaving Your Head.
Can you relate?
Most men can. Whether it’s a side effect of a dull razor, skin product, or dry skin, most men –particularly those lovers of clean-cut – have the annoying aftershave-itching experience at one point.
Don’t feel hopeless. Good news is, one –or a combination – of items could help prevent this dreaded condition among men. Before we address ways to stop itching after a shave.
What Causes Aftershave Itching?
While shaving, your blade only cuts off the part of hairs above the follicles – it does not remove everything. The other part beneath the follicles begins to spring up after a cut. Shaving could irritate these follicles, causing aftershave itching.
The shaving razor – particularly the old or blunt ones – may pull your follicles, and creates a resultant effect popularly referred to as razor burn
It is, however, noteworthy that some heads are more sensitive – and are easily irritated – than others.
Though a terrible – and common – issue, it is fixable. Just equip yourself with helpful tips that’ll help you when itching comes.
Tips to Stop Itching on the Head After Shaving
To battle the itching demands some pre-shave preparation from your end. This guide is packed with great tips to stop your head from itching after a shave.
Shaving Products
Ensure you apply gels before you shave. Gels help lubricate the hair and skin, offering a stress-free shave and, in turn, reduces the chance of a cut or an aftershave irritation.
So, you would be better off with the right shaving products. Do your findings thoroughly before you opt for any of these products – some contain harmful chemicals.
Generally, go for shaving gels with moisturizers. These products help nourish your skin and reduce the risk of an itchy head aftershave.
Desist from alcohol-base shaving products. Itching is almost inevitable with such options. Check labels for ingredients before you invest in any product.
That said, do not rely on product labels alone. See genuine customer reviews –and if possible – seek professional recommendations.
With or Against the Grain?
Perhaps you learned to shave pretty young – and you’ve been shaving all these years.
What if you suddenly realized you’ve been shaving wrong?
Perhaps you learned saving techniques from a favorite YouTuber or your father. Of course, this was a good start. But it would help to know people’s beard grow in different patterns.
When considering a shaving technique, you must first consider your hair growth pattern. If you continuously go against the grain, it could result in razor burns and ingrown hairs.
Nobody fancies the ugly red bumps ingrown hairs and razor bums leave on your head after a shave. Here is the trick:
While shaving, you may go with the grain on the first stroke and against the grain on the second pass – but only with a safety razor.
Noteworthy: never attempt to shave against the grain if you’re using a cartridge razor.
Do you know the direction of your hair growth?
While you may know this much about your beards, most men are ignorant about the direction of their head hair growth. You may take some time to figure out your hair’s growth pattern – and get used to it.
Follow the direction of your hair growth and shave in the same direction. Going with the grain helps prevent ingrown hairs and cuts – Increasing skin comfort during a shave.
When shaving against the grain is done with a safety razor, it helps you capture stray hairs without causing harm to your follicles or skin underneath.
Shave Often
Fact is, people who shave less tend to get itching heads after shaving. So, if this is your first ever clean-cut, you’d most like have an itching head.
This is normal. The only way out is to make shaving a bit more frequent – at say three days’ intervals. The more you shave, overtime, the inch should reduce – and stop, eventually.
Your head skin soon gets acquainted with the routine, and that may be the end of the annoying itches. If you still feel the itching, keep doing it, albeit ensuring there are not bumps before share – it will get better over time. Wait until bumps leave before you shave.
Dry Rightly
Dry your skin –after the wash – rightly. Wrong drying method could trigger itches.
This can be prevented – after a shave, rinse thoroughly. Now, pat your head gently, with a clean, soft towel. Avoid exerting pressure as you dry – It could cause skin irritation.
During wash, ensure you remove the shaving lotion completely. Shaving gel could irritate the skin if left. The skin may soon become dry, reddish and itchy.
Razor Burn
In most cases, itching is caused by razor burns. Razor burns is a dreaded skin condition that comes with gross discomfort – they come in severe and mild forms.
Terrible redness, itchiness, burning sensation are typical conditions that characterize worst-case razor burns.
If you still battle this condition, you may reconsider your shaving technique. If you had always preferred shaving against the grain, you should switch – and go with the grain. This reduces the chances of a cut, irritation, or redness.
Moisturize
Skin dryness is the most common cause of an itching head aftershave. When dry, skin tends to itch and cause discomfort. Ensure to keep the skin moisturized – always. There are tons of moisturizers out there. Get a good option. Take note – effectiveness varies between products.
Stay away from a moisturizer with unfriendly compounds like alcohol – they will mostly aggravate the condition. Conversely, shaving gels are your best bet.
After a shave, ensure you apply an aftershave. This reduces the risk of aftershave-related issues on your head.
No Hot Water
A hot bath is widely loved – of course, it feels good on the skin. Sadly, hot water may trigger some adverse reactions, usually evident after a shave.
You already feel soreness and irritation on your skin. Further exposure to hot water may only complicate the already bad condition. So do yourself some good – stay off hot water.
If you insist on hot water, the itching may only get worse. Instead of hot water, opt for lukewarm water.
Expose Your Scalp
Using a fabric over your head after a shave can hasten or aggravate the itching. This result is usually a function of either: friction between the shaved skin and fabrics which may trigger sweating – and worse still, cause an infection.
Secondly, your follicles will likely have contact with the detergents used in washing the fabric and increase itching.
After a shave, give your head some break from your caps and hats.
Apply Creams
When the itching gets messier, you need an instant solution. A good cream could be a lifesaver at such moments.
However, ensure you’re investing in the right creams. One of such potent creams are aloe Vera-infused gels. This more natural alternative has proven effective for aftershave itching.
Aloe Vera gel helps reduce the sting and itch. Even with an aloe Vera gel, ensure you’re making the right choice. For better quality assurance, you may extract the gel from the plant directly. Store-bought products do not translate to higher potency – don’t fall for the gimmick.
However, if your aloe gel fails, perhaps you need something stronger. Here’s where hydrocortisone creams may come in. However, remember these creams should not be used for an extended period, as they could cause more future concerns.
Rope in a Professional
Bumps, itching and irritation are common after-shave effects among men. With some little checks before, during, after a shave, these conditions are, however, avoidable.
If redness, itching – and other reactions – persist after, say, three days, or you notice blood, crust, or pus after shaving, this could spell an infection. Do well to consult a dermatologist and discuss your concerns in full details.
Final Note
While an aftershave clean cut look can be desirable, it could come with some regrets. Sadly, it’s difficult to avoid a clean shave.
That said, you need to try as much as possible to avoid such issues that come with a clean cut. Largely, you should be alright if you opt for the right products – and remember to avoid washing with hot water.
Also, for first timers, have in mind that you’d most likely encounter some itching and inflammation issues on your first attempts. Just keep doing it, and hopefully, you should be fine over time.