Dermatologist's Shaving 101: Tips on How To Shave to Avoid Razor Burn and Ingrown Hair

Everything I want you to know about shaving! Why do we need to practice good shaving habits?

Men and women commonly suffer from folliculitis and ingrown hairs from frequent shaving.

We discuss shaving techniques quite a bit in clinic and this video is to help as a foundation for building good shaving habits. I know my technique is not pure and perfect but this video is just a basic guide to help you formulate your own personalized style of shaving!

Men commonly are plagued with razor burn or a medical condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) of the face and neck. PFB can be avoided with decreasing the frequency of shaving and practicing good shaving techniques but there are times when you have to come in to see a dermatologist for treatment with prescription medications or treatments (intralesional steroid injections, laser hair removal).

Here are the basic steps to shaving:
3. Shave with the grain, and rinse your blade frequently between strokes

6. Apply SPF...Be your best self for the day while looking your best!

What to watch next:

Music: That Day
Music: Bonjour
Musician: Jef

Disclaimer: This video is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment with your healthcare professional. This is for medical educational purposes only.
I am not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned in this video.

Dr. Daniel Sugai
Board Certified Dermatologist

[ArterialAIC]

Dull blades really are one of the main culprits for shaving irritation, which is why traditional wet shaving with a double edge razor blade is making a comeback, as not only does the razor only cut the hair at the skin level (and not below, as seen with 3+ blade razors) meaning it doesn't cause ingrown hairs, and due to the low price of the blades (typically $0.05 per blade) you can use a new blade every day while still spending a quarter of what you would spend on Gillette cartridges.

hope this helps!

[nicetna]

I'm here because I was looking to improve my post-shave result. Thank you for your help. I would just add that switching to a double-edge safety razor will also help tremendously.

[christiandecicco]

This video was truly life changing. I bought all the recommendations off of Amazon and quickly tried it out. My skin has never been better. Thank you so much. From me and my wife!

[sarakelley]

That orange wash that you used in the beginning is AMAZING, really good for sensitive skin and completely cured my bacne!

[seveneleven]

Thank you so much for this video Dr. Sugai. I got the neutrogena acne wash, did a cold water douse on my face/neck after shaving, and "let gravity do the work" when using my razor. I've only shaved like this twice but am already seeing a big reduction in razor burn, bleeding, and pimple bursting while shaving

[anthonyg.]

Wow.... thank you so much I have been having ingrown hairs and most importantly knicks and cuts along with razor burn but following your tips I have not had a burn in my last two shaves so I came back to follow you

[joshuapotter]

I shaved for the first time in a whole year and when I was done my face was numb and my skin broke out in like less than a day so this is helpful thank you

[eatlimegreen]

This combo of razor and cream really worked for me. Thanks Doc!

[MrSlitskirts]

Good video. Personally I changed from cartridge blades/shavers to a Safety Razor using Double Edge (DE) Blades, specifically Platinum DE Blades which have a softer coating and feel, rather than the legacy Stainless Steel ones along with using quality Shaving Soaps and Creams (Tube) like Proraso. One major thing though was to use cold water for shaving to reduce and prevent shaving rash in which I've been successful at doing most of the time. So initially I use hot-warm water to wet my face, apply Pre-Shave Cream (Proraso or similar), use a Shaving Brush with Shaving Soap or Cream, and lather up in a bowl and apply to my face. I then drain the sink and fill with cold water for the actual shave. Apparently the cold water on the face-blade-to-skin reduces the chance of shaving rash as there's no friction or heat being caused by hot-warm water. I usually do two passes: (1) with the grain (down the face), (2) against the grain (up the face). Then rinse with cold water and apply a quality Post-Shave Balm (Proraso or similar) to 'calm' my skin (no alcohol). Of course it's what works for you. But the 'cold water' technique really worked for me. Kind regards.

[nadahin]

Half of the skincare videos are men talking about using irritating menthol aftershaves, that the burn is good or to use hot scalding water and my skin was not happy. The other half were woman and mentioned nothing of skincare with shaving their face(which, I guess is a good thing🙄) I’ve been searching for this video for a while and my skin thanks you 😂

[alpacak]

Thank you! no one ever showed me how to shave and I literally did everything wrong but your video really helped me out!👍🏼

[BennyCFD]

Great general multiblade razors are one of the biggest reasons for these problems. For instance
a five blade razor head, with each single pass it's the same as five pass's over the same area. You are better off to use a sharp
single edge blade, they are so inexpensive you can use a new blade every couple of times.

[richsan]

All these shaving videos with people rubbing their faces lol.... people with sensitive skit cannot do this.

[mrchiototal]

I incorporated the products you recommend in my routine and it lead to a much better result.
Thank you!

[Wizker]

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS PREVENTING OF INGROWN HAIRS:

1. THOU SHALT NOT USE DIRTY BLADES!
Using a blade that's been used way too many times. Yes, this one may be obvious, but be sure to keep your used tools as clean as possible. Soap and rubbing alcohol will destroy bacteria.

2. HONOR THY DELICATE SKIN!
Too many blades! If you are prone to ingrown hairs then you don’t need 3 or more blades.

3. DO NOT TAKE PREP TIME IN VAIN!
You should be using a warm/hot water prep (5 mins). Then leave the shaving creme on for more than 3 minutes to really soften the hair. The hair stubble should literally fall away with little or no pressure at all. Pressing hard is the problem! Be gentle ya'll.

4. THOU SHALT NOT GO AGAINST THE GRAIN!
Shaving against the grain. Shave in the direction of hair growth (usually down, but perform a face map to be sure).

5. THOU SHALT NOT PRESS!
Pressing too hard on the skin with the blade. A gliding, light touch is all you need. This is likely your biggest issue.

6. THOU SHALT NOT PASS!
Too many quick passes with the blade. One pass per hairy area – going 1-2 inches downward at a time – will prevent ingrown hairs. Always shave like you might cause damage, not like your mowing the front yard lawn.

7. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT OVER SHAVING!
Shaving too many times. This rule is hard to follow especially if you have to shave for your career but if you are prone to ingrowns, try shaving with an electric clipper. The results are not super close but no one but you will know the difference. Ladies, try waxing.

8. THOU SHALT NOT CLOG!
Use of skin/pore clogging cremes or lotions. These keep hairs from growing up. After a shave, keep your skin bare; let the tiny army breath, and allow those newly shaved, really small, microscopic hairs to grow out just in time for the next shave.

9. KEEP THE SKIN FREE!
Avoid tight fitting clothing around the Adam’s apple (neck) and/or below the waistline region.

10. REMEMBER TO EXFOLIATE!
Not enough exfoliation to remove excess layers of skin. Use a skin care brush for razor bumps as directed. Brushes also tease the hairs away from entering the skin. Try a WIZKER brush today!

[bconSound]

Ah yes, the legendary Neutrogena acne wash. Liquid gold for sure

[michaelshults]

Use a traditional shaving cream or soap and a straight razor... Long learning curve, but it's worth it. A BBS shave will last 12 -14 hrs

[kyhl]

I used to get extremely bad RB and bumps, I'm extremely fair skinned. I used to use a cartridge razor like in this video. A barber friend of mine recommended a straight razor, at first I thought "not a chance in hell". After dealing with my skin irritation over and over I finally started out on a shavette, and switched my foam over to shaving soap with brush, and instead of a aftershave splash I now use a balm. Here we are, over 20 years later with no irritation, it is a big transition and DE razors do the same I have found but a straight worked for me, everyone's different though, I just wish this video was out back then cause I just happened to have a barber pal lol.

[m.l.s.]

In my opinion, shaving with a double edged safety razor is better, and shaving with an actual shaving soap would be more beneficial for you.

This is what I shave with:
- Merkur Razor
- Feather razor blades
- Shaving brush
- Shaving soap: I recommend "Taylor of Old Bond Street"
- Proraso pre shave cream
- Alum block

[Eurovision]

Tried almost shaving cream always had shaving rash . While in Italy got introduced to Prorazor . What a difference the best if you see this message . Thank you Mr Rificci Florence still using it ♥️