How To Avoid Cutting Yourself With A Safety Razor 

Knowing how to avoid cutting yourself with a safety razor is an essential lesson for guys new to these shaving tools. 

With the proper technique, safety razors can be a man’s best friend in the bathroom. They help guys to effortlessly achieve a smoother, more comfortable shave. Though only when they’re used right. 

Are you eager to know how to avoid cutting yourself with a safety razor? In this article, we’ve listed a few simple tips for getting a clean shave with a safety razor. Enjoy!

Why Do I Keep Cutting Myself While Shaving?

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to figure out why you might be cutting yourself with your safety razor in the first place. 

Poor Technique

With a safety razor, the technique is everything. Without it, you’re left with an uneven shave and an increased risk of nicks and cuts. 

Unlike cartridge razors, safety razors don’t swivel to suit the contours of the face. For the best result, it’s up to the user to get the correct angles and technique - which we’ve explained further below. It may take a bit of practice, but it’s well worth the reward. 

Multiple Passes

A lot of guys tend to make multiple passes over the same areas, hoping to achieve a closer, cleaner shave. Though what this does is strip away the shaving gel and increase friction between the blades and the skin - shortly followed by razor burn and shaving cuts. 

If you do need to pass over the same area again, be sure to reapply shaving gel. 

Too Much Pressure

A lot of blokes are guilty of this one - pressing down on the razor thinking that it’ll provide a closer shave. Though the reality is that this bad habit is a quick path to shaving cuts and skin irritation. 

Instead, let the weight of the safety razor do all the heavy lifting by using a lighter touch. 

How To Avoid Cutting Yourself With A Safety Razor 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the good stuff. Learn how to avoid cutting yourself with a safety razor with these 5 simple tips below. 

Prepare The Hair

When it comes to preventing nicks and cuts, preparation is king. Taking the time to exfoliate the skin and soften the facial hair makes it much easier for your safety razor to plow through the stubble. 

Before reaching for your razor, use a light facial scrub to slough away any dead cells that would otherwise get in the way. Then grab a warm towel and soak the stubble for 30-seconds. 

These simple habits can help create a smoother shave with fewer nicks and cuts. 

Use Shaving Gel

Dry shaving is a big no-no when using a safety razor. 

Shaving gels work to provide a protective layer between the skin and blades - reducing any friction and encouraging a smoother stroke of the razor. Without a shaving lubricant, razor burn and shaving cuts are much more likely. 

It’s not worth the hassle - before using a safety razor, remember to apply a quality gel. 

If you’re chasing a premium shaving lubricant, take a look at this soap-free Clear Shaving Gel by Milkman. The formula works to deeply hydrate the skin to protect from razor burn and leave it feeling supple post-shave. 

Practice The Technique 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - technique is essential when it comes to using a safety razor. With the right practice, you can get the best results with these shaving tools and reduce your odds of an uneven shave, skin irritation, and shaving cuts.

So, how do you use a safety razor? Start by holding the razor at a 30° angle against the skin to reveal the blade. Use short strokes with a lighter pressure as you move the blades in the same direction of hair growth. If you need to pass over an area again, remember to reapply shaving gel. 

Use Sharp Blades

For reducing your chances of a shaving cut, it’s important to change your razor blades regularly. Take our word for it, you don’t want to be shaving with a dull blade. They drag across the skin and pull on your facial hair - causing skin irritation and minor nicks. 

It’s not worth trying to extend the life of your blade if it’s clearly going blunt - especially since replacement blades are only $4.95.

For cleaner results, aim to replace your safety razor blade every 5 or 6 shaves. 

Finish With Aftershave 

So, you’ve put your razor down and have noticed a few minor shaving cuts - don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.

Even when we nail our shaving routine, the occasional nick or cut can appear without warning - though with an aftershave nearby, it’s no big deal. These products offer a powerhouse of post-shave benefits, working to speed up the healing process, hydrate the skin, and soothe any irritation.

Are you on the hunt for an aftershave? If so, these Aftershave Serums by Milkman are well-worth your time. They contain aloe vera extract, antioxidants, and hydrating botanicals to calm any irritation post-shave and hydrate the skin. 

Though what we love most about this aftershave is that it doesn’t sting when applied - which is particularly handy when you’re treating a shaving cut.