The common shaving mistake that can damage your skin

Using a blunt razor is one of the most common shaving mistakes. It feels harmless, but it’s a big reason people struggle with razor bumps, ingrown hairs, itchiness, and dark marks.

A sharp razor cuts hair cleanly.
A dull one drags, pulls, and forces you to shave the same area repeatedly. That extra friction irritates the skin and increases the chance of hair growing back under the surface.

Over time, this can turn a quick shave into an ongoing skin problem.

Why blunt razors cause razor bumps and ingrown hairs

When a razor blade becomes dull, it struggles to cut hair neatly at the surface. Instead, it pulls the hair before cutting it or snaps it unevenly.

This can cause:

• Hairs to curl back into the skin
• Inflamed follicles
• Tender bumps and redness

These issues show up most in sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini line, and legs, where skin is thinner and hair growth is stronger.

Repeated irritation in the same areas can also lead to dark marks that take time to fade.

Always use a sharp, clean razor

This is the single biggest change you can make.

A fresh blade:

• Cuts hair with less pressure
• Reduces pulling and friction
• Lowers the risk of ingrown hairs

Replace disposable razors regularly, especially if you shave often. If your razor tugs, skips, or feels rough, it’s time to replace it.

Rinse the blade thoroughly after every use and let it dry fully. Avoid storing razors in damp or steamy areas.

Shireen Forster, Founder of Laser Me Out, says:
“Blunt razors are one of the biggest causes of shaving irritation. I also always advise against sharing razors, as bacteria on the blade can easily inflame already sensitive skin.”

Prep your skin before shaving

Good prep means your razor doesn’t have to work as hard.

Before shaving:

• Use warm water to soften the hair
• Apply a proper shaving gel or cream
• Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin

Light exfoliation helps prevent follicles from getting blocked, which reduces the chance of hairs getting trapped under the skin. Avoid harsh scrubs, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Shave with the direction of hair growth

Shaving against hair growth may feel closer, but it increases irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs.

Shaving with the grain:

• Reduces friction
• Protects the skin barrier
• Helps prevent bumps

Use light pressure and short strokes. Try not to go over the same area multiple times.

Avoid tight clothing straight after shaving

Freshly shaved skin needs time to settle.

Tight clothing can rub against open follicles, especially during movement or exercise. This friction can lead to redness, bumps, and discomfort.

Shireen advises:
“After shaving, wear loose or breathable clothing for a few hours and apply aloe vera gel. If your skin is very sensitive, give it a full day to calm down.”

Post-shave care matters more than you think

Shaving causes tiny injuries to the skin, even when done carefully.

After shaving:

• Rinse gently
• Apply a calming, fragrance-free moisturiser
• Use aloe vera gel if skin feels hot or itchy

Avoid heavily fragranced products straight after shaving. They can sting and slow healing.

Consistent aftercare helps skin recover faster and makes future shaves smoother.

If shaving keeps causing irritation

If you regularly deal with razor burn, ingrown hairs, or dark marks, shaving may not suit your skin and hair type, even with good technique.

Laser hair removal targets hair at the root, reducing regrowth over time and lowering the chance of ingrown hairs.

At Laser Me Out, we use Soprano Titanium and always start with a consultation and patch test to ensure settings are matched to your skin and hair type.

Shireen explains:
“Each session reduces around 10 to 15 percent of hair growth. Over a full course, clients usually see smoother skin with far fewer bumps.”

When to seek medical advice

If shaving bumps become very painful, spread, or show signs of infection such as swelling, heat, or pus, speak to a healthcare professional.

FAQs

How often should I change my razor?

If you use disposable razors, change them after around five to seven shaves. If the blade pulls or feels rough, replace it sooner.

Can a blunt razor cause ingrown hairs?

Yes. Dull blades pull and snap hair unevenly, which increases the chance of hair growing back into the skin.

Should I exfoliate before or after shaving?

Exfoliating before shaving helps clear dead skin and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. Keep it gentle.

Is shaving against the grain bad for your skin?

It can increase irritation and ingrown hairs, especially in sensitive areas. Shaving with the grain is usually kinder to the skin.

What should I apply after shaving?

A simple, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe vera gel helps calm the skin and support healing.

Does laser hair removal help with ingrown hairs?

Yes. By reducing hair growth at the root, laser hair removal significantly lowers the chance of ingrown hairs over time.