How to Stop the Itching After Shaving

Stop avoiding your favorite bikini or skipping water aerobics class at the gym because of razor burn. From dry, cracking skin and ingrown hairs, to red sore bumps, the itching associated with these skin irritations after shaving is manageable. Whether it's your legs, underarms, bikini line or another sensitive area on your body, always prep your skin before, during and after shaving to reduce itching and irritation.

Before and After You Shave

Step 1

Exfoliate the areas where you shave at least twice a day to reduce the chances for itchy ingrown hairs. Use a shower loofah sponge or a salicylic-acid solution.

Step 2

Use moisturizing deodorant or antiperspirant daily on underarms to hydrate the skin and reduce shaving irritation. Look for formulas containing glycerol or sunflower seed oil.

Step 3

Hydrate other shaved areas daily using natural oils such a jojoba oil, coconut oil or cocoa butter to avoid shaving off dry skin flakes, which can later be sore or itch.

How to Shave

Step 1

Soak your skin in warm water to dilate the pores. This helps the hair follicles protrude out farther and become soft and pliable.

Step 2

Apply a thick lather of shaving gel or cream to further soften the hair and hydrate the skin.

Step 3

Shave with a new razor. Since you apply less pressure when using a sharp razor, you're less likely to nick your skin, leaving it sore and itchy.

Things You'll Need

• Shower loofah sponge

• Salicylic-acid solution

• Moisturizing deodorant or antiperspirant

• Jojoba oil

• Coconut oil

• Cocoa butter

• Shaving gel or cream

• Razor

• Antibacterial soap

Tip

Wash razor burn prone areas like your bikini line and under arms with an antibacterial soap daily. This kills bacteria that can irritate hair follicles.