How to Stop Itching After Shaving

Co-authored by Timmy Yanchun and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: January 4, 2022 References

Itchy skin is normal after you shave, but it becomes a real nuisance throughout the day unless you do something about it. No matter which part of your body is itching, there’s a home remedy for relieving your itch fast. However, if your itch won’t go away or you develop razor bumps, it’s best to see your doctor. Fortunately, you can also prevent prevent itching after shaving with a few changes to your routine.

1

Apply a cool compress.

Hold the compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce itching. Use a wet washcloth or ice pack that’s wrapped in a towel. Place the cool compress over your itchy skin for up to 20 minutes. This can help relieve your itching and will reduce inflammation.^{[1]
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- You can use your cool compress several times a day, as needed to help with itching.
- If you’re using a wet washcloth, place it under cool, running water, then wring it out before using it. As an alternative, you can place the wet washcloth in your refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to get it colder.
- Never place an ice pack directly on your skin.
- Check your skin every few minutes to make sure it’s not getting too cold.

2

Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel.

The gel will help soothe your skin to help reduce your itching and inflammation. Break open an aloe vera leaf or get a tube of aloe vera gel. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of the aloe vera gel onto your skin. ^{[2]
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- You can get aloe vera directly from a plant by breaking off a leaf and collecting the gel that oozes out of it. Otherwise, you can buy a commercially available aloe vera gel. Just check the ingredient list to make sure it’s pure aloe vera gel.

3

Use an astringent to calm redness, itching, and inflammation.

Astringents shrink pores to help ease your discomfort. Choose an astringent liquid, such as apple cider vinegar, chilled black tea, witch hazel extract, or diluted tea tree oil. Then, splash your itchy skin with the astringent or apply it to a cool compress. Use the astringent once a day until your skin stops itching.^{[3]
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- You can buy bottled apple cider vinegar on the vinegar aisle at your local store, while witch hazel extract is easy to find near the toners in the skin care aisle.
- To make chilled black tea, brew a cup of black tea using bagged or loose leaf tea, then place it in your refrigerator until it gets cold.
- To make diluted tea tree oil, pour cool water into a bowl or spray bottle. Then, add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil to the water. Stir or shake the water to mix the oil into it.

4

Rub oil into your skin.

This will soften and hydrate your skin to help it stop itching. Pour a dollop of coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, or sweet almond oil onto your hand. Next, apply the oil over your itchy skin and work the oil into your skin.^{[4]
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- You can warm up the oil by rubbing it between your hands, but this isn’t necessary.

5

Take an oatmeal bath.

The oatmeal will help relieve your itching and may also reduce inflammation. Add 1 cup (85 g) of colloidal oatmeal into a warm bath. Then, sit in your bath for 20-30 minutes to let the oatmeal soothe your skin. After your bath, rinse off with warm water and pat your body dry.^{[5]
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- You can buy colloidal oatmeal at your local drug store or online. As an alternative, you can grind up rolled oats in your food processor or blender to create an oatmeal powder.
Variation: If your itchy skin is on your face or head, then an oatmeal mask might be easier. To make your mask, combine 1/4 cup (20 g) of ground oatmeal, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of plain yogurt, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey. Apply the mixture to your face, then wait for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Finally, pat your skin dry.^{[6]
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6

Dab baking soda water onto your irritated skin.

You can use this treatment 1-2 times each day until your skin stops itching. Stir 1 tbsp (20 g) of baking soda into 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water to mix them. Then, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to your itchy skin. Cover the affected skin with the baking soda-water mixture and let it dry. After it dries, rinse the area with warm water to remove any excess baking soda.^{[7]
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Variation: As an alternative, you can take a baking soda bath. To do this, add 1 cup (205 g) of baking soda into a warm bath. Soak for 20-30 minutes, then rinse off in warm water. Finally, pat yourself dry.

7

Apply an OTC hydrocortisone cream.

You can typically use hydrocortisone cream 1-3 times per day. You can buy an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream at most drug stores or online. Simply dab a tiny amount of the cream directly onto your itchy skin, then let it dry. Use as little cream as possible to get relief, and try not to get it on your healthy skin.^{[8]
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- Check with your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream, as it can cause side effects in some people. If you experience side effects, such as burning, itching, redness, irritation, unwanted hair growth, bumps, or changes in skin color, stop using the cream and visit your doctor.^{[9]
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- Read and follow the instructions that came with your cream since they may vary.

8

Visit your doctor if your itchy skin won’t go away.

Itching after a few days may be a sign of something more serious. It’s normal to have itchy skin after you shave, and it should go away on its own after a few days. However, it’s possible for your skin to develop an infection that needs treatment. See your doctor to get your skin checked so you can get the proper treatment.^{[10]
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- You may have an infection if you have extreme redness, blisters, pus, cracked skin, pain, and swelling.^{[11]
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  Mayo Clinic
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  Go to source} Additionally, you may have other symptoms, such as fatigue or fever.^{[12]
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- Tell your doctor that you started experiencing the itchiness after shaving, as well as how long it’s continued.

9

Ask about a prescription anti-itch cream or corticosteroids.

Your doctor may prescribe a more powerful anti-itch cream if you need it. However, they’ll likely recommend that you try over-the-counter options first. If nothing else helps you, your doctor may give you corticosteroids for short-term itch relief.^{[13]
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- Your doctor is more likely to give you a prescription treatment if your skin has developed an infection, the itchy area is widespread, or the itch is greatly impacting your life. For instance, they may give you a prescription cream to relieve persistent itching after you try to shave your entire chest or back.

10

Use an antibiotic or antifungal cream for razor bumps.

Bumps and sores are signs of infection. If your skin has an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal cream to treat it. Take your prescription exactly as your doctor says, and be sure to finish it, even if you feel better early. It’s possible for an infection to rebound if you stop your medication too soon.^{[14]
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11

Shave after taking a hot shower.

Your hair will be soft and easier to cut. The steam from a hot shower opens up your pores and softens your hair. This makes it easier for the razor to cut the hair, which minimizes irritation. Make a habit of shaving body hair at the end of your shower and facial or head hair right after you step out of the shower.^{[15]
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- A warm shower will also soften your hair, though not as much as a hot shower.
- As an alternative, you can shave your legs after soaking in a bathtub.

12

Use a sharp, clean razor every time you shave.

A sharp razor will get a clean shave with less pressure against your skin. Additionally, using a clean razor prevents irritants or bacteria from getting onto your skin. Change your razor every 5-7 shaves to ensure that it’s sharp and clean.^{[16]
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- A good quality razor may last longer than 5-7 shaves, so use your best judgement.
- If you have thick hair or shave a large area, your razor may dull faster. In that case, it’s best to change it more often.

13

Apply a shave gel or cream before shaving.

These help moisturize your skin and minimize irritation.^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.} Choose a shaving gel or cream that contains natural oils. Then, apply an even layer of cream with your shaving brush or your fingers. The cream will allow the razor to glide over you skin without causing much irritation.^{[18]
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- You can find a shave cream or gel near the shaving supplies.
Tip: Using a shaving brush to apply your shave gel or cream will provide more even coverage than applying it with your hands.

14

Shave in the direction of your hair growth.

You can minimize irritation and ingrown hairs with short even strokes. As you shave, pull your razor slightly forward, then lift it and start a new stroke. Additionally, rinse the blade often to prevent build up on the razor.^{[19]
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- Don’t try to make long passes with your razor. This allows product and hair to build up on your razor, clogging it. As a result, your shave will be ineffective and your skin will get irritated.

15

Rinse off with cool water.

Cool water closes your pores and soothes skin. Splash cool water onto your skin to remove any remaining shower gel or cream and to wash away the shaved hair. The cool water will soothe your skin and close your pores. Then, splash your face with an aftershave or smooth on a moisturizer to prevent irritated skin.^{[20]
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16

Apply an alcohol-free aftershave or moisturizer.

Aftershave protects your skin from getting irritated. Then, splash your face with an aftershave or smooth on a moisturizer. Make sure the aftershave or moisturizer you use is both alcohol-free and fragrance-free. Otherwise, it may dry out your skin and cause irritations.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.}

17

Avoid shaving or touching the irritated area.

Touching or shaving your skin will only make your itching worse. Instead, give your skin a break for at least a few days. During this time, keep touching to a minimum, don’t shave, and only apply gentle, fragrance-free products.^{[22]
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- Don’t start shaving again until your skin has healed.
- Don’t scratch your itchy skin, as it will only make the itching worse.

Expert Q&A

Question

What stops itching fast?

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.

Timmy Yanchun

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

You can use a regular lotion or emollient to calm your skin. However, check the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain alcohol, which will further irritate your skin. Witch hazel also works to moisturize your skin and help prevent razor burn.