a woman touching her hair with both hands in the bathroom

How to Prevent Razor Bumps and Burns When Shaving

Do you wonder how to avoid razor bumps and how to reduce skin irritation after shaving? Then you’ve come to the right place. Learn all about razor bumps and burns, how to prevent it and what to do if you get it.

17 November '25

What are razor bumps and burns?

Razor burn is a very common skin irritation that happens after shaving. Razor bumps are little raised bumps, often red, white or black that appear as a symptom of razor burn. Other symptoms or razor burns include red, itchy or burning sensations on your skin. Typically razor burns are temporary and can be resolved at home by cleaning and moisturizing the affected area.

What causes razor burns and bumps?

The most popular reasons you might experience razor burn, include:

Dull razor blades
Shaving against the grain
Ingrown hairs
Not using shaving cream or gel
Using shaving cream or gel that irritates your skin
Sensitive skin
Not taking your time shaving
Shaving too often

Tips for preventing and avoiding razor burns and bumps

Following a shaving routine to care for your skin can help prevent razor burns and bumps. We recommend the following steps for days you are shaving:

1

Start your shower with exfoliation

Use a gentle body scrub to exfoliate the area you are shaving at the beginning of your shower or bath. This will help remove dead skin cells and open pores, allowing for a closer shave.
2

Prepare your skin before shaving

To help minimize skin irritation after shaving, make sure you spend a few minutes under the shower before applying shaving cream. Shaving at the end of your shower makes remembering this easy. Warm water softens and raises the hair, working with the foam to make it easier to shave without catching the skin. If you are short on time, thoroughly dampen your underarms, legs or the area you are shaving with a warm, wet wash cloth before picking up your foam and razor to reduce discomfort after shaving.
3

Apply shaving cream or gel

Shaving cream or gel provides an extra barrier between your skin and the razor. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or existing razor burn.
4

Shave in the right direction

You should always try to shave in the direction of hair growth – i.e. stroking the razor from the root to the tip of the hair. This causes less disturbance to the skin, so you’re less likely to provoke a razor burn or an itchy rash.
5

Use a clean, sharp razor blade

Using a sharp razor blade allows you to shave close to get a shave that is close to the skin, minimizing the risk for razor burn and bumps. Rinsing your razor blade after each stroke can help with this too.
6

Choose an antiperspirant deodorant that doesn’t irritate skin

If you find yourself searching “how to calm razor burn?” it's important to choose a deodorant that will help to care for and sooth dry underarms. Underarm skin tends to be more delicate, so a good way to choose an antiperspirant deodorant that doesn’t irritate skin is making sure it doesn’t contain alcohol – all Dove antiperspirants are free of drying alcohol and suitable for delicate skin.

Does deodorant burn after shaving?

Deodorant can burn after shaving because shaving removes the top layer of skin, making your skin more sensitive to harsh ingredients. If your deodorant burns your armpits after shaving consider switching to a sensitive skin deodorant like Dove Aluminum Free Deodorant Stick Sensitive. You can also shave at night or wait a few minutes to apply deodorant.

How to sooth and calm razor burn and bumps

Nearly everyone is going to experience razor burn some time in their lifetime. The good news is it is fairly easy to treat and should go away quickly. As soon as you notice your razor burn or bumps, apply a clean, cold washcloth to the affected area to reduce inflammation. After that moisturize, moisturize moisturize! Use a sensitive skin friendly body lotion with minimal fragrance to help sooth and replenish the irritated skin.

If your skin condition does not get better or worsens after a few days, please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.