Download Article
Quick and easy fixes to help shaving nicks heal fast
Download Article
So, you’ve cut or nicked yourself while shaving. Don’t panic—these things happen! Shaving cuts and nicks tend to bleed more than an average cut because a slice from a razor blade is so clean, making it harder for the blood to clot. Luckily, caring for and stopping the bleeding of a shaving cut is pretty simple. In a matter of minutes, you can stop the bleeding and go about your day! We spoke to personal care specialist Jasmin Todd and barber Marlon Rivas to bring you the best advice on stopping bleeding from shaving and preventing nicks in the future—read on to learn more.
How do you stop bleeding from shaving?
- Disinfect the cut with witch hazel or alcohol-free aftershave.
- Hold a cold compress or pressure on the cut.
- Apply petroleum jelly or use a styptic pencil on the cut.
- Place a bandage over the cut, if needed.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
How to Stop the Bleeding & Promote Healing
-
Wash the cut with cool water and a clean washcloth. The first step to tackling any minor cut or wound is to make sure the area is clean. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water and use it to wipe away the blood. Then, gently wash the area with soap and pat dry. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Always use cool water to do this, as the colder temperature of the water can actually help stop the bleeding.
- Make sure you wash your hands before cleaning the cut.
-
Apply pressure to the cut. Todd says to “use a clean cloth or bandage to apply pressure directly to the cut” until it stops bleeding. This helps a blood clot to form, which prevents the cut from bleeding more. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Depending on the size of the cut and how much it’s bleeding, this could take as long as 15 minutes.
- Todd also recommends elevating the wound at this point, especially if the cut is on your leg or arm—“raise the affected area above the level of your heart.”
Advertisement -
Disinfect the cut with witch hazel. Even for minor cuts and scrapes, it’s important to disinfect the wound. Not only does this help stop bleeding, but it also promotes healing, as witch hazel has an astringent nature. [3] X Research source Gently apply a small amount of witch hazel to the cut with a cotton pad.
- Alternatively, you can use an alcohol-free aftershave to do this, but be 100% sure it’s alcohol-free, as putting alcohol on a cut can be painful and dry out the skin.
- Similarly, diluted tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives to disinfect and stop inflammation. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Avoid using antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect a shaving cut, as these can be harmful to the skin. [5] X Research source
-
Place ice or a cold compress to the cut. Use an ice cube or ice pack to numb the area, prevent swelling, and stop bleeding. Applying a cold compress to the cut helps constrict the blood vessels, making it bleed less. [6] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
- Similarly, try holding a wet green tea bag to the cut. [7] X Research source Research has shown that tea bags can help tighten the skin and restrict bleeding. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
-
Apply petroleum jelly to the cut. The easiest way to stop bleeding and promote healing with a razor cut is to use petroleum jelly (or Vaseline). This moisture-rich product is chemical-free and acts as a barrier, stopping blood from getting out and preventing germs from getting in. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- If you don’t have petroleum jelly on hand, use an unused, unscented lip balm.
- If you nick yourself shaving often, consider investing in a styptic pencil (also known as an alum block). Simply rub the end of the pencil onto the cut. [10] X Research source As Todd explains, “a styptic pencil contains alum, which helps to stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels.”
- Some advise using aloe vera gel instead of petroleum jelly as it’s been proven to treat wounds. [11] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, aloe vera gel is best used to moisturize the skin as a preventative measure against shaving cuts.
- Avoid using a topical antibiotic unless instructed to by a doctor, as these could hinder the healing process of non-infected wounds. [12] X Research source
-
Apply a bandage, if needed. If you have a larger shaving cut or it's in a place that rubs against your clothes, consider using a bandage or small piece of gauze to protect it. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Todd instructs that “once the bleeding has stopped, cover the cut with a sterile bandage to protect it from further injury.”
-
Wash the cut regularly and reapply treatments. Repeat these steps until your cut starts to close. Taking care of the small wound and ensuring it’s clean and moisturized can prevent further bleeding and help it heal nicely.
- Todd also recommends avoiding shaving over the cut—“once the bleeding has stopped, avoid shaving over the cut until it has fully healed to prevent further injury and bleeding.”
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Avoid using eye drops and mouthwash to disinfect a shaving cut. These products can burn your skin and worsen the cut, hindering healing.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-minor-cuts
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-bleeding
- ↑ https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/blog/bleeding-wound-top-10-fastest-remedies-cure-your-bleeding-wounds/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23583-razor-burn
- ↑ https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/10/wound-care
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P02836
- ↑ https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/blog/bleeding-wound-top-10-fastest-remedies-cure-your-bleeding-wounds/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082946/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/blog/bleeding-wound-top-10-fastest-remedies-cure-your-bleeding-wounds/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- ↑ https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/10/wound-care
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-minor-cuts
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-minor-cuts
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-minor-cuts
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/news/health-44600618
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-razor-burn
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving-query.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving-query.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ingrown-hair/symptoms-causes/syc-20373893
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving-query.html
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shaving.html
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 890 times.
Advertisement