Shaving Tips for Psoriasis: Avoid Nicks, Bumps and Irritation

Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: June 6, 2025 References

Helpful Products

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Safe Shaving Techniques

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Alternatives to Shaving

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Tips

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Warnings

Shaving when you have a skin condition like psoriasis can be tough. If you accidentally nick or cut your skin, it could trigger a flareup. ^{[1]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Fortunately, by choosing high-quality products and using gentle shaving practices, you can still keep unwanted hair under control without damaging your skin. If shaving isn’t for you, talk to your dermatologist about trying alternative hair removal methods.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Helpful Products

1
Invest in a high-quality electric razor for the gentlest shave. A good razor can make a big difference when you’re dealing with psoriasis. Electric razors don’t shave as close to the skin as a standard razor, so they’re less likely to cut or irritate your skin. If you don’t mind a shave that’s not ultra-smooth, this is a good option. ^{[2]
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Research source} Look for a razor that’s designed specifically for sensitive skin.
- Some popular electric razors for sensitive skin include the Braun Series 9 9290cc, the Philips Norelco 7500, and the Panasonic Arc5.
2
Choose a refillable razor for sensitive skin for a closer shave. Cheap disposable razors are likely to leave you with cuts and irritated skin, so steer clear of them. ^{[3]
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Research source} If your skin is fairly calm at the moment, though, you may be able to get a close and comfortable shave with a high-quality refillable razor. Look for one that’s labeled for sensitive skin, like the Gillette Venus Proskin Sensitive or the Schick Hydro Silk Sensitive Skin Razor. ^{[4]
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- There’s still a lot of debate over whether single-blade or multi-blade razors are better for your skin. ^{[5]
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  Research source} Multi-blade razors may be less likely to cut you, but some people find that they are more likely to result in razor burn. Experiment with different razors until you find the one that is most comfortable for you.
- The right razor for you might also depend on which part of your body you’re shaving—for example, a razor that’s really great for shaving your legs might not do that well at following the contours of your face.
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3
Pick a mild, moisturizing shaving gel or oil. Shaving your skin while it’s well moisturized and lubricated is a must when you’re dealing with psoriasis. To avoid drying and irritating your skin, pick a product that’s free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, or dyes. ^{[6]
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Research source} You might find that shaving oils or gels work better than foams or creams. ^{[7]
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- If you can’t find a gel or oil that you like, hair conditioner makes a very inexpensive and effective shaving lubricant! ^{[8]
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- A paraffin-based aqueous cream will also work.
4
Select a gentle moisturizer for after you shave. Locking in moisture after you’re done shaving is also important! Find a moisturizer that’s designed for dry and sensitive skin. Make sure it’s free of perfumes, alcohols, and anything else that might irritate your skin. ^{[9]
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- Stay away from aftershave, since it often contains harsh or drying ingredients. ^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Safe Shaving Techniques

1
Clean your razor well before shaving to remove grime and debris. You’ll get a better shave with a clean razor, and it will also be less likely irritate your skin or cause nicks and cuts. If you’re using a razor that you’ve used before, carefully rinse it with water and wipe the blades with a razor brush to get rid of old hair, skin flakes, and shaving gel before you shave. ^{[11]
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- Many electric razors come with automatic cleaning stations, but you can also clean them by hand. Check your user manual to find out how to safely clean your razor.
2
Wet your skin with warm water and apply a shaving gel for lubrication. Before you shave, cleanse your skin with warm water to get rid of oil, dirt, and grime. Warm water can also help soften your hair, which will make shaving easier. Apply a gentle shaving gel or oil, which will make it easier for the razor to glide gently over your skin. ^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- You might also find it helpful to put on a thin layer of moisturizer just before shaving, before you apply your shaving cream or gel. This will help lock in extra moisture as you shave. ^{[13]
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3
Shave with the grain of your hair to prevent irritation. Shaving with the grain, or in the same direction that your hair grows, can help prevent razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hair. ^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} To prevent irritating your skin and possibly causing your psoriasis to flare up, avoid shaving against the grain—even if it gives you a closer shave.
- Using a sharp blade will help you get a smoother shave even while going with the grain. Although it may seem a little counter-intuitive, sharp blades are also less likely to cut or irritate your skin than dull ones. ^{[15]
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- It may help to avoid shaving directly over any areas affected by psoriasis. ^{[16]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kaveri Karhade, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  
  Expert Interview}
4
Go slowly and use gentle pressure. Patience is key to shaving without cutting or irritating your skin. Take it slow and be careful not to press down hard with the razor to avoid nicks or razor burn. ^{[17]
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- Don’t wait to shave until you’re rushing to get out the door! Choose a moment when you’ll be able to take your time.
- Avoid going over the same area more than once, since this could cause more irritation.
5
Moisturize when you’re done to keep your skin from drying out. Moisturizing after you shave can help lock in hydration so your skin doesn’t get dry and inflamed. When you’re done shaving, rinse your skin to remove gel and bits of shaved hair. Apply a mild moisturizer over your freshly shaved skin while it’s still slightly damp. ^{[18]
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- Before putting on the moisturizer, pat your skin gently with a towel to remove excess moisture, but not enough to dry it off completely. ^{[19]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} Don’t rub your skin when you’re drying off, since this could irritate it.
6
Skip days between shaving if possible. If it doesn’t make you too uncomfortable, try to wait 2-3 days between shaves. This will give your skin time to rest and heal a little. Longer stubble is also a little bit easier to shave than really short stubble. ^{[20]
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- If you’re in the middle of a flareup, it’s best to avoid shading altogether until your skin has time to calm down. ^{[21]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Alternatives to Shaving

1
Use caution when trying hair removal creams. If you find shaving too irritating, hair removal creams are another option. However, be careful using these, since some of them could irritate your skin and make your psoriasis worse. Avoid creams that are formulated with alcohol or strong perfumes. ^{[22]
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- Look for hair removal creams that are made for sensitive skin.
- Test a small amount of the cream first in an inconspicuous area, like the inside of your elbow or the back of your knee, to see if it causes any irritation or other side effects.
2
Avoid waxing while your psoriasis is flaring up. Many people with psoriasis find that it’s best to avoid waxing altogether, since it can be harsh on the skin. ^{[23]
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Research source} If you choose to wax, wait for a time when your skin is relatively calm and not in the middle of an active psoriasis flareup. ^{[24]
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- You can also experiment with gentler alternatives, like hair sugaring or threading.
3
Discuss laser hair removal with your doctor if other options don’t work. If shaving or other hair removal techniques are too harsh for your skin, then laser treatment might be a good option for you. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about whether this is likely to be safe and effective for your skin and hair type. ^{[25]
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- In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause psoriasis outbreaks. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the possible risk and benefits of this procedure. ^{[26]
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Tips

In some cases, shaving or at least trimming your hair may actually help with psoriasis. For example, if you grow a long beard, it can trap dirt and oils against your skin, leading to flareups. ^{[27]
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Keep in mind that what works best for one person might not necessarily work for you, so be prepared to try different hair removal options until you find one that works! ^{[28]
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See a board-certified dermatologist for treatment, as there are many treatment options for psoriasis. ^{[29]
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Kaveri Karhade, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

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Warnings

When you have psoriasis, cuts, nicks, or other skin irritation can trigger a flareup. This is called the Koebner phenomenon. Be very careful with your skin while shaving so that you don’t cut yourself. ^{[30]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Kaveri Karhade, MD
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Shaving Tips for Psoriasis: Avoid Nicks, Bumps and Irritation

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