If you are a regular shaver, you must have experienced many nicks and cuts during the process. What do you do when it starts bleeding from a shaving cut? Maybe put a band-aid from the first aid box or hold the bleed with tissue paper?
While shaving cuts are minor nicks and bleeding stops quickly, there can be instances when it can go on and on. For example, if you’re on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, the bleeding might not stop easily. You should immediately reach out to your doctors if that is the case.
But for minor shaving cuts, here are ten easy ways to stop the bleeding.
Highlights:
Why Do Cuts From Shaving Bleed So Much?
No matter how careful you are while shaving, there are instances when you cut yourself, and then it bleeds excessively. Does that sound like you? Know that you’re not alone. Most people go through it and wonder why razor cuts bleed so much.
This happens because there are many large blood vessels around your face and chin, so even a minor nick bleeds profusely. Also, most people use sharp razor blades for a clean cut. Such clean cuts make it difficult for the blood to clot easily.
How To Stop Bleeding From A Shaving Cut?
1. Aftershave lotion
Most aftershave lotions contain alcohol. It works as an astringent and helps stop the blood flow by constricting the blood vessel. Additionally, the alcohol in aftershave lotion helps clean the wound and prevent the spread of any bacterial infection.
2. Ice cubes
Ice cubes are easily available in your freezer. So grab some ice cubes and hold them on the cut, applying some pressure. This will help to constrict the blood vessels and stop the blood flow quickly.
3. Use coffee or tea
Yes, your regular coffee or tea comes in handy to stop bleeding from shaving cuts. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts the blood vessels and stops bleeding. If you have ground coffee at home, take a pinch of it and hold it on your cut with some pressure. Alternatively, you can try cooled tea bags for the same purpose.
4. Witch-hazel toner
Witch-hazel is a natural astringent. It helps to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding. It also has astringent properties and soothes your skin after a shave. Witch-hazel is also alcohol-free. So if you want to pick an alcohol-free astringent that will not leave your skin dry like other astringents, then go for a witch hazel-based toner.
5. Lip balm
Apply lip balm to your shaving cuts. This will create a barrier that will stop the blood from flowing out and keep away infection-causing bacteria from invading the wounds. You can wipe off the additional balm after some time. But be gentle while rubbing it off, because remember the wound underneath is still raw and will take some time to heal completely.
6. Alum block
Alum for shaving cuts has been used traditionally for a long time. It’s convenient, quick, and super effective for healing the skin right after a shave. Alum block is a small block of potassium alum. To use it, you need to dampen it in water and then press it on your skin. It not only helps to stop bleeding, but it also soothes razor burns.
SkinKraft Tip:
Use crushed hibiscus flowers and 3 tablespoons of ginger juice as a hair tonic. Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes with lukewarm water. It can regrow your hair from dormant follicles.
7. Moisturizer
Even if you have applied an aftershave lotion, you can still use a soothing skin moisturizer to expedite the healing process.
8. Styptic pen or pencil
Aluminum sulfate, a natural ingredient, is the main component of a styptic pen or pencil. It has a blood clotting property and helps stop blood flow from a shaving cut. It is a vasoconstrictor that works by constricting the blood vessel. It is one of the most convenient ways to stop shaving cut bleedings.
9. Deodorant
Did you know that your favorite deodorant not only helps you smell fresh but is also highly effective in controlling bleeding from shaving cuts? Deodorants have aluminum chloride that constricts the blood vessels and stops bleeding. So the next time you experience a shaving cut, try using your deodorant.
10. Use cayenne pepper
It may sound odd, but many people benefit from cayenne pepper. Just sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the cut and see the bleeding stop in a few minutes.
How To Treat Shaving/Razor Cuts?
If you have a shaving cut, splash enough cold water over your skin. Cold water helps to constrict the blood vessels and stop bleeding. If ice cubes are available, rub them over the cut. You can also follow any of the above-listed methods to stop the bleeding.
Next, apply firm pressure with toilet paper over the cut. This will also help you to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, clean the area gently and apply an antiseptic cream to avoid infection.
If applying firm pressure for five minutes doesn't stop the bleeding, pinch the skin area that’s bleeding with your thumb and index finger.
You may also apply pressure over and below the wound firmly with your hand. If all these measures fail and you find yourself still bleeding, seek emergency medical help.
How Long Does It Take For A Shaving Cut To Stop Bleeding?
Usually, it takes 5-10 minutes to stop the bleeding from a minor shaving cut. But if you find you’re bleeding profusely and it is not stopping with regular home remedies, seek medical intervention immediately.
Is It Okay To Shave Against The Grain?
To avoid cuts and have a comfortable shave, it is always advised to shave with the grain. If you want a clean shave, you should shave against the grain but know that it increases the chances of cuts, nicks, and razor burns.
Why Do You Keep Cutting Yourself When You Shave?
Cutting yourself while shaving is not uncommon. There can be several reasons for it.
1. You could probably be shaving in the wrong direction. Follow the grain of the hair for a smoother shave. You can nick yourself if you’re dragging the razor in the opposite direction.
2. If you’re shaving under the shower, there are chances of cutting yourself. That’s because the warm water of the shower lets the razor glide smoothly on your skin.
Did You Know?
If you’re using traditional sharp razors, you might want to switch to a power shaver as it minimizes the risk of shaving cuts. However, it might not give you a clean shave that you’re used to with a traditional razor.
How Long Do Shaving Cuts Take To Heal?
The time taken for a shaving cut to heal will depend on the nature of the cut. A minor shaving nick heals in 5-10 minutes. But a deep cut can take longer to heal. It can be anywhere from 2-5 days to even a month. It also depends on your genetic makeup and how fast your body can heal itself.
Important Note:
If you have a medical condition and your blood doesn't clot easily, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid further complications.
Wrapping Up
Minor shaving cuts are normal. Usually, any of the home remedies discussed above can help stop the bleeding within 5-10 minutes. But if you have a medical condition or if you find yourself bleeding profusely, rush to the emergency room and seek medical help.
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