Shaving 101 – How to Stop Bleeding From A Shaving Cut 7 Ways

Cutting yourself every now and then when you shave is inevitable. Sometimes it’s caused by a small bump in your skin or ingrown hair, and other times, it’s just a sign that you are shaving too fast.

Once the skin is cut, bleeding begins along with primary hemostasis, which is a set of cellular and biochemical reactions that your body conducts to try to stop the bleeding.

Unfortunately, this bleeding can last for a long time, which is a problem when you have an important meeting in 30 minutes. Below are some tips to accelerate the hemostasis process and stop the bleeding.

7 Tips to Stop a Razor Nick from Bleeding

1. Apply Pressure

Applying pressure on the injured area is one of the best methods to stop bleeding.

Using a clean tissue, maintain pressure on the cut to allow for primary hemostasis to do its job more efficiently. Depending on the cut size, hold for at least 30 seconds.

2. Apply Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a fancy word that means treating with cold. As your grandmother told you once, if you get injured or cut, use ice cubes to reduce the pain and swelling.

Exposing the cut to cold will significantly reduce all reactions, including blood circulation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

As a result, prostaglandins and cytokine will not vasodilate the blood vessels, which will stop the bleeding.

Press an ice cube against your skin for 15-30 seconds, then remove it. Repeat this process multiple times until the bleeding stops.

3. Use An Alum Block

Alum blocks are usually made of potassium alum, which is a chemical compound that helps close wounds quickly by constricting blood vessels and closing pores.

The block is easy to use. Run it under cold water and rub it directly over the affected area until the bleeding stops. Note that a dry block won’t work.

You can also use the alum block when you don’t have a razor nick, as it is also a great antiseptic and can prevent infections after normal shaving. Just apply it over a wet face and neck after shaving and prior to the application of after shave.

4. Use A Styptic Pencil

Styptic pencils are similar to alum blocks in that they are also made from the chemical compound, alum, though often in a stronger form, aluminum sulfate.

They are shaped in the form of a pencil (there are also liquid and powder versions) and serve only one purpose – to stop bleeding from razor nicks. It is a go to product for when the alum block fails to clot the bleeding.

To use a styptic pencil, run the tip of the pencil under cold water and work it over the affected area until the bleeding stops. It may sting a little, but this is because of its antiseptic qualities. There will be a white residue and try to leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing, to ensure the bleeding is fully clotted.

5. Use Deodorant

Most deodorants and antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which is a potent vasoconstrictor.

In other words, it will reduce the diameter of blood vessels, helping stop the bleeding. Additionally, aluminum chloride will shut down sweat glands to make your skin less oily and decrease the chances of bacterial infections.

6. Use A Lip Balm

Lip balms are fantastic in closing wounds, which works great for reducing bleeding from a shaving cut.

However, make sure to avoid used lip balm or at least scrape off the parts of the chapstick that were in touch with your lips. This way, you’ll reduce the chances of contaminating the wound.

7. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be applied to the cut as it contains alcohol, which would cause the surrounding tissues to contract and halt blood circulation.

It also contains antibacterial compounds that reduce the risk of infecting the injured area.

About the author:

Kevin Peters is an Editor at Groom Journal, a blog that aims to inspire men around the world to be the most confident version of themselves through the power of impeccable grooming. Groom Journal publishes practical tips and advice on men’s skincare, haircare, shaving and fragrance.