Ok picture this - you’ve just shaved your legs, arms, or whatever, and suddenly, the itch begins, it starts off just a little and then it becomes more itchy and then ahh eventually, you can’t take it any longer. But why are you so itchy after shaving?
Why does my skin feel itchy after shaving?
Here are a couple of clues as to why you may be feeling the itch.
- Razor Burn
- Dry Skin
- Ingrown Hairs
- Allergic Reaction or Sensitivity
Razor burn
Razor burn is a super common cause of itching post-shave. It happens when the razor blade irritates the skin, adding a little redness, inflammation, and itching. This can be caused by using dull blades, applying too much pressure while shaving, or shaving against the direction of hair growth.
Dry skin
Shaving in general can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to itching. When the skin becomes too dry, it can feel tight and itchy. Using harsh shaving products on top of this and not moisturising the skin properly after shaving can make itching even worse.
Ingrown hairs
Ah the pesky ingrown hairs…they occur when hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of growing out. This can lead to red, inflamed bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable. Ingrown hairs are more likely to happen when the hair is cut too short or if the hair follicles are clogged by bacteria and dirt. A good exfoliator is your best first step here. Read our top tips to prevent ingrown hair here.
Allergic reactions or sensitivity
Some of us may have allergic reactions or sensitivity to specific shaving products such as shaving creams, gels, or aftershaves. This can cause itching, redness, and irritation. It is important to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities you may have and choose shaving products accordingly. Top tip: When looking at the ingredients on a skincare product the first ingredient that appears on the label is of the highest quantity in the formulation.
Hopefully we’ve solved your skincare situation but if you are still struggling to get rid of the itching after shaving, we really recommend a few things; Use a super sharp razor, shave in the direction of hair growth, moisturise the skin after shaving, exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hair, and use gentle and shaving formulation (our skincare range is all vegan). If you simply can’t ditch the itch - we’d say it’s probably best to get your skin checked out by a dermatologist to figure out the best treatment for you.
