For men, shaving is a serious affair and matters of the blade should not be taken lightly. Here are five common hair-raising problems and the solutions to deal with them.

Getting a good shave is a hassle for most men, and for some, it can even turn into a huge problem. However, with proper techniques ands understanding, shaving need not be such a dreadful chore and that fresh, smooth look can safely be yours.

Nicks and Cuts

If you’re so lucky, it may just be a minor laceration but deep gashes are no laughing matter. A dull blade is the major cause but incorrect handling of a sharp razor can similarly result in nicks and cuts. Brush up on your technique - don’t press down too hard on the skin when shaving, or get an electric swivel head shaver that will make shaving much safer.

If you do cut yourself though, experts advise to dab the cut with an antibiotic ointment three times a day and to not pick at the scabs. Leave it for three days and it should heal without any scars.

Razor Burns

If you have been a little heavy handed with your shaver, most likely than not you’ll be suffering from razor burns. It occurs when too much skin is abraded while shaving and it leaves your face feeling raw with a burning sensation. Use a suitable shaving foam or lubricant when you shave to avoid the blade from taking off too much skin during shaving.

If it does happen, don’t worry. Razor burns commonly appear as a mild rash and will usually clear up in a couple of days.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs occur when hair fails to grow up and out of the skin but instead, curl back into the skin. Hairs that are cut too short - due to one pressing down to hard on the skin with the razor - or blocked hair follicles, both can cause ingrown hairs.

An ingrown hair will fall out after a couple of weeks by itself but if you still feel the need to do something about it, then use a clean needle to release the hair that is growing back into the skin. According to expert advice, squeezing them out is never an option and will only damage your skin.

Shaving Bumps

Medically known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, it is a condition where your skin becomes inflamed due to ingrown hairs. The area will become red and an unsightly bump will appear. Men with curly hair who suffer frequently from ingrown hairs will see this more often as their hair curls more readily back into the skin as it grows.

Shaving bumps should be treated with a mild steroid cream to alleviate the inflammation. It is also advisable to stop shaving until the bumps disappear. Antibiotics or antifungals are needed to treat the infection and when treated correctly, it will dry up within four to five days.

Barber’s Rash

Barber’s rash or folliculitis is caused by bacteria or fungi infecting the hair follicle and can lead to redness, itching and pus-filled blisters. Scraping the skin excessively in an attempt to get a closer shave will allow the hair follicles to be infected more readily. It can even spread over a large area with subsequent shavings and thus it is advisable to stop shaving until the condition clears up.

Barber’s rash is a serious condition and a visit to a dermatologist is advised. If allowed to worsen, swelling of the facial area will occur and the pus can seep out of the sores and form crusts across the face.

Pictures: stockexchange

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