Aftershave for girls: what to use after shaving

What should you put on after shaving?

Finish shaving with a moisturizer to rehydrate the skin. A soothing aftershave formulated to reduce irritation and razor bumps is another option. Aftershave is a description of when you use a product, not a requirement to buy another bottle. The practical choice is between a suitable moisturizer and a suitable aftershave, rather than between products marketed to men or women.23

For dry or sensitive skin, choose gentle shaving products and a shaving cream labelled for sensitive skin. Shaving cream is for use before the razor; moisturizer or aftershave goes on afterwards. Shaving cream softens hair and adds a protective layer while the blade passes over the skin, so an aftershave cannot replace that step.34

How to shave and apply aftershave

1. 1Wash the area with a moisturizing cleanser and warm water. Shave after a shower, when your skin and hair are soft and moist.
2. 2Apply shaving cream or gel. Leave it on for two to three minutes to soften the hair further before using the razor.
3. 3Use a sharp blade and shave in the direction the hair grows. Aim for one pass rather than repeatedly shaving the same patch.
4. 4Rinse the blade after every stroke to clear away hair and shaving cream.
5. 5Rinse off the remaining shaving cream with warm water, then hold a cool, damp washcloth against the shaved skin to reduce irritation.
6. 6Finish with your moisturizer or soothing aftershave.

Apply your chosen product when you finish shaving. The useful timing is after the razor and rinse, whether that shave happens in the morning or evening. If shaving has already caused irritation, pause hair removal until the skin has settled rather than trying to continue the routine through it.3

Your razor matters as much as the bottle

Replace disposable razors or change blades after five to seven shaves, and replace a blade sooner if it becomes blunt or damaged. Let the razor dry completely between uses to prevent bacteria growing on it. The razor belongs somewhere dry between shaves, which rules out its usual retirement home on the shower ledge.34

If you shave your face and have acne, shave lightly and never try to shave off spots. Shaving can irritate acne and make it worse. An electric razor or a disposable blade razor can be tried to find which works better for you; whichever you choose, avoid pressing for a closer result.4

What if your skin burns after shaving?

Stop shaving and waxing until the irritation clears. A cool washcloth can ease discomfort, and aloe vera gel can provide cooling relief while the skin heals. Aloe vera does not cure razor burn. Avoid apple cider vinegar and witch hazel on irritated skin because they can sting.1

For itchy legs, a bath containing colloidal oatmeal can help soothe the skin and restore moisture. Pat dry afterwards rather than rubbing, then apply a fragrance free moisturizer. Razor burn can clear within a few hours or take a few days; arrange medical help if it persists or gets worse.1

Will aftershave prevent ingrown hairs?

A soothing aftershave can be part of a routine to reduce razor bumps, but shaving technique also matters. Ingrown hairs happen when hair grows back into the skin. They form raised, often itchy bumps, sometimes with a visible trapped hair. Coarse or curly hair makes ingrown hairs more likely, and they can occur on the legs, armpits, face and pubic area.25

Use as few razor strokes as possible and avoid shaving too close. Leaving at least 1 mm of stubble can help reduce ingrown hairs. Do not scratch, pick or squeeze bumps, because this can damage the skin and lead to infection. An electric razor is an alternative to wet shaving if ingrown hairs keep returning.5

There is no single shaving schedule for every bump problem. For razor bump prevention, shaving daily or every two to three days can give hair less time to curve back into skin. For ingrown hairs, avoiding daily shaving is another approach. If shaving is actively irritating your skin, stop; if bumps persist despite changing your habits, see a dermatologist rather than repeatedly changing the frequency.25

A pharmacist can help you choose products for itching, shaving irritation or ingrown hair prevention, including exfoliating products. Ask for help choosing a product for the actual problem rather than assuming every bump needs the same aftershave.5

What if lotion seems to make the bumps worse?

Folliculitis means inflammation of a hair follicle, often appearing as a tender spot with a small pus filled surface. It can result from irritation, blockage or infection, so not every shaving bump is an ingrown hair. Some moisturizers and paraffin based ointments can cause follicle blockage. If moisturizer is needed when blockage is a concern, choose an oil free product. Repeatedly itchy shaving rashes on women's lower legs can also come from regrowing hairs and need a break from hair removal.6

Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?

No. Shaving leaves a blunt hair tip that can feel stiffer and look thicker as it grows out, but shaving does not make the hair thicker. Shaving cuts hair at skin level rather than removing it for good, so the smooth result comes with a fairly short lease. Hair can reappear within hours or a few days.3

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if a bump or the surrounding skin is very painful, hot or swollen, or if you have a fever, chills or feel very unwell. Painful pus filled lesions also need assessment. Do not start acne medicines for shaving bumps without medical advice.15