How to Treat Razor Nicks and Cuts: More Than Just Tissue Paper

by Garrick Dee | Last Updated: June 15th, 2020

Men who have been shaving for some time know that nicks and cuts are an eventuality.

No matter how careful or how much experience you have, it is bound to happen.

The go-to first aid of most men would be applying pressure using a small piece of tissue paper.

Make no mistake that this method is, but it does take a bit of time for the bleeding to stop.

Another side effect of using this method would be the unsightly bits of tissue hanging on your face as you go out. It is a big no-no if you have an important meeting or date to attend.

So if you’re looking for a better solution, then scroll down below as I share better alternatives to stop minor nicks and cuts from disposable, cartridge, or safety razors.

These are first aid must-haves in your closet for small nicks and cuts.

There are various products available right now that are much more efficient than a piece of tissue paper at treating minor wounds.

The first group of products I’ll show you are tailor-made for men’s shaving — all of these mineral astringents that constrict skin and coagulate and dry cuts to stop bleeding faster.

You may want to consider purchasing any of these as first aid.

Don’t worry, these products aren’t expensive and will last a long time.

1. Styptic Pencil

It is one of the oldest products that exist right now for treating minor cuts. Ask your grandpa; he must have one of these inside his bathroom.

A styptic pencil is a lipstick-like product made from powdered crystals of an alum block.

Alum block for those who are not familiar contains mineral astringents like potassium alum, anhydrous aluminum, or titanium dioxide that not only stop bleeding but also disinfect the wound preventing infections.

It has similar properties as an alum block but with the sole purpose of treating shaving-induced cuts.

Long before the 5-blade cartridges were available, styptic pencils were a necessity because the only shaving tools available were the straight razor and safety razor.

To use a styptic pencil, merely wet the tip with water and press it against the cut for a few seconds.

Expect a stinging sensation, but it will be worth it because the bleeding usually stops.

Styptic pencils may leave a powdery residue behind, so you may want to rinse it off.

One of the best options available right now is the Clubman Pinaud. The travel pack is less than $5, so it won’t cost very much.

2. Alum Block

Alum block is the soap version of a styptic pencil. Both products are the same in terms of composition, but this product serves a slightly different purpose.

While a styptic pencil works best in small isolated areas, you can use an alum block to rub your face. This product will come in handy for men trying out straight razors for the first time.

The most likely scenario for straight shaving beginners is multiple cuts on the face that a styptic pencil may not work best. Some men also use alum blocks post-shave even if there are no cuts.

The astringent properties of alum can also double as a post-shave antiseptic that can help prevent razor burn.

You can use this as a substitute for aftershaves that contain alcohol.

Alum block does not include alcohol, so it won’t dry skin.

3. Special shaving roll-on liquid styptic rollers and gels

It is a relatively new product in the market that takes the “stop-the-bleeding-on-its-tracks” properties of a styptic pencil but with less stinging sensation and powdery residue.

Let me introduce a hybrid shaving roll-on liquid styptic roller.

These products contain the same base ingredient of a styptic pencil – aluminum chloride plus other ingredients like Aloe Vera and vitamin E to help soothe skin.

One excellent option would be the My Nik is Sealed. It costs almost the same as a styptic pencil.

4. Aftershave

Though I’m not a big fan of aftershaves with alcohol, it does help slow down bleeding a little bit.

That’s because alcohol is a form of astringent that also disinfects and prevents razor burn.

It won’t be as effective as the other two products above that contain alum, but it is an option if you don’t have any styptic pencil or alum block. Another downside of alcohol is that it dries up the skin.

A better alternative would be aftershaves that contain witch hazel as it is a more potent astringent, some men like the stinging sensation of aftershave while others don’t. So this is a personal preference that only you can decide.

Home remedies

Just in case you don’t have any styptic pencil or alum block, you can use any of the home remedies below as a first aid to treat shaving nicks and cuts.

1. Ice cubes

Ice cubes are my go-to option if my son’s nose bleeds because of him picking it with long nails. It’s a quick and efficient method of stopping bleeding on its tracks. Ice cubes shrink blood vessels fast, allowing a clot to form quickly.

If you’re using an ice cube, I suggest wrapping it around a thin piece of cloth to protect the skin from direct exposure to ice. Another option would be applying a cold compress.

Those come in handy in situations like this.

2. Use cold water

If you don’t have access to ice, cold water is another good alternative. It should be your first go to first aid remedy when dealing with nicks and cuts.

Cold water like ice helps stop bleeding by constricting skin, so the bleeding slows down and eventually stops. Remember that the colder the water, the faster the results.

3. Deodorant or antiperspirant

Many antiperspirants and deodorants not only stop sweat in its tracks, but it also can stop bleeding and also acts as an astringent thanks to its alum content.

4. Lip balm

Lip balm is another excellent alternative to styptic pencils. The waxy texture of lip balms seals the wound, stops the bleeding, allowing it to clot faster.

5. Mouthwash like Listerine

Yes, you heard that rich, Listerine is another home remedy for treating nicks and cuts.

The same product that freshens and cleans your mouth is capable of managing wounds.

Both these products contain alcohol that works as an antiseptic and disinfectant.

Listerine says in their old advert that it kills 200,000 germs in 15 seconds. But don’t take my word for it, look at this…

The alcohol content in Listerine will have the same effect as in aftershave, which is contract skin tissues and slow down the bleeding.

I must warn you though that it would sting.

6. Eye drops

Applying eye drops can also stop bleeding because it also constricts blood vessels. Eye drops for red eyes work better helps soothe irritation left by cuts.

7. Coconut baby oil

Another good option to treat wounds as it contains herbs that protect it from infection.

8. Petroleum jelly

Using petroleum jelly has the same effect as a lip balm.

The waxy texture helps seal the wound and stop bleeding.

Don’t forget to put too much. Also, wipe off the excess, or it’ll look awkward when you go out.

To wrap up and some tips just in case the worst happens.

It’s always great to have any of these products in handy if you regularly shave. Remember that nicks and cuts are still a part of shaving, so it’ll be prudent for you to be ready.

Now, if you’re unfortunate enough to lacerate yourself using a straight razor, you must do these things.

Apply pressure on the wound

Get a tissue or a clean towel and apply pressure on the injury as soon as possible. Hold it for a few minutes to see if the bleeding stops. If it ends, use some hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic cream as first aid.

Pinch area if bleeding does not stop

If applying pressure isn’t enough, then try pinching the top and bottom part of the wound using your thumb and index fingers.

Make sure to use a clean towel to cover the area and catch excess blood.

Just in case pinching does not work, apply heavy pressure on both the top and bottom parts of the wound.

You may need someone to help you with this and call 911.

This type of laceration may require medical intervention.

Do you have any tips in treating shaving nicks and cuts? Please do share them in the comment section below.