Top 5 Shaving Mistakes Men Make (and How You Can Avoid Them)

The 5 Biggest Shaving Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

1 | Pressing Too Hard with the Razor

❌ The Mistake: Thinking that pressing harder = a closer shave.

It’s a common misconception. The truth? Pressing too hard scrapes off skin layers, leading to razor burn, sensitivity, and cuts. You might also notice red patches or that “hot” burning feeling after shaving - both signs that your razor is irritating your skin.

💡 The Fix:
👉 Let the weight of the razor do the work - don’t force it.
👉 Use a sharp, high-quality razor that cuts effortlessly. A dull razor tugs at the hair instead of slicing cleanly.
👉 Always prep with a good shaving cream to reduce friction and cushion your skin.

🔹 Otis Skincare PROTECTIVE SHAVE CREAM creates a smooth, protective layer between your skin and the blade, allowing for a gentle glide without irritation.

2 | Using the Wrong Razor

❌ The Mistake: Assuming more blades = a better shave.

Multi-blade razors are marketed as the ultimate shaving tool, but if you have sensitive skin or struggle with razor bumps, they might be making things worse. Each additional blade pulls the hair before cutting it - which can lead to hairs snapping back under the skin, causing ingrown hairs.

💡 The Fix:
👉 Switch to a single-blade safety razor if you get frequent razor bumps - it cuts hair cleanly without pulling or irritating the skin.
👉 Always rinse your blade after every stroke to prevent clogging and bacteria buildup.

3 | Skipping Shaving Cream (or Using the Wrong One)

❌ The Mistake: Dry shaving or using cheap, foam shaving creams.

Shaving cream isn’t just about making your razor glide better - it hydrates and protects your skin.

If you’re dry shaving or using a low-quality foam, you’re stripping your skin of moisture and increasing the chance of cuts, redness, and tightness.

💡 The Fix:
👉 Use a hydrating, protective shaving cream to soften the beard and create a smooth surface for your razor.
👉 Let the cream sit for at least 30 seconds before shaving - this allows the hair to soften, reducing resistance.

🔹 Our PROTECTIVE SHAVE CREAM is packed with nourishing ingredients – like Shea Butter and Apricot Stone Oil - that reduce razor drag, prevent irritation, and keep your skin feeling fresh.

4 | Shaving Against the Grain

❌ The Mistake: Going against hair growth for a closer shave.

While it might seem like shaving against the grain gets a smoother finish, it actually increases friction and makes hair more likely to curl back into the skin. This leads to razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and inflammation.

💡 The Fix:
👉 Find your grain pattern - rub your hand over your stubble to see which direction feels smooth (with the grain) vs. rough (against the grain).
👉 Always shave in the direction of hair growth.
👉 If you want a closer shave, do a second pass across the grain, not against it.

🔹 Pro tip: Exfoliate regularly to help hairs grow out properly and prevent ingrown hairs.

5 | Ignoring Post-Shave Care

❌ The Mistake: Rinsing and walking away.

Shaving removes a layer of skin cells, making your face temporarily more sensitive. If you don’t hydrate and protect your skin post-shave, you risk redness, dryness, and irritation.

💡 The Fix:
👉 Rinse with cold water to close your pores and reduce irritation.
👉 Use an alcohol-free, hydrating moisturizer to soothe and protect your skin.
👉 If you’re prone to razor bumps, a gently exfoliating face wash (like our DAILY FACE WASH with lactic acid) will keep your pores clear.

🔹 Otis Skincare HYDRATING DAILY MOISTURIZER with Aloe Vera instantly calms irritation, hydrates deeply, and strengthens your skin barrier.