Hair and Grooming #2 - Bloody Shaving

Shaving is one of the daily chores I hate doing most, because I always feel like Sisyphus, having to do something I know I'll have to do again the next day. Regardless of this, men have been doing it since the invention of the first blade and it has been a constant annoyance ever since.

Being more of a traditionalist and perfectionist I shave using a multi-blade razor, which though offers a better and closer shave than an electric razor has the disadvantage of occasionally offering you the gift of a razor cut.

There are a few ways that I know of that are efficient for minimizing blood loss and stopping the bleed. In order of increasing efficiency they are:

1) Washing your face with cold water after a shave, constricts the blood vessels closest to the surface of the skin, potentially stopping superficial cuts

2) Working by the same principle as number 1, pressing an ice cube to the cut will promote vasoconstriction even more, while the pressure will help by stopping the blood flow and promoting coagulation.

3) The fastest way for blood to clot is for it to be exposed to oxygen and for it to not be moving. Placing a little piece of toilet paper or tissue over the cut helps the bleed stop faster by acting as a barrier and by increasing surface exposure to air and prevents you from smearing blood all over your face. It does however give you a klutzy look so make sure not to leave the house without removing the paper bits.

4) The fastest way of stopping a bleed caused by a razor blade is by means of using a Styptic Pencil. Styptic pencils contain Aluminium (Aluminum for you Americans) Sulphate, a vasoconstrictor which scauses the blood vessels that fuel the cut with blood to contract and hopefully close up, avoiding the formation of a scab/scar.

Application is fairly easyy: wipe away blood then dip the pencil into a little water and press onto the cut 

You should be able to purchase a styptic pencil for no more than $2 at any pharmacy or drugstore or you can order it online from here.

Hint

- One way of preventing a scab from forming is dabbing a little petroleum jelly, or even better if you have it, antibiotic ointment, over the cut after it has stopped bleeding

- If you can withstand the almighty alcohol sting, pressing a cotton disc doused in medicinal alcohol on the cut will helps disinfect the area, preventing any further infections while the pressure helps stop the bleed