How to Stop a Shaving Cut From Bleeding: 4 Ways

We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready for work or an event and rushing to get shaved when you get a nick. While shaving cuts don’t often cause problems, open wounds can let viruses and bacteria inside, causing infection. They also can make a mess. 

Applying pressure and balm can stop the bleeding and begin the healing process, but that can take over a half hour to work. If you’re short on time, here are four ways to quickly stop a shaving cut from bleeding.

Method 1: Stop Bleeding With Ice

Placing an ice cube on your cut can help quickly stop the bleeding by constricting the affected blood vessels. 

When the cold of the ice prevents blood from coming from the surface, similar to when a wound gets cauterized. This helps to stop the bleeding within minutes. 

Ice has other advantages as well. It reduces inflammation, minimizing evidence of the cut happening. It stops redness and swelling from remaining around the wound. 

Ice also serves as a pain-reducer by numbing the area. 

Method 2: Use an Alum Block to Stem Bleeding

Potassium Alum is a substance that can quickly stop a shaving cut from bleeding. 

It comes in a block or a styptic pencil applied after soaking in cold water. When you get a cut, apply the alum block to the wound. You’ll likely feel a small amount of stinging as the powder works its astringent and antiseptic properties. 

While potassium alum disinfects the nick, it helps to stop the bleeding quickly. The block works well for small cuts, while the pencil can be used for more extensive bleeding. 

To use them properly, rinse the cut with clean, cold water first before using the soaked alum device on the area for 15 to 20 seconds before rinsing it off. 

Since potassium alum is drying, it’s good to add aftershave or moisturizer to the area afterward. 

Method 3: Apply Coffee to Heal Shaving Nicks

It sounds strange, but coffee works as a great solution to stop a shaving cut from bleeding. The caffeine in ground coffee is a vasoconstrictor. This means that it helps blood vessels constrict so bleeding stops.

Take a pinch of coffee and apply it to your cut with a bit of pressure to stop the bleeding. It will also reduce redness and swelling in the area. 

A similar method works with the caffeine in tea bags. Cool caffeinated tea bags before applying them to the cut and applying pressure for a few minutes. 

Gently rinse the excess off afterward and pat dry. 

Method 4: Use Witch-Hazel to Calm Skin

Witch-hazel is a natural astringent that’s an excellent option for stopping bleeding in its tracks. 

Apply a witch-hazel toner to stop bleeding and soothe the skin. Like the other methods, the herbal toner also acts as a vasoconstrictor that prevents swelling and redness. 

It’s non-alcoholic, which is a plus for people with sensitive skin. One of the best parts is that you can use the toner on your entire face, not just the wounded area. 

Stop Bleeding From Shaving Nicks Fast

Shaving cuts can be a pain, especially when you’re in a rush. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend time wondering how to stop a shaving cut from bleeding. 

Using one of these methods, you can stop the bleeding from shaving cuts while soothing the area, so you’re good to go about your day.