# 10 SHAVING MISTAKES TO FIX _Published: 2026-11-08_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Shaving Basics · Mistakes to Avoid 10 SHAVING MISTAKES TO FIX Small habits cause most razor burn, nicks and bumps. Fix these ten and your shave improves fast. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  6 min read  ·  Updated 7 December 2026 10 mistakes each with a simple fix 1 blade change it about weekly 1 pass with the grain 0 alcohol after you shave **Short answer:** the most common shaving mistakes are using a dull blade, shaving dry skin, pressing too hard, going against the grain, doing too many passes and using alcohol aftershave. Fix them with a fresh blade, warm water, plenty of lather, light pressure and an alcohol-free balm. Most irritation comes from habits, not skin. Here are the ten most common, with the fix for each. ## The ten mistakes 1 **Using a dull blade** It tugs and irritates. [Change it about weekly](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-to-change-your-blade/). Action: Fresh cartridge. 2 **Skipping the warm water** Dry hair is stiff and hard to cut. Action: Soften first. 3 **Too little lather** Thin cream gives no slip. Action: Apply a thick, even layer. 4 **Pressing too hard** Pressure causes cuts and burn. Action: Let the blade glide. 5 **Shaving against the grain first** It raises the risk of bumps. Action: Go with the grain. 6 **Too many passes** Repeated passes over the same spot irritate skin. Action: One careful pass. 7 **Not rinsing the blade** A clogged blade drags. Action: Rinse every stroke or two. 8 **Alcohol aftershave** It stings and dries skin. Action: Use an alcohol-free balm. 9 **Storing the razor wet** Damp storage is hard on blades. See [how to clean and store your razor](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-clean-and-store-your-razor/). Action: Dry and upright. 10 **Shaving over irritated skin** It makes redness worse. Action: Rest the area for a day or two. **Quick Fix Checklist** - Fresh blade - Warm water and lather - Light pressure, with the grain - One pass - Alcohol-free balm For the full method, read [how to shave properly](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-properly/) and [why does my razor pull or tug](https://smartshave.co.uk/why-does-my-razor-pull-or-tug/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Start Fresh for £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=10-common-shaving-mistakes&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=10-common-shaving-mistakes&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “The quality is fantastic and more importantly a comfortable shave with no irritation” Paul · Trustpilot · August 2021 ★★★★★ “Such a smooth shave, will definitely be getting more” Michelle · Trustpilot · September 2019 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions What are the most common shaving mistakes? Using a dull blade, shaving dry, pressing hard, going against the grain, too many passes and using alcohol aftershave. How can I stop getting razor burn? Use a fresh blade, warm water, plenty of lather, light pressure and an alcohol-free balm. Should I shave with or against the grain? With the grain is gentler. Against the grain gives a closer cut but raises the risk of bumps. How many passes should I do? One careful pass is enough for most people. How often should I change my razor? About once a week. → The Verdict Small fixes. Big difference. Change the blade, soften the hair and go light. Most shaving problems disappear. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=10-common-shaving-mistakes&utm_content=sidebar) Mistake Checker - Dull blade - Dry skin - Too much pressure - Too many passes - Alcohol aftershave SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - How to Shave Properly - The Razor Burn Fix - Why Does My Razor Pull? ### Fix the habits. Keep the skin. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=10-common-shaving-mistakes&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=10-common-shaving-mistakes&utm_content=footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)