# HOW TO STOP SHAVING NICKS AND CUTS _Published: 2026-11-13_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Technique · Nicks & Cuts STOP SHAVING NICKS & CUTS Most nicks have the same few causes. Here’s how to avoid them, and what to do when one happens. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Shaving Technique Light touch wins pressing is behind most nicks 4 common causes pressure, dull blades, rushing, tricky spots 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge Nobody enjoys a nick. It stings, it bleeds more than it should and it leaves a mark on your face for the rest of the day. The good news is that most nicks come down to the same few habits, and all of them are fixable. ## Why Nicks Happen Pressure Pressing Too Hard Pushing the razor into your skin forces the blade where it shouldn’t go. A light touch is safer and shaves just as well. Blade A Dull Blade Drags A worn cartridge tugs at hair and skin, which makes you press harder. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor-blade/). Speed Rushing Quick, long strokes in a hurry are a recipe for nicks. Slower, shorter strokes keep you in control. Spots Tricky Areas The chin, jawline, Adam’s apple and upper lip all curve and change direction, so the razor can catch. ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Hold the Razor Lightly** Let the weight of the razor do the work. If you feel yourself pushing, ease off and make another pass instead. Action: Light touch, extra pass if needed. 2 **Start With a Sharp Cartridge** A fresh blade glides over skin with very little effort. Swap it when it starts to tug. Action: Replace dull cartridges. 3 **Slow Down on Curves** On the chin, jaw and neck, stretch the skin gently and use short strokes. See [shave your neck in comfort](https://smartshave.co.uk/shave-your-neck-in-comfort/). Action: Stretch the skin, short strokes. ## If You Do Nick Yourself Step 1 **Rinse** Rinse the area with cool water to clean it and wash away any lather. Step 2 **Press** Hold a clean tissue or cloth firmly on the nick until the bleeding stops. Step 3 **Leave it alone** Don’t pick at it. Skip anything stinging or strongly scented on that spot. Step 4 **Know when to get help** If bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of firm pressure, or the cut looks deep, get medical advice. ## Nick Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Pressing down for a closer shave - Using a dull cartridge - Rushing with long, fast strokes - Shaving in poor light - Picking at a nick afterwards #### ✓ The Better Way - A light touch and an extra pass - A fresh, sharp cartridge - Short, slow strokes - Good light and a clear mirror - Rinsing and leaving it to heal A pivoting head follows curves, which can help around the chin and jaw. See [pivoting razor heads explained](https://smartshave.co.uk/pivoting-razor-heads-explained/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit A Smoother, Safer Shave: £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=stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts&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 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions Why do I keep nicking myself? Usually pressing too hard, shaving with a dull blade or rushing. Fix those three and most nicks disappear. Does a bigger razor head help? Technique matters more than head size. A pivoting head follows your face, but a light touch and a sharp blade make the biggest difference. Should I put aftershave on a nick? Anything containing alcohol or strong fragrance will sting. Rinse with cool water and leave the nick alone until it settles. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. → The Verdict Light touch, sharp blade. Nicks come from pressure, dull blades and rushing. Slow down, use a fresh cartridge and let the razor glide, and they become rare. #### 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=stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts&utm_content=sidebar) Nick-Proof Checklist - Light touch, no pressure - Sharp, fresh cartridge - Short, slow strokes - Good light and clear mirror - Rinse and leave nicks alone 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 - Shave Your Neck in Comfort - Razor Burn Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Smooth, not sore. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit with a premium handle, 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=stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts&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)