# SHAVING WITH A COLD OR HAY FEVER _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/blog/) Skin Care · Winter Shaving SHAVING WITH A COLD OR HAY FEVER A sore nose and upper lip don’t make shaving easier. Here’s how to keep it comfortable when you’re under the weather. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Skin Care Gentle around nose and lip skin there is often already sore 3 things to get right go easy, time it well, moisturise 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge When you have a cold or hay fever, the skin under your nose and across your upper lip takes a beating from tissues and constant wiping. Then you try to shave over it. You don’t have to skip shaving altogether, but a few adjustments make it much more comfortable. ## Why Shaving Is Harder When You’re Ill Sore Skin The Upper Lip Is Already Raw Constant wiping leaves the skin under your nose red and tender, and a razor can make it worse. Sneezing You Can’t Predict It A sudden sneeze with a razor near your face is an obvious risk. Put the razor down when you feel one coming. Energy Tired Means Careless Feeling rough makes it easy to rush and press. See [how to stop shaving nicks and cuts](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-stop-shaving-nicks-and-cuts/). Skin Sore Skin Needs Gentle Care Skin that’s already irritated needs a lighter touch, not the usual routine. ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Go Easy Around the Nose and Lip** If the skin there is raw, leave it for a day or two, or use only the lightest strokes. Never shave over broken or cracked skin. Action: Skip raw skin until it settles. 2 **Time It Well** Shave when you’re least congested, such as after a warm shower, and put the razor down if you feel a sneeze coming. Action: Razor down at the first hint of a sneeze. 3 **Moisturise Gently** After shaving, use a plain, gentle moisturiser on your face. A little on the sore area under your nose can help keep it comfortable. See [dry, tight skin after shaving](https://smartshave.co.uk/dry-tight-skin-after-shaving/). Action: Plain, gentle moisturiser. ## A Gentle Routine for When You’re Unwell Step 1 **Check your skin** Look at your upper lip and nose area. If the skin is raw or cracked, leave it alone. Step 2 **Warm water** Wash with warm water to soften stubble and ease congestion. Step 3 **Light strokes** Use plenty of lather and the lightest touch, with a fresh cartridge. No pressure. Step 4 **Moisturise and rest** Rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturise. Then get some rest. ## Mistakes vs the Better Way #### ✗ The Common Mistakes - Shaving over raw or cracked skin - Continuing when a sneeze is coming - Rushing because you feel rough - Using a worn blade - Skipping moisturiser #### ✓ The Better Way - Leaving raw skin to heal - Razor down at the first hint of a sneeze - Taking your time - A fresh, sharp cartridge - A gentle moisturiser afterwards If your skin ends up red or sore afterwards, our [razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/) can help. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit A Gentler 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=shaving-with-a-cold-or-hay-fever&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-with-a-cold-or-hay-fever&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 Should I shave when I have a cold? You can, if you feel up to it. Go gently, and leave out any area where the skin is raw or cracked, such as under your nose. Why is my upper lip so sore with a cold? Constant wiping with tissues irritates the skin there. A plain, gentle moisturiser can help keep it comfortable, and it’s best not to shave over it until it settles. Can I shave with hay fever? Yes. Rinse your face with water to remove pollen first, go gently and put the razor down whenever you feel a sneeze coming. 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 Be gentle, and skip raw skin. When you’re ill, the aim is a comfortable shave, not a perfect one. Leave sore areas alone, put the razor down for sneezes and moisturise gently afterwards. #### 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=shaving-with-a-cold-or-hay-fever&utm_content=sidebar) Under-the-Weather Checklist - Skip raw or cracked skin - Razor down for sneezes - Warm water first - Fresh cartridge, light touch - Plain, gentle moisturiser SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - Dry, Tight Skin After Shaving - Razor Burn - How to Stop Shaving Nicks and Cuts Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Easy does it. 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=shaving-with-a-cold-or-hay-fever&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-with-a-cold-or-hay-fever&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)