Even if this isn't your first week shaving, there's the equivalent of bad hair days (hangover days!) for your stubble's debut with the Mach 3. With shaving cuts, there's two things to look out for - stopping the post-shave blood and healing the cut.
Stop the bleeding
Most barbers keep a block of alum in their wares. It hurts like a bitch, but it also stop bleeding by constricting blood flow. If you don't have that, cold water does the same. Faster is bit of ice.
There are times when you won't have access to conventional shave medicine. Most bathrooms, however, will have one of the following -
Petroleum Jelly
Even the petroleum jelly content of your chopstick will seal the cut area, making a clot form faster.
Deodorant
Your common commercial deodorant (Axe!) contain some derivative of aluminum chloride, which is a "hemostatic agent" i.e. it causes a rapid clot. However, don't spray it on directly to your face/neck. Dab it on your finger/a swab of cotton before applying.
Apply pressure to the cut area - it aids in clotting. The deeper the cut, the longer you should apply a bit of cloth, tissue (or even toilet paper)
Those cursed with frequent shaving carnage should do things -
Buy a styptic pencil - I'm not sure if these are available in India but ask any friend coming from Europe/the USA to pick them up from their local chemists. They're cheap and easy to use - just wet the tip of the pencil and apply it to the cut. However, don't use the pencil for deep cuts - it'll scar. Use running water and your standard First AID kit .
Cotton soaked in water to clear away blood, then antiseptic-soaked cotton (Dettol/Savlon) for pressure on the area. While the average shaving cut stops bleeding in 2 minutes, the deeper the cut, the longer the pressure.
If your cut doesn't stop bleeding in 10 minutes, get it checked out at a local emergency to see if it needs to be left open or bandaged. And forget about aftershave (or even a shave!) until it heals properly.
Clean the wound
Quick! Finish the shave,press on a bit of paper onto the wound and leave the bathroom!
Even I'm guilty of this, but newly shaved skin is vulnerable to all manners of infections that thrive on human skin.
A gentle soap and water, or even your home variety antiseptic for deep cuts (explained above). If the cut isn't bleeding into, or getting in the way of your shave, finish up quickly. The alcohol content in aftershave will take care of most minor nicks and cuts.
Heal the cut
Most over-the counter antibiotic ointments prevent any bacterial infections, and will keep the cut from drying out and scabbing. A healthier alternative is Aloe Vera cream (or gel) - it's antiseptic, promotes healing and is good for your skin.
If your cut is 2 days old, apply a heavy moisturizer to prevent scabbing (which will further scar)
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