For a lot of Indian men, what comes next after shaving isn’t quite so smooth. Razor burns, nicks, redness, and that post-shave sting? We’ve all been there. And while your aftershave might smell great, many store-bought solutions are packed with alcohol, which only makes things worse. Luckily, you have the fix at home. These time-tested remedies are simple, natural, and actually work. Whether you’re a daily shaver or just cleaning up before a big date or meeting, these ingredients can help your skin bounce back—without the burn.

Fresh Aloe Vera 

You’ve probably seen your parents reach for an aloe vera leaf every time someone had a sunburn or rash—and for good reason. Aloe vera is cooling, healing, and super gentle on the skin. Just cut open a fresh leaf, scoop out the gel, and apply it directly after shaving. It calms irritation almost instantly and keeps your skin hydrated. Pro tip: keep a leaf in the fridge for an even more soothing effect.

Coconut Oil 

If you grew up with weekend “champi” sessions, you already know the power of coconut oil. Turns out, it’s not just for your hair. Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it perfect for calming razor burn and healing tiny cuts. Just a drop or two is enough—rub it between your palms and gently massage it onto your face. You can also add a drop of tea tree oil for extra TLC

Turmeric Paste

Before Dettol, there was turmeric. It’s a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Mix a pinch of turmeric with a spoon of curd or rose water, dab it on the irritated area, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Wash it off gently, and say goodbye to redness. (Fair warning: it might leave a faint yellow tint, so maybe skip this one before stepping out.)

Cucumber Juice 

If your skin feels like it’s on fire, cucumber is your cool-headed saviour. Just grate it, squeeze out the juice, and apply with a cotton pad. It instantly cools, hydrates, and reduces puffiness—especially helpful if you’ve gone a little overboard with the razor.

Honey 

Raw honey is a natural humectant (locks in moisture) and has antibacterial benefits. Dab a little onto razor bumps or minor cuts, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off. It’s sticky, yes, but incredibly soothing. You can add a pinch of turmeric to it for an even better soothing remedy.