Written by: Zobiana Dillsworth
Shaving is a step to adulthood that many engage in. While shaving is seen as a societal norm, it is a choice to shave. Those that want to shave, however, need to do so the right way. For anyone who was never taught how to shave correctly, read on to protect your skin (1).
When you first start shaving, it may take some trial and error to determine what razors and shaving creams work best for you. Don’t be discouraged or simply settle on the first one you find. There are many types of razors, and the main division of razors is by gender. Women’s razors have blades “fitted at a lesser angle,” meaning they are less extreme than men’s. Women's razors are also usually wider and have more flexible handles than men’s. Men’s razors are usually sharper with a square shape. To decide, determine what body parts you are shaving: men’s razors are better for facial shaving while women’s are more fitted to shaving the legs. Once you’ve decided on the gender of your razor, it is time to look at your skin type. People with normal skin should be fine using 2-to-4 blade razors, but they may experience razor burn without extreme care. People with sensitive skin, on the other hand, need to be more picky in their razor choices. To avoid skin irritation, those with sensitive skin should not use razors with more than 3 blades; too many blades in your razor can lead to hair pulling and friction. There are razors, however, that have more than 3 blades while also being safe for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin razors are usually advertised as such, and they include lubrication on each blade as well as specialized shapes (2). Shaving creams and gels also vary in shaving importance. Some shaving creams are more adept at shaving sensitive skin, so they do not have any types of irritants. Some shaving creams include glycerin, which adds moisture to dry skin. Outside of skin necessities, shaving creams can include fun ingredients, such as scents or cleansers (3). Conditioner is an alternative to shaving cream that can leave the skin soft. Your regular hair conditioner coats the hair you’re shaving quickly, making it a good choice in comparison to other shaving gels (4). Knowing your skin is the first step to choosing the right razor and shaving cream. You might not get it correct right away, but try other types or even brands until you find what works for your skin!
The first step to shaving is to make sure the to-be-shaved skin is wet. Shaving in the shower is a good way to ensure your skin is clean and moist (1). After wetting the area, apply a generous amount of shaving cream (1). Instead of shaving cream, you can also use shaving gels, hair conditioner, or body oil! Let the cream sit for a few minutes in order to soften all of the hair (5). Move your razor in the direction that the hair grows to avoid razor burn. After each movement, rinse the razor to remove any hair and dirt. A clean razor will make for a better shave (1). Rinse off with cold water and apply moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and fresh (5). The best moisturizers include sunscreen to protect your freshly shaven skin from harmful sunrays!
After your shower, let your razor dry and then move it to a dry area. Keeping razors wet could lead to bacteria growth. After 5-7 shaves, replace your blade! Using old razors can cause razor burn even if you do everything else right (1). If you were unsure of how to shave, or you wanted to correct your current steps, we hope you found what you were looking for here.
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References:
1. American Academy of Dermatology. “Hair removal: How to shave.” American Academy of Dermatology, N.d.,
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave.
2. Guide, Step. “How to choose a razor: the ultimate guide – Shaving Planet.” Shaving Planet, N.d., https://shavingplanet.com/how-to-choose-a-razor-the-ultimate-guide/.
3. Gillette Venus. “How to Choose the Best Shaving Cream & Gel for Women | Venus US.” Gillette Venus, N.d.,
https://www.gillettevenus.com/en-us/womens-shaving-guide/how-to-shave/which-women s-shaving-cream-gel-should-i-use/.
4. Finney, Ali. “Can Conditioner Be Used As Shaving Cream?” Women's Health, 13 September 2017,
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19932096/conditioner-as-shaving-cream/.
5. American Academy of Dermatology. “Tips for men: how to shave.” American Academy of Dermatology, 13 February 2018, https://www.aad.org/news/tips-for-men-how-to-shave.
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