Shaving is the removal of hair, by using a razor or any other kind of bladed implement, to slice it down to the level of the skin or otherwise. It is most commonly practiced by men to remove their facial hair
How to Shave Properly
The first thing you need to know about shaving is how to shave. There are steps on how to prepare and take note before, during and after shaving.
Before Shaving
You should wash your face to remove any dirt or impurities on your face as it might cause skin irritation and infection. Genarally it is better to shave after a bath.
Use cold water as it helps with a better and cleaner shave. Cold water make your hair stiffen while hot water cause the hair to soften. Soften hair can bend as the blade glides along causing the hair to not be cut. With stiff hair, the hair would stand upright which make it easier to cut. Using hot water can also cause the metal in the razor more blunt easily. Therefore washing with cold water can result to a more cleaner shave.
Apply Shaving Gel or Shaving Cream as it lubricate the skin for a thin layer of protection from the blade and the skin. It reduces the risk of razor burn and irritation. It also helps keep track where you have already shaved by removing the shaving cream as the blade glides along the skin.
During Shaving
Use a sharp razor as it helps reduces razor burns and more uncut hair. Although dull blades can’t cut, they can pull and drag your hair and feel rough on the skin which may leave a few bumps on your skin
There are two directions you can shave your hair. The first is to shave in the direction of the growth of your hair. This method can reduce the amount of razor bumps, burns and skin irritation. The other method is to go against the direction of the growth of your hair. It can pull and cut the hair giving it a more cleaner cut. However it has a higher chance of getting burns and irritation.
Rinse after each swipe of the razor to minimize irration and store your razor in a dry place to not allow bacteria to grow on it. It also slows down rusting of the blades.
After Shaving
You can apply a moisturizer after you shave. Examples: lotion, oil, Aloe vera and other moisturizing cream preferable non- alcohol one as it dedhydrates your skin.
The Second thing you need to know is about the side effects of shaving. Shaving can lots of side effects. Many of them can be minimized by knowing technique and practising save sharving methods.
Cuts from shaving can bleed for a long time. It happens when the blade hits an acne or a bump in the skin. Therefore when using a razor blade, exercise caution to prevent any cuts. Using shaving cream to lubricate the skin and washing the blade can prevent cuts and infections.
Razor burn is an irritation of the skin that is caused by a blunt blade or improper use of technique. It appears a few minutes after shaving and disappears after a few hours or days depending on the severity. You can prevent that by practising on using the razor as well as shaving in the direction of the hair growth.
