Every Guy has the dilemma of obvious hair on places they do not want them to be. If you aim for a relatively smooth and hairless face or body, you probably have found out that shaving is one of the easiest tricks to master.
The removal of hair on your face, pits, legs, and other places you deem fit could be such a task, especially if you decide to do it daily. You would need all the materials and preparation to make sure you get that smooth and safe shave every time.
Here we’ve rounded up tips to make sure that you get that smooth shave.
Why Do You Have To Be Sure That You Shave Smoothly And Safely
As convenient as shaving sounds as it is done in the comforts of your room or bathroom, safety is still a priority. Skin irritations, razor burns, and ingrown hair are always a possibility. Those can lead to infection, and we would not want for you to suffer that.
Unhygienic cleaning and storing of your shaving stuff like razor, shaving bowl, shaving brush could mean dust and bacteria are sitting on it. You could avoid all these by making sure you practice proper razor hygiene and clean shaving preparations.
Tips For A Smooth And Safe Shave
Before Shave
1.Make sure your razor is clean
Before using it, inspect your razor for any dirt or rust. A dry, rust-free, and clean razor is your best chance not just for a smooth, but also a safe shave. Avoid dull blades that result in cuts and skin nicks.
For safety precaution, change your razor blade after three uses.
2.Exfoliate first to lift the hair
An essential preparation before shaving is to exfoliate the area. This gets rid of dead skin that causes gunk in your razor and hinders a close shave.
Consider using a face cleansing brush and get a good scrub before you proceed to shave.
3.Shave After Shower
By letting your skin sit in a warm and wet environment allows the skin and hair to soften. The follicles would open up from the bath steam and result in an easier and closer shave.
During The Shave
1.Use Shaving Cream Instead of Soap
An assumption when it comes to shaving is that soap and water provide the same lubrication that shaving cream does. It may help the razor glide, but some soaps might lead to dry, flaky skin.
Use a gel or foam formulated for shaving. As an alternative, you can use your body oil or hair conditioner to help for an easier glide. These products also keep your skin supple and soft after it dries off.
2.Be mindful of the direction you shave
When shaving your legs, it is alright to shave from the ankles moving upward. Shaving against your leg hair’s growth ensures a closer shave. This, however, is not advisable when you are shaving the bikini area as this could cause razor burn, and it’s a more sensitive part.
There is no need to press hard as this could cause divots or dimples on your skin. The direction to go upward or downward could vary on each part, but what you should not do is slide your razor sideways.
Bend your knee to get a closer shave. It stretches out your skin and gets you a smoother shave. Also, steer clear of wounds, sores, or scars that might not have healed yet.
3.Do not rush while shaving
Rushing leads to cuts and nicks. If that happens, do not use your tissue or cotton. Try using an antiperspirant as it contains aluminum chloride that constricts blood vessels and clots the nick. You can also use your eye drop or an ice cube – both clots the nick quicker.
When shaving tight places like around your knees, use short but careful strokes.
After a few strokes, wash out shaved hair by placing the razor directly under the shower. Do not use your finger to clean the blade.
After The Shave
1.Rinse the part
Once the shave is done, rinse off the part with warm water to remove all foam. Use your hands to make sure you did not miss any spots. If you still feel any stubble, reapply the cream to the spots with lingering hair. Shave and rinse again. Once everything is good, use cold water to close your pores.
2.Dry Off And Moisturize
After drying off, use body oil or lotion to hydrate the part. Moisturizing can help reduce those little red bumps that usually appear after a shave. It will also prevent drying and flaking.
You can also use other aftershave treatments like a cold compress, baby oil, honey, or even aloe vera gel.
3.Protect Your Skin
Use sunscreen all the time. Your skin becomes sensitive after shaving, and UV rays can do more damage. Ideally, once shaved, you should wait 24 hours before exposing the skin to the sun. Use at least SPF 30 of broad-spectrum sunscreen when you go out.
4.Store Your Razor Properly
Keeping your razor in the shower could rust the blades sooner. It also increases the risk of infection due to bacteria and fungi.
After shaving, rinse your blade with warm water, pat dry using a towel, and store in a dry, clean place.
5.Replace Razors Regularly
If you notice that gunk on the blade does not quickly rinse out, even if it is still sharp, do not try to clean it out anymore. It is better to replace it than risk exposure to bacteria with your open pores.
Conclusion
Chances are no one taught you how to shave correctly. Most of us started on a trial and error basis.
With these tips, you can say goodbye to dry skin, nicks, razor burns, and ingrown hair. In no time, you would be able to master the art of smooth and safe shave.
