For Blade and Electric Shaving
-
Avoid
shaving when first getting up after sleep as body fluids make
the skin puffy making it more difficult to shave the hair. After
20 or 30 minutes the skin becomes more taut so the hair shaft
is more exposed making it easier to shave.
-
Don't
stay in the bath too long before shaving. The skin will shrivel
after eight minutes or so making it difficult to get a smooth,
close shave.
-
Use
preshave products such as soaps, lathers, creams and gels. They
lock moisture into the hair, they help keep the hair erect and
they reduce friction allowing the blade to glide easily over
the skin. Hair conditioner can also be used to soften hair.
-
The
more repeat strokes over an area of skin the greater risk of
irritation. To remove stray hairs which are not removed after
one or two passes with the razor, use a pop-up trimmer.
-
Never
share your razor or shaver with anyone else to avoid skin
infections.
-
Running
the fingertips over the shaved area is a very effective method
of ensuring a close thorough shave.
-
The
sense of touch will alert you to stubble and missed patches
it may be difficult to see in the mirror.
For Blade Shaving
-
Always
wet the hair first for at least 3 minutes. Hair absorbs water
which makes it stand up making it easier to shave. Wet hair
also reduces wear on the blade. Shaving after taking a shower
is an ideal time.
-
For
a close shave with minimal irritation, try and use an angle
of approximately 30 degrees between the blade and the skin.
-
To
lessen the risk of razor burn and extend the life of the blade,
allow shaving cream to sit on the skin for 4 minutes before
shaving. Thick shaving cream or foam offers the best protection
against irritation and cuts.
-
Use
a sharp new blade. If you need to use pressure on the blade
it is time to change it. Using a blunt blade can increase the
danger of ingrown hair.
-
Splash
the skin with cold water after shaving to help stop any bleeding
from small nicks and also remove any traces of soap or lather.
-
When
shaving the leg area use long strokes going against the grain
avoiding repeat strokes. Great care needs to be exercised especially
around bony areas such as the ankle or knee.
-
Hair
under the arm grows in all directions so a side to side stroke
as well as up and down strokes may be necessary to catch all
the hairs. Do not apply deodorants or antiperspirants right
after shaving as this can cause acute irritation and soreness.
-
For
the bikini line, shave in the direction of the hair and avoid
repeating the strokes to minimize irritation in this very sensitive
area.
For Electric Shaving
-
Pull the skin gently with one hand, while dragging the shaver
against the direction of growth with your other hand. This
will give you the closest shave. Some dermatologists do not
recommend shaving against the hair growth for risk of ingrown
hair. The seriousness of the risk varies with the individual.
