Shaving – Wet Shaving – Trimming

Posted by admin on July 26th, 2007 at 09:46pm

Shaving is the removal of body or facial hair, a common depilation method using a razor or any other device using blades to slice the hair down to the level of the skin. Both men and women often shave their chest hair, abdominal hair, leg hair, underarm hair, pubic hair or other body and facial hair. Shaving is fast, easy, painless, effective, and inexpensive. Contrary to a widespread misconception, shaving does not result in increased hair growth. The primary disadvantages of shaving include skin irritation, cuts in the skin, ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps, shave bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae), and the need to shave daily. However, there are a few tricks that can help you get that perfect shave without any problems at all. This guide will tell you.

Results are temporary, lasting only for 1-3 days.

Tools for Shaving

• A good safety razor (also known as: double-edge safety razor or DE razor): either quality regular kind with disposable heads, or an electric razor, which is designed for wetshaving.
• A shaving brush.
• A good glycerin-based pre-shave lotion or oil to help soften the beard. By using it, the beard will start to bristle up as the natural moisture evaporates. The dry hair will stands up straight, allowing you to get a closer shave.
• A non-alcohol based aftershave.
• An exfoliating face wash.
• Warm water: body shaving is best done in the shower or bath.
• A well-lit bathroom mirror.
• A clean towel and face cloth.
• Plenty of fresh blades.

The Razor

If you’re going to shave regularly, invest in a quality razor like the Gillette adjustable DE or a Merkur safety razor. Multi blades are not recommended for African-American men who tend to develop razor bumps, or if you have a very heavy beard.

A straight razor is not recommended for shaving your body hair, and I don’t really recommend using it anyway. You could cut yourself easily.

Steps of shaving with safety razor

• Trim hair with trimmers or scissors if you’re starting with a full beard.
• Have a hot shower before you shave. Wash your face with an exfoliant facial cleanser. The heat and wetness will help to soften your beard and lift up the hairs. With a layer of hot water between your skin and the shaving cream, the blade skims the surface instead of dragging on it, which is the main cause of cuts, redness, and razor bumps. Have your shaving kit ready, so when you get out of the shower, you can start right away before your beard has a chance to dry.
• Apply your shaving cream with a shaving brush. The brush will further help to soften your beard and exfoliate your skin. The important thing is to provide lubrication for the razor.
• Pick the right blade. A safety razor that uses a double edged razor blade will provide a closer and easier shave than any disposable razor on the market for a fraction of the cost.
• Start with one side of your face and work steadily towards the other side, doing small sections at a time.
• Use short, light, downward strokes to remove the bulk of the hair. Pull the skin straight and taut with one hand, and shave with the other. Do not apply pressure with the razor. If you need to, it means your razor is too dull.
• Rinse the blade often to keep it from clogging.
• A good angle between a disposable razor and the skin is about 30 degrees. Electric razors should come with hints, many are best at a 45 degree angle. Nicks and cuts happen when the blade is held at too large of an angle against your skin. It should glide over your skin and you shouldn’t be able to feel it.
• After you’ve shaved your whole face in a downward direction, rinse your face in warm water, re-apply more shaving cream, and start again going in an upward direction to remove the remaining stubble. Disposable razors usually instruct you to shave in the direction of the hair growth, but I find I get a much closer shave if I shave in the opposite direction. If you do choose to shave against the hair growth, be sure you’ve taken the time to soak and are using shaving cream or gel. Otherwise you risk ingrown hairs and razor burn. The risk of ingrown hairs varies from person to person. Some people should never shave except in the direction of the hair growth.
• Finally, run your fingers over your face to find any rough areas you may have missed. Gently pass the blade over the area in a different direction. Hairs on your neck and jawline generally do not grow straight up or down, but in many different directions that simple up and down motions can miss.
• Rinse your face in cool water to close the pores and pat dry with a clean towel.

Aftercare: Apply a non-alcohol shaving balm. Rosehip Seed Oil, Jojoba oil. Aloe and tea tree oil can help prevent dry skin and razor burn. You can also use baby oil. Avoid soap-based shave creams and alcohol-based aftershaves. They will over-dry your skin. Don’t apply an eau de toliet, cologne or anti-perspirants to skin right after shaving. An aftershave is basically NOT a cologne you put on your face to smell good. It is supposed to settle your skin down and moisturize it after a blade (or blades) was stroking your face.

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