tips for smooth shaving

For both men and women, shaving can be more than just a hassle. It can be a genuine pain.

Here are some tips for avoiding itching, irritation, rashes and nicks whether you're shaving face or leg if you're doing it the old-fashioned way (inspired by Bullz-Eye):

1. Exfoliate every few days to get rid of old skin that may get in the way of your razor.

2. Shave at the end of or after a shower so your hairs have a chance soften from the warm water.

3. Use a natural lathering gel or cream as synthetic ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate can be a boon for foaming and a bear for protecting your skin.

4. Go with the grain in sensitive areas. Shaving in the direction your hair grows can prevent ingrown hairs and other irritations.

5. Use a sharp blade.

6. Rinse your razor often and take short strokes.

7. Shave slowly--consider it meditation. You'll save time going slowly up front as you won't waste any later cursing or nursing wounds.

8. Make sure to moisturize! Find a lotion that suits your particular skin. Stay away from fragrances and alcohol as they can be irritating and drying; instead, stick to natural healers like aloe vera and plant-based oils.

Here's to smooth.

Technorati tags: shaving, shaving tips, shaving problems, shaving irritation

Photo credit: SparklySushi

Comments

[tsims]

Don't forget about pre-shave oil! Using pre-shave oil further softens the beard and adds a protective layer between the razor and your skin... all leading to a closer, more comfortable shave.

[Bobtrumpet]

All in all, a nice article.

Exfoliation is fine if you don't shave everyday. If you do shave daily, there's no real need, as the blade does some of that no matter how lightly you shave. And it's likely not needed in any case if you use a shaving brush (boar, badger, or synthetic bristle) to apply the soap/cream.

Spending more time in preparing your beard yields tremendous benefits to the quality of the shave.

(Also, you might want to find a different photo of a double-edge safety razor. The photo you have has the bottom plate mounted upside down - you'd never be able to cut anything with the razor like this.)

[Danielle]

Thanks for the excellent additions to smooth shaving 101!

I use jojoba oil the night before I have a morning date with my razor.