During the lockdown, since there was no access to parlours, many of us picked up a razor for the first time to get rid of all that unwanted hair. Now, 8 months later, most of us are addicted to this fast and easy hair removal process. There’s no denying that a razor is our saving grace on days when we feel like turning up our sexy quotient and need a quick fix solution in order to not look like a bear just out of hibernation.
A clean shave will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft, just like after waxing. If these aren’t the results you’re achieving and it’s razor burn, ingrowths or painful red bumps you’re dealing with, we hate to break it to you — you’re doing it all wrong. Shaving is not just jumping into the shower and using an old razor to get rid of the hair. There is a proper process to follow to get super smooth skin, minus the unnecessary skin damage.
Don’t worry! You needn’t search through the internet to learn how to use a razor, simply scroll down and start taking notes, ‘coz your shaving 101 class is in session.
Rules To Keep In Mind Before Shaving
Before we get to the removal process, here are a few golden rules to keep in mind if you want to avoid razor burns, rashes and bumps.
Use A Good Razor
This is the first and most important rule when it comes to shaving. Picking good quality razor is key to avoiding rashes, bumps and ingrowths. Choose a razor that has a manoeuvrable head along with four or five blades as it will give you a closer shave without causing any skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, pick the ones that are dermatologist-tested for this skin type.
Also read: difference between epilation and waxing
Change The Blade Often
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An old blade can cause those painful razor burns and rashes. If you want to achieve soft, smooth skin after every shave, make sure to change your blade after every 2-3 weeks if you shave every other day. A dull or rusted razor blade will feel rough on the skin while making it harder to get rid of the hair strands.
Shave In The Right Direction When It Comes To Your Bikini Line
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There are more chances of developing ingrowths while shaving your bikini line since the skin on this area is delicate. To reduce the chances of ingrowths and chaffing, be sure to spend time in warm water before adding your shaving cream. This will soften the outer layer of your skin, making it easier to remove the hair while giving you a cleaner shave. Another tip to remember is that the direction you shave DOES matter! While shaving your bikini line, always use the razor in the direction of your hair growth and do not go over the same area twice. Moving in all sorts of directions can damage the skin and is a recipe for ingrowths.
NEVER Dry Shave
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We can’t stress enough on this point. No matter if you’re pressed for time, dry shaving will ultimately lead to skin damage. Always make sure to follow all our shaving steps if you want to get that soft skin, post-shave.
5 Shaving Steps You Need To Follow For A Clean Shave
When it comes to your hands, legs and underarms, to avoid rashes, burns, ingrowths and bumps, here’s what you need to do to get that post-wax soft skin.
Exfoliate Your Skin
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Even those who have been using razors for years, sometimes fail to follow this step. Exfoliating the skin pre-shave helps get rid of dirt, dead skin cells and other pollutants that have settled on the skin’s outer layer. Using a good body scrub to unclog your pores before shaving will help you achieve a smoother shave and reduce the chances of ingrowths.
Soak Your Skin
Just like shaving your bikini line, soaking your skin in warm water for a couple of minutes softens the hair and makes it easy to eliminate it all with just one shave while reducing the chances of ingrowths or red bumps. Not everyone has a bathtub to soak in, so it’s beneficial to shave mid-shower.
Use A Shaving Cream
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Yes, shaving cream is important if you want soft, smooth skin, post-shave. Shaving cream acts as a lubricant which helps reduce friction and glides the blade oh-so-effortlessly on the skin to give you a clean shave. If you are out of shaving cream and don’t have the time to get a new one, then your body wash is the perfect substitute.
Go The Right Direction
Unlike shaving your bikini line, when it comes to your hands and legs, you need to shave in the opposite direction of your hair growth. This will reduce cuts or irritation while also keeping your skin hair-free, longer.
Moisturise
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This is the last and final step! Once you’re done shaving, use cold water on the skin. This will help close up the pores and reduce the chances of ingrowths, rashes and red bumps. Once you’re done, use a moisturising body cream or body butter to soothe and hydrate the skin as well as to prevent irritation.
These steps will help you avoid those post-shave disasters and leave you with sexy soft, smooth skin.
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