Top 10 Tips for a Better Shave
Now, shaving might be something that you do on a regular basis (although the Tropika Team here would like to recommend hair removal if you have not tried it before – it’s so convenient!), you might not be doing it the right way, and as a result causing issues such as ingrown hairs, shaving burns and other discomfort associated with shaving. This quick shaving guide by Tropika Club shares the insiders’ tips on how to achieve a better shave.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Never Dry Shave
- 2. Exfoliate before Shaving
- 3. Choose Cold Water over Warm Water
- 4. Ditch the Soap for the Shaving Cream or Foam
- 5. Ladies, Avoid Using Men’s Shaver!
- 6. Focus on the Direction of the Hair Growth When Shaving
- 7. Close Your Pores before Shaving
- 8. Will Hair Regrow Thicker After Shaving? Probably Not
- 9. Always Protect Your Skin from the Sun
- 10. Replace Your Shavers Regularly
- FAQ FOR TOP 10 TIPS FOR A BETTER SHAVE:
- Meanwhile, Check Out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Dry shaving can cause cuts, irritation, and razor burn. Shave after soaking your skin in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften it and exfoliate it
- Soap is not enough to lubricate your skin and protect it from the razor. Use a shaving cream or foam that suits your skin type and apply it generously before shaving
- Shaving against the direction of hair growth can cause ingrown hairs, bumps, and redness. Shave with the grain, or in the same direction as your hair grows, for a smoother and less irritating shave
- Dull blades can tug at your hair and cause nicks and cuts. Replace your razors every 5 to 10 shaves, or when you notice signs of wear and tear
- After shaving, rinse your skin with cold water to close the pores and prevent dirt and bacteria from entering them. This can help prevent acne and infections. You can also apply a toner or an aftershave lotion to soothe and moisturize your skin
- Shaving can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going out in the sun, and reapply it every two hours or after sweating or swimming
Why ladies must avoid using men’s shavers?
- Men’s shavers are designed for coarser hair and different angles. Women’s shavers are more suitable for finer hair and curves
- Men’s shavers can cause more irritation and nicks on women’s skin, especially on sensitive areas like the armpits, bikini line, or face
- Men’s shavers can be dull or contaminated if they have been used by someone else. Sharing razors can increase the risk of infection and skin problems
- It’s better to use a women’s shaver that is designed for your specific hair growth pattern and body shape. You can also choose a shaving cream or foam that suits your skin type and preferences
1. Never Dry Shave
Dry shaving increases the risk of cuts and irritation. It also keeps you from taking advantage of one of shaving’s benefits: exfoliation. You are going to get a more effective exfoliation in case you soften your skin first, which is why she urges shaving close to the end of your bath or shower time. She says that your skin requires a minimum of 10 minutes from the warm water to soften satisfactorily. Dry shaving results in fewer nicks and cuts than wet shaving. This is because the blade of an electric shaver doesn’t actually come into contact with the skin and therefore can’t cut you.
Wet shaving and wet shaving products were created to lubricate the skin for a seamless shave. Not only do these products prep your skin for your razor, but they can also help to prevent any nicks, cuts, and friction burn. Neglecting to shave with water and the proper products can make it more likely that you cut yourself.
2. Exfoliate before Shaving
Don’t forget you can use classic exfoliation products such as loofahs and bath scrubs before shaving. Exfoliating first helps keep the razor from getting overloaded with dead skin cells, which reduces its efficiency. So what should you use to exfoliate before shaving? Pass on the harsh scrubs this time. Since shaving can cause micro-cuts in the skin, physical exfoliators are much too abrasive to use in conjunction with shaving. Instead, opt for a gentler chemical exfoliator. Using an exfoliator a couple of days after you shave too will remove dead skin and make it easier for the hair to come through – meaning you’ll be less likely to get ingrown hairs.
3. Choose Cold Water over Warm Water
If you prefer a hot shower or tub water, be sure you cool down the temperature a little before shaving. Your skin may become overly soft and therefore more vulnerable to cuts if it is in hot water too long. Consequently, most men say that cold water results into a better and cleaner shave. Cold water tends to be better for the skin. Warm water tends to dry out your skin and makes it puffy. Enthusiasts who are shaving with cold water also report that their skin feels smoother and more moisturized as pores stay “closed”. Cold water gives a better shave. The argument here is that a soft beard is hard to shave, while a stiff beard is easier to cut. Hot water makes your beard soft; cold water keeps the whiskers stiff. Thus, cold water renders a better shave.
4. Ditch the Soap for the Shaving Cream or Foam
Are you still using soap to shave? It’s time to switch to shaving cream or foam! Here’s why:
Why Use Shaving Cream or Foam?
- Provides a smoother shave: Shaving cream or foam helps to lubricate your skin, allowing the razor to glide smoothly and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts.
- Moisturizes the skin: Shaving creams or foams often contain ingredients that help to hydrate and protect the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
- Reduces irritation: Shaving cream or foam helps to soften the hair and lift it off the skin, making it easier to shave without causing irritation.
- Suitable for sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, using shaving cream or foam can help to reduce the risk of razor burn and other skin irritations.
How to Use Shaving Cream or Foam?
- Wet your face with warm water to help soften the hair and open up the pores.
- Apply a small amount of shaving cream or foam to your hand or brush and work it into a lather.
- Apply the lather to your face and neck, making sure to cover all the areas you will be shaving.
- Shave as normal, using a sharp razor and taking care not to press too hard or shave against the grain.
- Rinse your face with cool water to help close the pores and then apply an aftershave or moisturizer.
5. Ladies, Avoid Using Men’s Shaver!
Women can use a man’s shaving gel or foam, but it is not a fantastic idea to use his shaver or razor. Men’s razors are designed for the hair growth characteristics of a person’s beard. Use a razor created particularly for girls as they’re intended to work in body hair and its specific growth pattern. The same holds for men — avoid using your lady’s razor if yours is becoming dull.
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6. Focus on the Direction of the Hair Growth When Shaving
Why You Should Pay Attention to the Direction of Hair Growth
Shaving against the grain of your hair can lead to cuts, razor burns, and ingrown hairs. It’s important to shave in the direction of your hair growth to prevent these issues and achieve a smooth, irritation-free shave.
- Shaving against the grain can cause cuts, razor burns, and ingrown hairs.
- Shaving with the grain of your hair reduces the risk of these issues and leads to a closer, smoother shave.
- Each person’s hair growth pattern is unique, so take the time to observe the direction of your hair growth before shaving.
- Shave in short strokes, going with the grain of your hair to minimize the risk of irritation.
Tips for Identifying the Direction of Your Hair Growth
To achieve the best shave possible, you need to know the direction of your hair growth. Here are some tips to help you identify the direction of your hair growth:
- Let your hair grow out for a few days to make it easier to see the direction of your hair growth.
- Run your hand over the area you want to shave and feel for the direction your hair is growing.
- Look for the direction your hair lies flat against your skin. This is the direction you should shave in.
- Pay attention to any changes in hair grow
7. Close Your Pores before Shaving
The warm water of a bath or shower opens skin pores. You may want to employ a hydrating moisturiser immediately after drying off to prevent flakiness and drying out. Should you use self-tanning lotion, this is the opportunity to use it. The procedure for wax hair removal leaves pores open. If you then apply self-tanning cream, then the product can enter the pores and provide you with a freckled look as opposed to a smooth tan.
Before you shave, make sure that your pores are open. If you don’t do this, you’re opening the door to irritated skin and even ingrown hairs. The best way to open up the pores is with a shower, which is why most men tend to shave in the morning. The warm water of a shower or bath opens skin pores. After you shave, rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of foam. Then rinse with cold water to close the pores. You may want to apply a hydrating moisturizer immediately after drying off to prevent flakiness and drying
8. Will Hair Regrow Thicker After Shaving? Probably Not
There is a popular misconception that shaving makes hair grow back thicker and coarser, but this is not true. The thickness and texture of hair are determined by genetics, hormones, and other factors that are not affected by shaving. When hair is shaved, it is cut at an angle, which can create a blunt tip that feels coarser to the touch. However, this is only a temporary effect, as the hair shaft will naturally wear down over time, making it feel softer. The hair that grows back after shaving will have the same thickness and texture as it did before.
It is also important to note that shaving does not affect hair growth. Hair growth is controlled by hair follicles beneath the skin, which are not affected by shaving. The hair will continue to grow at the same rate and in the same pattern as before shaving.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when shaving to ensure that you get the best results. Using a sharp razor can help to minimize pulling and tugging on the hair, which can lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. Shaving in the direction of hair growth can also help to prevent irritation and razor burn. Using a shaving cream or gel can help to lubricate the skin and reduce friction, making the shaving process smoother and more comfortable.
9. Always Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Use sunscreen at all times, not only when lounging on the beach or pool. After shaving, your skin becomes more sensitive, and the sun’s harmful rays can cause more significant harm than ever. Ideally, you must wait 24 hours before exposing freshly shaved skin to extended periods in the sun. Or better still, avoid the sun as much as you can (special recommendation from the Tropika Club team). When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, don’t think about ditching your razor just yet. In fact, while it may seem like shaving can increase your chances of a sunburn, that old beauty myth just simply isn’t true. Your freshly shaven legs will receive just as much sun exposure as hairy ones.
10. Replace Your Shavers Regularly
If you discover an accumulation of gunk or waste in your razor, don’t try to wash it out using a brush or other instrument. If the waste does not rinse out easily using a stream of water, this is the first indication that you have to replace your razor. Even if it cuts well, a razor with affected waste can introduce bacteria into open cuts or pores and lead to an infection.
If you use an electric shaver:
- Shake hair out of the shaver regularly. After removing the shaver head, tap the body with your finger to shake out loose hairs.
- Clean your shaver thoroughly once a week. Daily maintenance doesn’t need to go beyond shaking out loose hairs.
- Replace all cutting parts every 18-24 months.
FAQ FOR TOP 10 TIPS FOR A BETTER SHAVE:
Q: Why should I never dry shave?
A: Dry shaving can cause cuts, irritation, and ineffective exfoliation. You should wet your skin and hair with water and use proper products to lubricate your skin before shaving
Q: How do I exfoliate before shaving?
A: You can use a medium-soft bristle brush to brush off any loose dead skin cells from your skin. Then, you can apply a gentle chemical exfoliant or a sugar scrub to your skin and massage it in circular motions. Rinse off the exfoliant with cold water and pat your skin dry
Q: Why should I choose cold water over warm water before shaving?
A: Warm water can make your skin too soft and prone to cuts. Cold water can tighten your pores and reduce inflammation. Cold water also gives a better and cleaner shave, as it prevents your skin from becoming puffy and dry
Q: Why should I ditch the soap for the shaving cream or foam?
A: Soap can dry out your skin and make it more sensitive. Shaving cream or foam can provide more cushion and protection for your razor. They can also moisturize your skin and prevent razor burn
Q: Why should ladies avoid using men’s shaver?
A: Men’s shavers are designed for coarser hair and different angles. Women’s shavers are more suitable for finer hair and curves. Men’s shavers can cause more irritation and nicks on women’s skin, especially on sensitive areas. Men’s shavers can also be dull or contaminated if they have been used by someone else. Sharing razors can increase the risk of infection and skin problems
Q: How should I focus on the direction of the hair growth when shaving?
A: You should shave with the grain, or in the direction that the hair grows. This can give you a smoother and safer shave, as it prevents ingrown hairs and irritation. Shaving against the grain can cause the hair to curl back into the skin and cause bumps
Q: How do I close my pores before shaving?
A: You can use cold water or an astringent toner to close your pores before shaving. This can help prevent bacteria from entering your pores and causing infection or inflammation. It can also make your skin smoother and tighter
Q: Will hair regrow thicker after shaving?
A: Probably not. Shaving does not affect the thickness or growth rate of your hair. It only cuts off the hair at the surface of the skin, not at the root. The stubble that grows back may feel coarser or darker, but that is because it has a blunt tip and has not been exposed to sunlight or other factors that can lighten or soften the hair
Q: How do I protect my skin from the sun after shaving?
A: You should always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your shaved areas after shaving, especially if you are going outdoors. Shaving can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. You should also avoid tanning beds or sun lamps, as they can harm your skin even more.
Q: How often should I replace my shavers?
A: You should replace your blade or throw away disposable razors after 5 to 7 shaves to minimize irritation. A dull blade can cause more friction and drag on your skin, which can lead to nicks, cuts, razor burn, and bumps. You should also store your razor in a dry area to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Do not leave your razor in the shower or on a wet sink
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