Tired of having painful razor burn, bumps, redness, and irritation every time you shave? Chances are you might be making one of these common mistakes.
Most men who shave regularly think that such effects are to-be-expected when you shave, but that is far from the truth. If you use the right kind of tools and follow the right techniques, you can be sure that you will not have to withstand this. However, most people make a few common yet harmful mistakes that can completely ruin the possibility of having a smooth shave.
Check out our list below of 5 common shaving mistakes that you might be making, and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping Hot Water
Most people just directly head to the sink and start off their shaving routine with a splash of cold water. While that may be refreshing, it’s probably not the best idea before a shave, as it can close up your pores and follicles. The key is to open up your pore and soften the hair and hair follicles, in order to make the process of shaving easier. Using a wet, hot towel can also be really effective and helpful. This simple step will go a long way in making your shaving experience easier and reducing irritation.
2. Using A Multi-Blade Disposable Razor
Multi-blade disposable razors are the most commonly used shaving instrument out there. We tend to think that it is the most efficient and safe, but that is quite the myth. Such razors tend to cause increased irritation and redness because multiple blades are running over your skin at one point in time. On top of that, hair tends to get trapped between the blade cavities as well, which prevents a smooth, even shave. Instead of using disposable, opt for single-blade safety razors, which come with double edge razor blades. They deliver a closer, sharper shave with minimal irritation and grazing.
3. Using Shaving Foam
Foam is the most commonly used product when it comes to shaving, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. Shaving foam is not only an ineffective lubricant, it can also be more irritating for the skin. The idea of applying a product before shaving is to soften the hair follicles as well as make the skin slippery so that the blades can slide over with ease. So leave the foam back on the shelf, and instead, opt for shaving oils or gels that do a better job lubricating tough skin while softening hair follicles, improving skin texture, and reducing chances of irritation.
4. Going Against The Grain
Despite being one of the first things taught when it comes to shaving, a lot of people tend to still go against the grain while shaving. This means shaving in a direction opposite to the direction of hair growth. Not only can this lead your hair to grow back coarser, but it can also increase irritation and the possibility of razor burn. When shaving, regardless of which body part it is, make sure to follow the direction of hair growth, which will make the shave smooth and speed up the process as well, while preventing the probability of red bumps, burning, and more.
5. Ignoring After-Shave Care
For many people, their shaving routine stops once the razor is down and they’ve washed their face, which is one of the worst things you can do. After a shave, your skin is very sensitive, irritated, and dry due to the constant water and soap, both of which strip the skin of moisture and oil. It is important to apply hydrating and soothing products, which will help calm your skin down, replenish lost moisture and improve dry skin. An excellent, non-irritating product that can be used by people with all skin types for after shave application is aloe vera gel.
