Shaving 101!

Razor burn. Ingrown hairs. Razor bumps. Sensitivity. Inflammation.

Sound familiar?

For most men, shaving has become a habitual ritual since their adolescent years. Shaving is a fast, easy, and effective way  to remove hair but can all too often leave you with some skin woes.

Follow these proper shaving techniques and tips to minimize undesired skin problems- it’s simple and makes a difference!

1)      Choose a multi-blade razor with replaceable cartridge blades.

2)      Change razors/razor cartridge blades frequently.  Most razors allow for 5-7 uses.

3)      Store razors in a cool, dry place.  Blades need to be thoroughly rinsed of any debris/product.

4)      Always cleanse your face first and make sure your face is wet prior to shaving.

5)      Allow shaving gel/foam/cream to sit on skin for a couple of minutes to create a barrier between skin and blade and to soften the hair.  Use of bar soap, shampoo, and hair conditioner is NOT recommended as it can leave a film on the blade, thus dulling it quicker.

6)      Shave with minimal pressure.

7)      Keep in mind that if you shave the same area multiple times, the chance for razor burn increases.

8)      Never shave with a damaged blade.

9)      Soaking the razor head and blade in rubbing alcohol for one minute can minimize the spread of bacterial infections.

10)   Never shave an infected area/broken until it’s been completely treated.

11)   Never share razors.

12)   Chamomile, allantoin, licorice root and aloe are a few ingredients to look for to calm and soothe the skin.

13)  Products with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and lactic acid can help prevent ingrown hairs and can lift ingrown hairs to the skin’s surface.

Anthony Logistics for Men, Jack Black, and The Art of Shaving seem to be popular (and loved!) brands that offer simple, no fuss but effective shaving products for men.

I hope this post was helpful!

Thoughts or comments, please share!