Shaving.com, a website created by Schick, the razor company, indicates that men started using the modern razor---the T-shaped, safety razor---in the late 1800s. Unlike the steel straight blade, this new razor had a guard to prevent cuts. During World War II, when there was a shortage of silk stockings, women adapted by shaving their legs instead. Although the disposable razor has introduced safety and convenience, we still need to take some precautions to keep skin looking good.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs occur as curly hair grows back after shaving. As the hair curls, it grows back into a hair follicle and causes a red, pimple-like bump to appear. Redding Dermatology in Redding, California, reports that ingrown hairs are caused by shaving hair too short. Hair shaved with a razor, depending on the direction of the shave, makes a sharp point on the end of the hair. Changing the direction you shave or using a different hair-removal technique could eliminate ingrown hairs.
Razor Burn
Razor burn is a condition that occurs when you shave too closely, or shave sensitive areas. People with sensitive skin and allergies sometimes have a reaction to the friction of a sharp blade on skin. Using a thick shaving gel, according to Go Ask Alice, Columbia University's health-information website, "will form a protective barrier between the razor and sensitive skin." Further, ordinary soap could dry skin and make it more prone to an irritating reaction. Razor burn typically appears in the pubic region and on the neck---where skin is most sensitive.
Irritation
Some people just have sensitive skin. Shaving sensitive skin that's not properly lubricated or moisturized could result in bumps. Shaving at the end of a hot shower allows pores to open and the hair to soften. Also, shaving long hairs, such as pubic hairs, can be irritating because the blade dulls more quickly. Cutting hairs short prior to shaving could reduce irritation. Shaving against the grain of the hair is one of the most common causes of shaving bumps. Shaving against the grain of the hair actually pulls the hair out at the root, according to Craig Kraffert, of Redding Dermatology.
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