Unlike many hair removal methods, shaving is generally considered a painless process. Shaving works by removing the hair shaft tip from the skin's surface. Depending upon how fast your hair grows, the process usually lasts for about one to three days. In addition to being pain free, shaving is low-cost and convenient. All you need is water, a razor and some shaving gel or foam.
Step 1
Prepare your skin before shaving. Take a hot shower or apply a steaming towel to the skin for approximately 90 seconds.
Step 2
Scrub your skin with a loofah or shaving brush for three minutes to soften and lift hairs from the skin. This also numbs the surface of the skin, further adding to the painlessness of the process.
Step 3
Smooth on a shaving gel, paste or cream. These products make it easier for the razor to glide across your skin.
Step 4
Shave with the grain of the hair in small, 1/2-inch strokes.
Step 5
Push instead of pull the skin while shaving. This prevents cuts and ingrown hairs.
Step 6
Go slowly. Shaving too quickly can result in nicks and razor burn.
Step 7
Apply an antiseptic aftershave and a moisturizer to the skin when finished. Alum, a crystal, can also be used as a gentle antiseptic.
Tips and Warnings
- The Today show website suggests using a cartridge razor or double-edged safety razor instead of disposable razors. Although convenient, disposable razors are not as good quality and can be hard on sensitive skin. Switch razor blades or cartridges often. Dull blades can increase the chances of razor rash and irritation.
- Although generally painless, the Go Ask Alice! website explains that razor bumps and barber's rash can occur if shaving is not done properly. Razor bumps occur when a shaved hair regrows back into the hair follicle. The immune system reacts as if the hair is an intruder, causing redness and inflammation. These bumps can sometimes get infected with a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus and turn into barber's rash. Corticosteroid cream and benzoyl peroxide can help reduce bacteria and swelling.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Loofah or shaving brush
- Razor
- Shaving cream or gel
- Aftershave or moisturizer
- Alum (optional)
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