Minor annoyances abound in life; traffic jams, delayed trains, tax returns, and sluggish Wi-Fi are just a few examples. Similarly aggravating as the discomfort that arises from shaving is the irritation that comes with doing something as simple as shaving hair from your face or body. Although we can’t eliminate the old worries, we can contribute to making shaving more pleasant overall.
Usually occurring just after shaving, razor burn causes obvious redness, rashes, tiny red pimples, irritation, burning sensations, and tightness in the skin. It’s mostly brought on by the friction of the blades removing the epidermis’ outer layer, but there are other shaving complications as well.
Unsatisfactory shaving may result in ingrown hairs or razor bumps, which can also cause a rash, swelling, discomfort, itching, and even infection. Are you curious about how to eliminate skin irritation from the shaving experience? Priorities first…
Best Shaving Methods
1. Eliminate Any Skin Issues
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Skin conditions including dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and eczema may make shaving more difficult. Until your skin heals fully, you may need to stop using the blade if you’re experiencing an outbreak or flare-up. It will not go well to use a razor or squirt alcohol on skin that is already swollen, itchy, flaky, or damaged.
Vince Garcia, a member of the Gillette Barber Council and co-founder of the Los Angeles barbershop Grey Matter, adds that, depending on the severity of the issue, he may advise customers to try growing facial hair until it passes. I advise utilising a trimmer to remove facial hair without making direct touch with the skin if they don’t like the way it looks on them or if it grows in patches.
2.Moisten the Beard
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Aside from skin concerns, prevention of razor burn is mostly dependent on preparation. Premature softening of the hairs reduces the amount of work the blade has to do.
“I always suggest opening your pores with a hot towel before you start shaving in order to achieve a smoother shave,” says Vince. “You can use a wash cloth and hot water in your own bathroom to accomplish this.” Alternatively, a steamy bathroom soak or a hot shower also work well.
3. Prepare Your Shave As An Addition To Your Skincare Routine
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Vince asserts, “I think it’s really important to treat shaving like you would a skincare routine.” Thus, consider pre-shave, foam or soap, and post-shave care.
In order to get smoother, cleaner skin, this should also include exfoliation. A face or body scrub may help prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs by clearing out any debris that is clogging pores and follicles.
A natural scrub may be quite helpful in removing waste and renewing the surface of the skin. One such scrub is the Gentle Face Scrub from Horace, which consists of salt, sugar, pumice, coffee grains, jojoba beads, and murumuru seeds.
4. Maintain the Smoothness
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To obtain the proper amount of glide, remember Alex Glover’s advice from ADAM Grooming Atelier on achieving the perfect combination of soap and water: “The lather texture should slip between your fingers.” If the bubbles burst, the soap is not soapy enough and will not perform its function; if it feels oily, the soap is excessively soapy and may cause razor drag.”
Whether it’s shaving cream, shaving oil, shaving gel, or classic shaving soap, using it properly with a shaving brush can elevate the follicles for easy cutting and decrease ingrown hairs. A synthetic brush works very well, and no badgers were hurt in the process.
“Another important tip for technique would be to continue to lather and reapply shave gel or foam throughout the shave for your best chance at avoiding any irritation,” says Vince.
5. Don’t break the golden rule.
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Vince cautions, “Don’t start the shave by going against the direction of the facial hair growth.” “Ingrown hairs and discomfort may result from excessive pulling, particularly in men with sensitive skin.
“I usually suggest starting off with a direction that’s in line with the grain and then changing course after a pass or two. To obtain the remaining stubble, carefully move against the grain after applying a few strokes in each area of the grain.
6. Use A Safety Razor Instead
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The act of dragging a blade over your skin is mostly responsible for shaving discomfort. Major causes of razor burn include tugging, pulling, and snarling the stubble hairs, as well as repeatedly stroking the same spot. It is essential to hold the blade at the proper 30-degree angle in order to prevent this.
Try Henson’s AL13 safety razor if you’re new to using one; the blade is precisely 30 degrees off-center and extends just 33 microns, or the thickness of a human hair. This implies that it saves you time and effort by doing all the work of figuring out the angle and guarantees a very safe shave.
7. Maintain Your Blade Sharp
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It’s tempting to attempt to extend the life of replacement cartridges since they are so expensive. But when the blade is dull, discomfort is more likely to happen. By cleaning the blade after each stroke, drying it after use, and keeping it nice and dry in between shaves, you may extend the life of your blades.
The most affordable single-use blades fit safety razors, and a bulk package will keep you well-stocked for a very long time.
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8. Switch to Electric
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Vince Garcia, who established By.Appt.Only, a line of backpacks particularly made for barber kits, has sheared the distinguished heads of Drake, LeBron James, and Lewis Hamilton. As such, he is well-versed in what works and what doesn’t.
Many of my customers experience skin discomfort after shaving, particularly those with delicate skin types who are more likely to develop ingrown hairs and razor bumps. If that describes you, I suggest using an electric shaver to remove hair without coming into touch with your skin. Usually, this tradeoff doesn’t lead to an extremely close call.
Additionally, we would advise using Lab Series Electric Shave Solution or a similar product to prepare the skin.
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9. A Protective Razor Plump
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Vince suggests using a cartridge razor made especially for men with sensitive skin, such as the Gillette SkinGuard, as an alternative to an electric shaver.
To protect your skin from direct blade contact and to smooth it, SkinGuard technology is positioned in between the blades. In order to maximize comfort and glide, this razor also lubricates both before and after the blades—a feature I heartily suggest considering when choosing a razor.
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10. What is manscaping? Pick the Correct Instrument
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Vince advises “treating your intimate area with the same attention you would your face, since it’s another element of total self-care,” to lessen the likelihood of a hatchet job. “The greatest outcomes may be achieved with a complete product regimen and consistent use of the regimen. In a similar vein, open your pores for the smoothest experience by letting your skin and hair soak for a little while.
“For manscaping, you may use a trimmer with a guard to cut the hair shorter (without completely removing it), a razor to remove hair as near to the skin as possible, or a combination of the two. Nevertheless, I advise using the Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Trimmer to start by cutting the hair down while it’s still dry. There are three combs included, one of which is designed specifically for sensitive regions to shave as gently as possible. Afterward, take a shower and complete the task using a Gillette Intimate Pubic Hair Razor.
Vince has some more advice: “Remember to rinse the blade after two to three strokes to keep it clean. Most importantly, to prevent cuts or discomfort, always use a sharp blade and replace dull cartridges as required. To shut your pores, rinse with cold water afterward.
As of right now, the Gillette Intimate line is exclusive to the United States. Other options include the Meridian Trimmer, the dreadfully called Lawn Mower 4 by Manscaped, and the Philips Series 7000 Body Groomer.
11. Avoid Giving Up at the Last Mile
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With a move akin to an Olympic gymnast, give your shave the gloss it wants. Vince advises “closing your pores with a cold towel once you’re done shaving.” “The hot towel at the beginning and the cold towel at the end help calm the skin and make shaving less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience.”
Lastly, a cooling/hydrating face moisturizer and a soothing aftershave are also crucial. It’s crucial to experiment a little and understand which products and chemicals work best for your face if you have sensitive skin.
The Clinique for Men Post-Shave Soother is a good choice for hydrating, soothing, and cooling. In contrast, salicylic acid in Mr. Blackman’s Face & Skin Moisturiser helps lessen the razor bump and ingrown hair curse that comes with shaving. Aloe vera helps soothe the skin.
12. When Everything Goes South
Is your face or crotch newly shaved and burning hot? It occurs. According to Vince, “if the irritation is severe, use a cold towel and forego the typical post-shave products to prevent any further irritation.”
For further skin regeneration and soothing, consider misting rose water or witch hazel on the affected region. If it’s mild, use your favorite moisturizing moisturizer designed specifically for sensitive skin.