Shaving Tips and Techniques

Quick and Easy Hair Removal

This page covers shaving tips and general information on shaving, including products and equipment.

It's a simple process, which can be done with disposable razor blades or electric shavers.

Generally, electric shavers are thought to produce fewer ingrown hairs because of the angle at which they cut the hair.

Electric shavers also have the benefit of convenience because you don't have to be in the shower, bathtub, or anywhere near water to use one. Just whip it out anytime and blast off that unwanted leg hair. Or tame that over-grown underarm hair.

There's also less chance of suffering nicks and cuts with an electric shaver. The drawback to both of these methods is ongoing replacement costs. New blades and shaving creams for the razor method and new foil heads for an electric shaver.

Shaving Products

Constant improvements in design and function are made with both blade and electric shavers.

Razor Blade Shaving Systems and Disposable Razors

Look for a razor with 2 or more blades for the closest shave. I prefer a razor with a moisture strip and a pivoting head for comfort.

Think about how much money you want to invest before deciding on a shaving system (where you replace only the blade heads) and disposable razors. Shaving systems generally cost much more than disposables but I'm not certain they're that much more effective.

Electric Shavers

Many options are available for electric shavers. Prices range from around $40 to a few hundred dollars. Mid to high end models are generally more effective and last longer. Electric shavers can be corded or cordless/rechargeable and some are designed for wet/dry use.

Rotary shavers tend to be better for long hairs but don't offer as close of a shave as foil shavers. Some models come with a self-cleaning base but most require manual cleaning.

ads from Shopzilla

Shaving Techniques For Using Razor Blades

• Soak the hair in warm or hot water for 5 minutes or more before you apply shaving lotion. This will soften the hairs and cause them to raise up a bit from the follicle, resulting in a closer shave.
  
  If soaking is not practical, like when shaving mens facial hair, wrap the face in a hand towel that's been wetted with hot water or splash the face repeatedly with hot water before applying shaving cream.
  
  
• If you're especially prone to ingrown hairs, always shave with the direction of hair growth. Going against the grain, in this case, can increase the liklihood of ingrown hairs.
  
  This is most important in the bikini area as pubic hairs are coarser and ingrown hairs are common in this area. Pull the skin taut to help raise the hairs for a closer shave and reduce the chances of nicks and cuts.
  
  
• Make long, even strokes, rinsing the blades often to clean out hairs and shaving cream which will reduce its effectiveness. Try not to go over the same area more than once, twice at the most as each swipe with a razor blade removes the outermost layer of skin. Repeated strokes can leave your skin dry and sensitive.

Shaving Considerations

Shaving is a fine option for hair removal, with a few definite no-no's...

• Women should never shave their facial hair. Opt for waxing, facial epilators, laser hair removal or electrolysis instead.
  
  
• Men should only shave their facial hair. If you want to remove hair from other body parts, while shaving will work (short term), having had experience with a fella who shaved his body, let me just say that the stubble rub is icky! Not something you want to be remembered for.
  
  Opt for waxing, epilators, or laser hair removal instead. You can find information on these procedures in the hair removal section.

Related Articles

More Hair Removal Options

Shaving - Top : Home : About : Contact : Terms of Use : Bookmark This Site