For boys and girls who are thinking about shaving, this may be a lesson that no one has ever taught you.
You never really forget the first time you shaved.
Maybe it was standing nervously in the bathroom, razor in hand, wondering if you’d end up hurting yourself.
Maybe it was tackling the fine hairs on your legs before a big event, or experimenting with your underarms just because you were curious.
Maybe it was simply realizing that your body was changing—and feeling like it was time.
However it started, one thing most of us have in common: nobody really explained what to expect.
Not the tiny red bumps that show up afterward.
Not the itchiness that kicks in a day later.
Not the fact that “perfectly smooth” skin is more of a fantasy than a real-life goal.
If you’ve already started shaving—or if you’re thinking about it—you need to know: shaving isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about treating your skin with care and respect.
And it’s totally okay if it’s a little messy at first.
Here’s what to know about shaving—and how to care for your skin afterward—whether it’s your first shave, your fiftieth, or anywhere in between.
Before You Shave
The smoother your skin is before the razor touches it, the easier and safer your shave will be.
First, soften the skin and hair first. Showering or soaking in warm water for a few minutes helps to open up the hair follicles and soften the hair, making it easier to cut.
Then, use a shaving cream, gel, or oil, whatever you prefer, but don’t shave with dry skin! A good shaving product creates a protective barrier and reduces friction, and it’ll help the razor glide instead of scrape.
For the tool, use a clean, sharp razor. Otherwise, a dull blade tugs at the skin and increases the risk of irritation, nicks, and ingrown hairs. If the blade feels rough or you have to go over the same spot repeatedly, it’s time to replace it.
While You Shave
Shave with light, short strokes. Remember! Pressing harder doesn’t give you a closer shave—it just ups the chance of cuts and razor burn.
Also, shave in the direction of hair growth,especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hairs. Going against the grain might feel closer but often leads to more irritation.
Finally, rinse the blade often and don’t be lazy. Every few strokes, rinse under warm water to clear out product buildup and hair.
After You Shave
Your skin needs to be calmed, so rinse with cool water. It helps soothe the skin and reduce irritation
Pat gently your skin dry with a clean towel, and avoid rubbing it hard that can irritate freshly shaved skin. Just be nice to your skin, especially when it is sensitive after shaving.
Last but not the least, moisturize skin immediately. Shaving can take away not only hair but also natural oils. Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturizer to help restore the skin barrier.
If you like using aftershave, choose alcohol-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or allantoin.
Tips For Shaving Faces and Bodies
While the basics are the same, shaving your face and shaving your body do have a few differences worth knowing:
For facial shaving,like beards or mustaches,softening the beard is even more important because of the thicker and dense hair. Using multiple blades, like 3-5 blade razors, can help get a closer, more comfortable shave, but also increases sensitivity. A post-shave balm is also a good idea to minimize redness and tightness after shaving.
For body shaving such as legs, underarms or arms, where hair tends to be finer, and the skin on these areas may be thinner or more sensitive. That’s the reason why more attention should be paid to moisturizing after shaving to prevent dryness or tiny red bumps. In addition, tricky areas such as underarms have hair that grows in specific directions and folds, and may need to be shaved from more than one angle and with more care.
No matter where you shave, being gentle is always better than chasing a “perfect” look.
Shaving should be a part of caring for yourself, and it’s not a punishment or an endless attempt to reach impossible standards.
What is the best shave? It’s the one that leaves you feeling clean, comfortable, and at ease in your own skin.
Sources from:
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/how-to-shave
