You looked different this morning. While brushing your teeth,
you gazed into the mirror and there it was - hair sprouting all
over your face. It's definitely cool, but you're not quite
sure whether you want to grow that big bushy beard and moustache
just yet. It's time to start shaving (as if you didn't have
enough things to do first thing in the morning).
Actually, shaving's no big deal once you get the hang of it.
It's quick, easy, and if you follow the tips outlined below,
absolutely painless.
Razor Basics
Shaving is simply using a razor to remove the tip of the hair
shaft that has grown up through the skin. Razors come in a bunch of
different forms. There are standard razors that are either
completely disposable or have a disposable blade that needs to be
replaced regularly, and there are electric razors.
Using an electric razor can be quick and convenient, but many
guys find that it may not give the close and accurate shave that a
standard razor can. Although using an electric razor is pretty easy
(just turn it on and move it around your face), shaving with a
standard razor has a few rules to follow.
When you're using a standard razor, the most important item
you need is a clean, sharp blade (the best razors have at least two
blades and a movable head). Try to avoid shaving with a dull or
blunt blade. At best, a dull blade will give you an uneven shave
and leave you with redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair
on your face and neck. At worst, a dull blade will remove a fair
amount of your skin along with the hair! Don't be afraid of
changing the blade (or the razor, if you're using the
disposable kind) often. You'll be glad you did.
Shaving scrapes natural oils off your face, so the next most
important item is some sort of shaving gel to keep your skin from
becoming too dry and reduce friction from the razor. Pick a gel you
think sounds good and give it a try. If you choose a shaving gel
that is mentholated (it will say that on the label), be aware that
menthol can sometimes cause a slight reaction with some types of
skin and may result in red blotches. If this happens to you,
don't worry. Just switch to a non-mentholated shaving
cream.
Ouch!
Cuts and nicks are a part of shaving. They won't happen to
you every time, but they
will
happen. When you nick or cut yourself, be sure to grab a clean
tissue or cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. If
you've got a zit or a cut right in the middle of the area
you're going to shave, it's a good idea to drop the
standard razor for a while and use an electric razor or give
shaving a break altogether for a few days.
Also, some guys might get ingrown hairs after shaving, in which
the hair grows back into the skin. It can pierce the hair follicle,
which in turn causes razor bumps. Called
folliculitis
, this condition can sometimes be handled by using a special safety
razor, but this doesn't always work for every guy. If you
experience folliculitis, talk to a dermatologist about the best way
to remove your beard and moustache.
How to Shave
Before you begin, be sure to remember to rinse your razor after
every few strokes. That way, the razor is cleared of any shaving
cream or hair that might clog it up. Also, because the hair on
different parts of your face grows in different directions, always
try to shave in the direction your hair is growing (shaving against
the direction your hair is growing can cause razor burn, redness,
and rashes).
Now let's shave:
- First, wet your face with hot or warm water. This makes the
hair on your face softer and opens your skin's pores, getting
you ready for a closer and easier shave. Even better, try to
shave right after you get out of the shower.
- Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your
face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth
area (around your lips), neck, and throat.
- Press the razor to the area you want to shave (it's a
good idea to start with the sides of your face as they're
easy to handle). Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the
razor in the direction your hair is growing. Don't press too
hard but don't be too gentle. Find the right touch by making
sure the razor is cutting the hair and not your skin. You'll
know if you're being too gentle if you only remove the
shaving cream and the hair is still there.
- When the sides of your face are finished, move on to the more
tricky spots. For areas like your upper lip/moustache area,
bottom lip/chin area, and neck/throat area, you'll have to
work a little. Try to stretch your skin a bit to make a flat
surface, and glide the razor over those tricky areas.
- When you're finished, rinse your clean, smooth face with
cold water. If you want to, put on some aftershave. Depending on
how fast you grow that beard and moustache, repeat the entire
process in 1 to 3 days.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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