Shaving is one of the more convenient methods of hair removal – you can do it yourself at home, as and when you need to and you never need to make an appointment to get your legs or bikini line sorted! The one downside of shaving, however, is razor burn, which happens when the blade causes micro-abrasions to the skin, so we thought we’d put together a list of five tips to help you avoid razor burn.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating before you shave will not only remove dead skin cells which can clog and dull your razor blade, it will help to release hairs which may be starting to become ingrown. This will allow the razor to get closer to your skin for a more efficient shave and will also prolong the life of your blade.
Moisturise First
Before you even think about putting shaving foam on the area you’re shaving, moisturise the area. After soaking the area in water (in the bath or shower) slather yourself in moisturiser which will protect the skin and also soften the hair, making it easier to remove.
Use a Proper Shaving Gel
So many of use use anything we can grab to lubricate our legs, from shower gel to hair conditioner, but none of these things are designed for shaving and could contribute to ingrown hairs. Opt for a proper shave gel which will help defend the skin against irritation and razor burn, whilst softening the hair to result in the easiest of shaves.
Use a Decent Razor
When most people think of a decent razor, they think about the type with as many blades as they can fit into the head, but actually a razor with fewer blades which is properly sharp is far less likely to cause razor burn. A old fashioned safety razor with one removable blade is actually a convenient and hygienic option, but you’ll have to be careful as the blades will be SHARP!
Don’t Press Too Hard
Another common mistake that people make during shaving, which contributes hugely to razor burn, is pressing too hard with your razor. The blade should rest on the skin and should glide gently over the area without any downward pressure – a new razor with a sharp blade should need any pressure to be able to cut hairs.