Shaving: What Not To Do

If attaining the perfect shave was easy, barbershops would have gone the way of horse-drawn buggies and rotary telephones. The fact that barbers spend several months learning the fine art of shaving is proof that it takes more than just a steady hand and some shaving cream to get the job done properly.

When shaving, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. The cardinal rule is to never shave against the grain, or in the opposite direction of the hair's natural growth. This rule is often overlooked since shaving against the grain will give you a closer shave, but it will also lead to irritation and ingrown hairs.

It is also important to pay close attention to the sharpness of your razor blades. At one time or another we have all tried to squeeze one more shave out of a disposable blade, and this decision often results in nicks and cuts. The life of your blade depends on the coarseness of your hair; those with baby-fine hair can get more shaves out of a single blade than someone with thick and wiry hair. If you have very coarse stubble, it is generally not a good idea to shave more than three times with the same razor. As a razor dulls, you will have to apply more pressure to shave, which will result in damaging the skin.

Do not fall for the gimmicks when choosing a razor. These days, they have razors with six blades and razors that vibrate, and razors with indicator strips that will tell you when it's time to change blades. Most of these products are over-priced and unnecessary. By learning how to shave properly, you will be able to get a good shave with even the cheapest of disposable blades.

If you have sensitive skin, it may be a wise idea to invest in a hot lather machine, which will heat up any regular can of shaving cream. Heat will soften the hair, thereby making it much easier for the razor to cut. Some people prefer to shave in the shower for the same reason; the steam generated by hot water will also soften the hair.

Even the best of us sometimes nick ourselves, or suffer from the occasional razor burn. I have discovered a very effective trick for battling post-shaving irritation. Immediately after shaving, I rub a stick of unscented deodorant on my skin. It is important to use the stick variety of deodorant for this, since aerosol deodorant will not have the same effect. Unscented deodorant will stop small nicks from bleeding, it will soothe the skin, and it will completely get rid of any redness or bumps on the skin.

Originally published by Marlin Bressi for Helium.com.  To read more of Marlin's articles, visit his homepage at http://www.helium.com/users/318715