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BY SCHICK
Women have been shaving since they were old enough to bare their legs during gym class in high school, but have you ever wondered if you have been shaving properly? Looking back I remember that it was a tricky thing to navigate, but having the right tools was a huge help.
We asked Geoff Mahanay, who is a Trichologist Consultant (a branch of dermatology that deals with the scientific study of the health of hair and scalp) for Schick a few questions about the who, what and how’s of getting the perfect shave.
What is the proper shaving technique?
Perform the shave with a set pattern as going over one area too many times will physically burn the skin. Commence at the top of shave area and methodically move downward in small sections. You should also use a shaving cream or gel to place a barrier between the skin and the blade.
What are the common mistakes women make while shaving?
They rush and miss spots. Go slow to be thorough to get a better result. Some women don’t replace their razor often enough and are shaving with a blunt blade. A sharp razor slices through the hair more easily and you get a closer shave. A dull blade drags and can create razor burn and irritation.
Also, another common mistake is not using a good shaving prep. A moisturising shaving cream is best. Shaving cream foam expands on the skin to lift the hair at a better cutting angle.
How do you avoid cutting or nicking yourself when shaving?
Use a sharp blade. Surprisingly, most cuts and nicks are the result of using a dull blade which doesn’t cut through the hair as well as a sharp blade and makes you press down harder. Also, the Schick Hydro Silk has wire wrapped blades which help prevent careless nicks and cuts.
How often should you replace your razor?
It is important to change your blade regularly as a sharp blade is crucial for getting a close shave. The risk of nicks, cuts and irritation increases the longer you use a blade. With a high performance razor like the Schick Hydro Silk you should replace cartridges after five uses to get an optimal shave.
How to shave: Step by step guide
- Splash warm water on the skin, or soak for a few minutes, before shaving to soften the skin.
- Apply a shaving cream or gel and allow to soften the skin for a few minutes before you start to shave.
- Some people find it easiest when they first start shaving is to sit on the edge of the bathtub with legs inside the tub.
- Press lightly in an upward motion towards your knee (shave in the direction against hair growth). Use short smooth strokes with a steady, even pressure.
- Don’t rush or press down too hard. It’s important to shave slowly and gently. Let the razor blade do the work.
- Make sure you use a new and sharp razor. A dull blade can irritate the skin, causes razor rash, and you can cut skin more easily with a dull blade. Also, use your own razor, don’t share a razor with others.
- Use extra caution around the knee, shin and ankle. These areas are trickier to navigate and easier to nick. Again, go slow.
- Most girls prefer to shave their legs and bikini area upward, because this provides a closer shave, but underarm hair grown in lots of directions. To get a close shave, you may need to shave side to side, up and down. Just be careful.
- After shaving underarm hair, don’t apply antiperspirant for several hours until natural barrier oils return to protect the skin.
- Remember to rinse the razor under water after each stroke to get rid of the hair stuck in the razor.
- Thoroughly wash the skin with water after shaving, and moisturize after to keep skin soft and hydrated. This minimises the chance of ingrown hairs.
Find out more about Schick‘s new Hydro Silk razor on their Facebook page.
This post was sponsored by Schick. All thoughts and comments are our own.
