Skin & hair · 10 min
A gentler shave
Warm water first, a sharp blade, short strokes with the grain, cool water after. Kinder to the skin, whether you shave yourself or someone else.
Shaving, whether face, legs or underarms, is one of the most common causes of irritated skin: redness, nicks, bumps and razor burn. A few small changes in how you prepare and how you shave can make it gentler. The same steps apply when you shave someone you care for.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Soften the hair first: shave after a warm shower, or hold a warm, damp cloth on the skin for a minute or two.
Use a shaving cream or gel and a clean, sharp blade. A dull blade drags and irritates.
Shave in short, light strokes in the direction the hair grows, rinsing the blade often. Do not press hard or go over the same patch many times.
Rinse with cool water, pat dry, and smooth on a plain, unperfumed moisturiser.
The reason
Why it helps
Dry hair is tougher to cut, so softening it with warmth and moisture means less pulling on the skin. Shaving with the grain and with a sharp blade reduces nicks and ingrown hairs. Moisturising afterwards helps calm the skin.
A gentle variation
If your skin is very sensitive, or your hands are less steady, an electric razor is gentler and less likely to cut. Shave every other day rather than daily to give the skin a rest.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
If you shave someone you care for, sit them comfortably facing you in good light, tell them what you are about to do, and let them guide you. Many people prefer an electric razor for this, and some like to keep the routine they have always had.
Try it today
Next time you shave, soften the hair with warm water first, use a sharp blade with light strokes with the grain, and finish with cool water and moisturiser.
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