Application
Wet your skin with warm water. Step into the shower or grab a wet washcloth, then soak the part of your body that you’re going to shave for about 5 minutes. This will help to open up your pores and soothe your skin so that you get a smoother, cleaner shave. If you’re shaving your face, it’s probably easier to use a washcloth than to stand in the shower.
Lather the shaving cream in your hands for the easiest application. Squirt out an almond-sized dab of shaving cream in your hands, then rub your palms together. Do this for about 5 seconds until the shaving cream looks smooth and frothy. If you have sensitive skin, look for a shaving cream that says “soothing” or “for sensitive skin.”
Use a shaving brush and a bowl to make the shaving cream smoother. If you’re shaving your face and you’d like a smoother application, squirt your shaving cream into a shaving bowl, then use the shaving brush to swirl it around. Keep doing this for about 1 minute until the shaving cream looks white and frothy. You really only need to use a shaving bowl and brush if you’re shaving your face. If you’re working on other parts of your body, don’t worry about it.
Rub the shaving cream onto the area of your body. Taking your foamy shaving cream, apply a thick layer all over the area you’d like to shave. If you’re shaving your legs, lather up one leg at a time so you don’t have to worry about accidentally rinsing off any shaving cream. You shouldn’t be able to see your skin at all under the layer of shaving cream.
How to Shave
Shave your face in the direction your hair grows. Use short strokes with your razor, pulling it across your face with the grain of your hair. This helps reduce irritation and razor burn once you’re finished. A single-blade razor will give you the closest shave and the least irritation. Stretch the skin tight to get the closest shave. Lower your jaw to make the skin on your cheeks taut and tilt your head up when you start shaving your neck.
Move your razor around to get all your underarm hair. Armpit hairs tend to grow in all different directions, so you might have to turn your razor a few times to get a close shave. Try going sideways and diagonally until you feel a smooth, flat surface underneath your arms. Everybody’s armpit hair grows a little differently, so you might have to try a few different directions until you find what’s right for you.
Go against the direction your hair grows on your legs. Grab your razor and press it lightly over your skin. Drag the razor up toward you, going in the opposite direction that your hair grows. Pass over each section multiple times to give your legs a silky smooth finish. Make sure you’re using a fresh razor that hasn’t been used too many times. Using a dull razor can cut your legs or give you a rash, and no one wants to deal with that. If you get ingrown hairs often, try shaving in the direction that your hair grows instead.
Shave with the grain of your hair in short strokes on your pubic area. If you need to, pull back any loose skin with your free hand. Rinse the razor off periodically so you can see what you’re doing, and go super slow around sensitive areas so you don’t accidentally cut yourself. Use a hand mirror to look at areas that may be difficult to see otherwise. If you do accidentally cut yourself on your pubic area, it’s not the end of the world. Rinse off the shaving cream, then hold toilet paper against the cut until it stops bleeding.
Aftercare
Rinse the area with water to get rid of all the shaving cream. You can grab a wet washcloth or stand under the shower for this part. Make sure you really rinse off all the shaving cream to avoid any itchiness when it dries. If your skin feels irritated, use cold water to help soothe your pores.
Pat your skin dry with a towel. Your skin might be feeling a little more sensitive than usual, so go slow with your movements. Make sure your skin is totally dry before you get dressed for the day. Microfiber towels are usually less scratchy than cotton ones, and they can help if your skin is feeling irritated.
Apply baby oil or a moisturizer to keep your skin soft. If you shaved your body, you can add a bit of fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe your skin. Lotions with aloe vera can help to reduce razor burn, especially in sensitive areas. Stay away from lotions or creams that have fragrance in them. The harsh chemicals can dry out your skin or sting on small cuts.
Put on aftershave if you shaved your face. Aftershave is optional, but it can help to close your pores and prevent irritation. Splash a few drops of aftershave onto your hands, then pat it onto your face all over the area you just shaved. If you have sensitive skin, aftershave may sting or burn a little. Aftershave usually has a little bit of fragrance in it. If you aren’t a fan of the cologne smell, go for a natural option, like witch hazel.
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