In what is a never-ending struggle for men when it comes to shaving.here are the most common shaving mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake: Not prepping the skin/hair appropriately. A splash of water won’t do the trick. Over prepping can also be problematic. If you have a bushy beard or longer stubble, more prep is required before picking up your razor.
How to avoid: For men, use a hot towel (but not hot enough to irritate the skin) or plan to shave after a hot shower. For women, stick to shaving in the shower. The steam will allow the outer layer of the hair to soften making for an easier and safer shave. If you have a thicker beard or long stubble, use an electric razor on its lowest setting to trim the hair first, before beginning to prep for your shave.
Mistake: Improperly navigating your grain pattern, or knowing which way your hair grows.
How to avoid: Let your hair grow out enough so you can physically feel the way your hair is growing if you slide your finger across the skin. When shaving, the first pass of the shave should go with the grain when the hair is at its longest. The following pass should go against the grain when the hair is shorter and there are less dead skin cells to get in the way. This process should relieve any tug and pull on the skin while leaving the area smooth.
Mistake: Putting too much pressure on your skin while shaving will lead to unwanted cuts and nicks. This may be the most common mistake we all make, but it’s the easiest to avoid.
How to avoid: I know it’s hard not to think that applying more pressure will get more of your stubble, but it’s actually the opposite. Gently gliding the razor across your skin will work the best for a close shave.
Mistake: Using too much or too little shaving cream can have the same effect as not prepping the skin appropriately. If you’re using too little of the product, your hair may not soften up enough, causing a rougher shave. Or the opposite, if you’re using too much of the product, it can become a slippery mess and a red flag for cuts.
How to avoid: When applying shaving cream, using an almond-sized portion will allow for the smooth shave you’re looking for. If the surface you’re shaving is a little larger, adding a tiny bit more should do the trick.
❖ Helpful tip: Using shaving products that also provide hydration, like Harry’s Shaving Gel, will help eliminate irritation. We
use natural ingredients like aloe and cucumber that hydrate and refresh your skin!
Mistake: Using soap or body wash might seem like a good idea when you’re out of shaving products or waiting for payday, but doing so will cause trauma to your skin.
How to avoid: Although soaps and shaving creams feel and look like they have similar properties, soap removes dirt & oil from the skin, working against your shave. On the other hand, shaving products provide moisture and slip agents to decrease friction. Stick to shaving products — you (and your skin) won’t be disappointed.
Mistake: Leaving your razor on the shower ledge or bathroom sink where bacteria and water are flying around will diminish the value of the razor, leaving it dirty and dull.
How to avoid: Store your razor in an area where there is limited water exposure. This doesn’t mean to throw your razor into a drawer where bacteria can live. Opt for a quality razor stand, like this one from Harry’s. It’s designed to keep your razor above water while leaving it on display!
Mistake: Using your razor longer than you’re supposed to will cause more cuts and nicks than you’re expecting. Most people aren’t sure when to actually switch out your razors.
How to avoid: We recommend to change your razor blade every 6-8 shaves. By using a subscription service like Harry’s to receive quality razors, you’ll never have to worry about when to switch out your razor again. Being able to customize your own delivery schedule based on how often you’d like to receive new razors is convenient for everyone.