Most women spend a considerable amount of time shaving to remove unwanted body hair and obtain smooth skin. In fact, Women’s Health states that nearly 3/4 of women remove the hair on their legs at least three times each week during the summer months. Unfortunately, improper shaving technique or a lack of preparation can leave the skin looking and feeling worse than it did before shaving. Achieving a close shave without experiencing razor bumps, cuts and ingrown hairs requires a bit of time and effort before, during and after shaving.
Prepare Your Hair
Adequate preparation can prevent most shaving problems and ensure the closest shave possible. Showering in hot water or soaking in a hot tub for three to five minutes before shaving will soften hair and open up the hair follicles, making the hair easier to remove and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Before shaving pubic hair, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) recommends cutting away as much hair as possible so that the shaving process goes more quickly and skin irritation is minimal.
Protect Your Skin
In addition to posing a risk of bacterial or fungal skin infection, improper shaving technique can lead to razor burn, itching and cuts. To reduce the likelihood of these complications, use a shaving cream or gel, shave in straight lines and with gentle pressure, rinse the razor often during shaving and move the razor in the direction of hair growth. Change razor blades frequently to prevent skin irritation caused by dull or dirty blades, and sterilize blades with rubbing alcohol after each use to prevent infection. Razors should have a comfortable, non-slip grip to prevent cuts and nicks.
Shaving After-Care
Always apply moisturizing lotion to your skin after shaving, and do not shave more than once each day, even if some hair is still present after shaving. Shaving too often irritates the skin and causes razor burn. PAMF recommends applying 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to itchy or inflamed skin, and treating irritated skin with aloe vera or a moisturizing ointment. The Mayo Clinic suggests removing ingrown hairs by inserting a sterile needle under the hair loop to lift it out. Bumps, pimples and other signs of skin irritation or mild infection are typically treatable at home with frequent application of an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment.
