Shaving Tips

---

• For Men
• |
• For Women

Shaving Tips for Men

Facial hair is some of the toughest hair on the entire body. Wet shaving is one hair removal technique that can be efficient and painless, if proper technique is followed. To achieve a close, comfortable shave, follow these steps:

1. Wash your face with soap and warm water to remove oils from the hair and skin, and to allow whisker softening to occur. Or better yet, shave after a shower when hair is fully saturated with water.

2. Next apply a thick layer of shaving cream or gel, and allow it to sit on skin approximately three minutes.

   • Keeps moisture on the skin to enhance softening
   • Reduces friction caused by the razor going over the skin's surface
   • Carries away debris removed by the razor blade
   • Enables you to see the area already shaved
3. Remember to shave in the direction of hair growth. Take your time and shave carefully over sensitive areas. For a closer shave, carefully shave against the grain of hair growth.
4. Immediately rinse with cold water to remove any traces of soap or lather.
5. Complete your shaving regimen with an aftershave product to soothe sensitive areas. Skin can be irritated by the alcohol found in many aftershave splashes, so use a cream or gel aftershave product if you have sensitive skin.

Use a clean, sharp blade. Newer blades require less force to cut through the hair than dull blades. Since you don't need much pressure with a new blade, you'll reduce the risk of nicks and cuts.

Shaving Tips for Women

When shaving legs, underarms or bikini area, proper moisturization is a vital first step. Never shave without first moistening dry hair with water, as dry hair is difficult to cut and breaks down the fine edge of a razor blade. A sharp blade is crucial to getting a close, comfortable, irritation-free shave. A razor that scratches or pulls needs a new blade immediately.

Legs

1. Moisten skin with water for about three minutes, then apply a thick shaving gel. Water plumps up the hair, making it easier to cut, and the shaving gel helps retain the moisture.
2. Use long, even strokes without applying excessive pressure. Shave carefully over bony areas like ankles, shins and knees.
3. For knees, bend slightly to pull the skin tight before shaving, as folded skin is difficult to shave.
4. Stay warm to prevent goose bumps, as any irregularity in the skin surface can complicate shaving.
5. Wire-wrapped blades, like those made by Schick^® or Wilkinson Sword, help prevent careless nicks and cuts. Don't press too hard! Simply let the blade and handle do the work for you.
6. Remember to shave in the direction of hair growth. Take your time and shave carefully over sensitive areas. For a closer shave, carefully shave against the grain of hair growth.

Underarms

1. Moisten skin and apply a thick shaving gel.
2. Lift your arm up while shaving to pull skin tight.
3. Shave from the bottom up, allowing the razor to glide over the skin.
4. Avoid shaving the same area more than once, to minimize skin irritation.
5. Wire-wrapped blades, like those made by Schick^® or Wilkinson Sword, help prevent careless nicks and cuts. Don't press too hard! Simply let the blade and handle do the work for you.
6. Avoid applying deodorants or antiperspirants immediately after shaving, as doing so can result in irritation and stinging. To prevent this, shave underarms at night and give the area time to stabilize before using deodorant.

Bikini Area

1. Moisten hair for three minutes with water and then apply a thick shaving gel. This preparation is a must, as the hair in the bikini area tends to be thicker, denser and curlier, making it more difficult to cut.
2. Handle the skin in the bikini area gently, as it is thin and tender.
3. Shave horizontally, from the outside to the inside of the upper thigh and groin area, using smooth even strokes.
4. Shave frequently year-round to keep the area free of irritation and ingrown hairs.

After-shave activities: Give your skin 30 minutes off
Skin is at its most sensitive immediately after shaving. To prevent inflammation, let skin rest at least 30 minutes before:

Applying lotions, moisturizers or medications. If you must moisturize immediately following shaving, select a cream formula rather than a lotion, and avoid exfoliating moisturizers that may contain alpha hydroxy acids.

Going swimming. Freshly shaved skin is vulnerable to the stinging effects of chlorine and salt water, as well as suntan lotions and sunscreens that contain alcohol.