Top 3 Most Common Shaving Issues

Beauty / Grooming
MD Alexandra Dorobantu
Dermatologist
On Feb 1st, 2021
Shaving Club

Avoid the most common issues when shaving with the right technique and products. You will not need to worry about cuts, bumps, rashes or ingrown hairs anymore.

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Let's explore the most common issues men face when shaving, and the best ways to overcome them.

Ingrown Hairs 

Ingrown hairs develop when shaved strands start to grow back. It may cause irritation, discomfort, and minor bumps in the area where you shaved the hair. This problem is most common in men who have coarse or curly hair.

Dead skin cells build-up can play an essential role in developing ingrown hairs. Dead skin cells clog pores resulting in breakouts and folliculitis. Symptoms of ingrown hairs include swelling, itchiness and tender bumps.

Solution

While ingrown hairs may go away on its own, sometimes it is hard to get rid of them. So, you need to have a proper shaving technique and high-quality products to prevent any unwanted issues. Start by cleansing your skin with lukewarm water, then apply a good shaving gel or cream.

When shaving, do not stretch your skin and use as few strokes as possible.  If you have sensitive skin, shave only in the direction of hair growth. Don't forget to moisturise after shaving!

Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells, debris and other impurities that may clog pores. Your skin will be so much smoother and it will make shaving more enjoyable.

Razor Burns and Rashes

Shaving rashes, often referred to as razor burns, can be unpleasant and irritating. If you ever experienced red patches on the skin after shaving, you've had a razor burn.

The number one cause of shaving rashes is a poor shaving technique. Other causes include dry shaving, pressing aggressively with a sharp razor blade and lack of hydration during the shaving process.

Solution

How to avoid razor burns, you may wonder? Well, the first thing you have to do is start using high-quality equipment for shaving. Choose a razor that glides smoothly and doesn't pull on your skin. Use a light hand and less pressure when passing the blade on your skin. Shave following the direction of hair growth. This technique will avoid razor rashes and bumps.

Another thing you can do to prevent razor burns is to exfoliate before shaving. Exfoliating is a process that removes excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells from the top layer of the epidermis. Moisturise and wear SPF daily to protect your skin.

Skin Irritations

Skin irritations are quite common for men who shave. You just need to follow some simple steps to avoid them as much as you can.

Solution

Start by exfoliating your skin before shaving. Then take a 10-15 minutes shower to soften your hairs. The water shouldn't be too hot! Lukewarm water is perfect to avoid drying out your skin.

Consider using a shaving gel, foam or cream to lubricate the area to be shaved. Going with the grain or against the grain is totally up to you! Don't press too hard and use gentle strokes.

Rinse with cold water and use a moisturiser after. Search for products made with soothing ingredients like ceramides, Centella Asiatica, Aloe vera or allantoin. Avoid perfumes and fragrances.

Shaving properly requires time and a sturdy technique. These tips will help you achieve a stress-free shave and overcome these common issues. We are here to help! So, we've created a whole mini-series about shaving and how to do it right! Use the #DHShavingClub to share your experience and discover our favourite products!

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