Each time you shave, you struggle to get that perfect smooth shave that you want to get. It does not matter if you are shaving your face, your legs, armpit, or bikini line. You usually end up with bumps that are painful and itchy to the touch and the one reason that is happening is that you are not shaving in the proper direction. You may also be using a razor that is old and not of good quality. However, if you are using shaving cream and a new razor, and you are still ending up with those red bumps and itchy skin, then there is a reason that is happening. You are shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth. But how do you know the direction your hair grows? If people knew that then they would be shaving in the right direction and would be avoiding those problems.
You Can Examine The Direction Of Hair Growth
You will learn the direction of hair growth when you examine it. For example, the hair on your face will grow downward, while the hair on your neck will grow upward. That is key to having a smooth and comfortable shave. Because when you shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, it will cause friction and that will cause those problems you are having. Now, let’s talk about how you can examine the direction your hair grows.
An easy way to do that is by sliding your hand across your skin and if it has a rough feel to it, you are sliding your hand in the direction opposite to the hair growth. That is why if you shave in that direction, you will end up with friction, red bumps, pain, irritation, and itchy skin. That is known as razor burn. If you slide your hand across your skin and it feels smooth, that is the correct direction of hair growth. That also means you will have a smooth shave.
You may have been told to shave against the hair growth or grain because it will provide you with a close shave the quickest. However, anyone who tells you to do that is not considering that you will end up with plenty of skin irritation after. Those red bumps do not disappear immediately and will stay with you for several days. Therefore, if you keep shaving this way, you will perpetually have irritated skin and plenty of pain. Therefore, you will need to keep going in the direction of the grain in order to avoid that even if it takes you longer to do the job.
What Are Some Other Tips For A Smooth Shave?
You definitely want to use a fresh razor because if you use an old razor that is dull, you can still end up with skin irritation if you even go with the grain. You also want to rinse your blade on the back and front after each stroke with hot water. It is also important to use shaving gel or cream that will not only keep your hair soft but will also help keep your skin moisturized. And don’t apply too much pressure as you shave.
Therefore, it is essential to clean out your electric razor and replace them with new blades often. Once you see a blade becoming dull, you do not want to use it any longer. If you are using non-electric disposable razors, you can use them a few times but you also should toss them away after three shaves at the most. If you keep your razors fresh, and you shave in the direction of hair growth, and you are using a cream or gel to moisturize your skin and soften your hair, then you will have a smooth shave.
