A Comprehensive Guide to Comfortable Shaving

Life is full of little annoyances: traffic jams, late trains, tax returns, slow Wi-Fi;  Irritation from shaving can be just as stressful, with the simple task of removing unwanted hair from your face and body becoming an unpleasant ordeal. We present, a comprehensive guide to comfortable shaving.

 You can’t eliminate previous bugbears, but you can  make shaving more comfortable in every way. Razor burns are usually felt almost immediately after shaving and cause noticeable redness, rash, small red bumps, irritation, burning, and tightness on the skin. This is primarily caused by the friction of the blades that removes the top layer of the epidermis, but it is not the only complication of shaving. Ingrown hairs and razor bumps are caused by improper shaving and can cause  rash, swelling, tenderness, itching, and even infection.  You must want to know how to prevent skin irritation when shaving. First things first:

1. Rule out skin diseases/conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne are common skin conditions that make shaving difficult. If irritation or breakouts occur, you may need to step away from the blade until your skin has completely healed. Using a razor or pouring alcohol on skin that is already inflamed, chapped, flaking, or damaged will not produce good results.
2. Soften Stubble: Apart from skin concerns, preparation is an important factor in reducing razor burn. Making the hair as soft as possible beforehand will reduce the strain on the blade. It is recommended to use a hot towel before opening up your pores for a smoother shave. You can do this in your own bathroom with a towel and hot water. Alternatively, you can take a bath in a hot shower or steamy bathroom.
3. Shaving is Skincare: It’s really important to treat shaving like an extension of your skin care routine. So think about your pre- and post-shave care. This includes exfoliation and use of scrubs too. Face and body scrubs help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps, and remove build-up to help unclog pores. It helps unclog and smooth the hair follicles, leaving your skin clean. Natural scrubs such as salt, sugar, pumice, coffee beans, jojoba beads, and murumuru seeds are very effective in removing debris and resurfacing the skin.
4. Stay Smooth: To achieve the right level of glide, it is important to find the right balance of soap and water. The texture of the foam should be such that it glides between your fingers. If the bubbles burst, the soap doesn’t have enough ingredients to do its job. If it feels greasy, it’s too soapy and has razor-like resistance. Whether it’s  shaving cream, shaving oil, shaving gel, or traditional shaving soap,  a good shaving brush application will also lift your shaving brush. This makes hair follicles easier to cut and reduces ingrown hairs. Another technique is to lather up and reapply shaving gel or foam when shaving to avoid irritation as much as possible.
5. The Rules : Don’t start shaving against the direction of your beard growth. Excessive traction can cause ingrown hairs and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Work along the grain at first, then work against the grain after one or two swipes.
6. Use a safety razor: Much of the irritation caused by shaving comes from the simple mechanism of dragging the blade across your skin. Pulling, tugging, tangling, and repeatedly stroking the same area of ​​stubble are the main causes of razor bumps. To avoid this, it is important to hold the blade at a correct 30 degree angle. If you’re switching to a safety razor for the first time, try the AL13 from Henson. The blade is fixed at a precise 30 degree angle and reaches just 33 micrometres, which is about the thickness of a human hair. This means it does all the work of finding the angle automatically, saving you time and effort and ensuring a very safe shave.
7. Keep Your Blades Sharp: Because refill cartridges can be so expensive, it’s tempting to want them to last as long as possible. However, dull blades are more likely to cause irritation. Keep your blades sharper longer by rinsing them after each stroke, drying them after use, and hanging them on a shaving stand to keep them clean and dry between shaves. Safety razors contain the least expensive disposable blades and are available in large quantities for long periods of time.
8. Switch to electric shavers: electric shavers offer convenience and speed, making them  popular with many. It provides a quick and efficient shave and is perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go grooming. Additionally, electric shavers are often gentler on the skin than traditional blades, reducing the risk of cuts and irritation.
9. Pick up Protective Razors: As an alternative to  electric razors, you can also find cartridge razors designed specifically for men with sensitive skin, like the Gillette SkinGuard for instance. SkinGuard technology is placed between the blades to lubricate the skin and protect it from direct contact with the blades. This razor provides maximum lubrication and comfort by using lubricant before and after the blade. This is highly recommended when choosing a razor.
10.  Right tools for manscaping: To reduce the risk of hacking work, it is important to treat your intimate areas with the same care you give to your face. This is another part of complete self-care. All kinds of products and regular habits can help you reduce irritation and achieve your best results. You can also soak your skin and hair for a few minutes to open the pores and for a smoother process, you can use a razor to remove the hair close to the skin or use a trimmer protection to cut the hair; Either shorten the hair  (but not remove it completely) or a combination of both. In any case, it is best to first cut your hair when it is dry.
11. Make sure to finish up: After shaving, it is best practice to use a cold towel to close the pores. Using a hot towel first and a cold towel to finish soothes the skin, turning shaving from a chore to a less challenging activity. Finally, add a soothing aftershave  and a moisturising/cooling agent. If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to do a little testing to find out which products and specific ingredients work best for your face. 
12. When it gets worse: If your freshly shaved face or groin is on fire, stay completely relaxed because this happens. If the irritation is severe, avoid using common aftershave products  and apply a cold towel to avoid further irritation. You can also try applying  rose water on the affected area to soothe and repair the skin. If your symptoms are mild, add your favourite hydrating moisturiser for sensitive skin.