How to Prevent Shaving Injuries, A Guide to Shaving Safety
When you shave, there’s the possibility that you might cut yourself accidentally. Whether it be from a dull blade, an angle that doesn’t suit your face or pressure that’s too heavy, shaving can cause nasty injuries. Luckily, you can take measures to reduce the risk of cuts and nicks. Even the smoothest and sharpest blade can cause you razor burn or even lead to infection if not handled with care. The best way to avoid any shaving injury is by taking time to prepare your skin before shaving, ensuring that the blade is sharp, and testing on other areas first; all sounds like a lot of work, right? But it only takes a few minutes and could save you some severe pain down the road. Here are a few tips on how to prevent shaving injuries:
Keep your blades sharp.
A dull blade increases your chances of nicking yourself and causes more irritation. A worn blade will make the hairs bend or break when you try to cut them instead of slicing through them cleanly. A dull blade also requires more pressure and can irritate sensitive skin. To extend the life of your blades, you can: - Clean your razor after each use - Rinse your razor after each use under warm water to remove excess hair and lather. You can also add a drop of your favorite shaving gel or liquid to the razor to act as a lubricant and get it extra clean. - Store the razor in a dry area - Storing your razor in a dry environment will help extend the life of the blades. A dry environment prevents the blades from rusting. - Replace your blades every 5 to 7 shaves - The lifespan of your blades will vary depending on how often you shave. Replace your blades every 5 to 7 shaves to avoid cuts and nicks caused by dull blades.
Use a Shaving Gel or Cream with Vitamin E
Shaving gel and shaving creams are the best way to prevent shaving injuries. They help reduce the risk of cuts and lift the hairs from the skin and provide a clean surface for the razor to glide on. - Look for shaving gels and creams with vitamin E as an ingredient, as this helps your skin retain moisture, preventing dry, flaky skin. - Choose a shaving cream or gel that is helpful for sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is more prone to irritations and rashes than normal skin. A shaving gel or cream designed for sensitive skin contains fewer fragrances, is free of artificial colors, and is less likely to irritate.
Dry Shave Before You Lather up
It may be tempting to lather your shaving brush with shaving cream and get straight to shaving, but this could be asking for trouble. Hair has a layer of natural oils which will help it stand straight up and make it easier to cut. Getting rid of this oil with a hot towel will make the blade glide more smoothly and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. You can also take a hot shower beforehand to open your pores and get the hairs standing upright. You can also use a dry brush to help lift the inches before you jump in the shower.
Don’t apply pressure when you shave.
When you shave, it’s important not to apply too much pressure. Apply lighter strokes, and don’t shave against the grain. If you constantly use a heavy hand, you are more likely to become impatient and make mistakes. Shaving without care could lead to irritation, cuts, or even infections. Try to keep things light and smooth - the idea is to remove hairs, not remove parts of your face.
Ensure you have a good razor handle grip
The best way to avoid cuts and nicks is to hold the razor correctly. Make sure you have a razor like a pencil with your thumb and index finger. Keep your other fingers off the razor as much as possible, and let the razor do the work. If you want to be extra careful, you can use a shaving gel or cream for sensitive skin. And remember, never shave against the grain. Always shave with the grain. While this may seem like common sense, it’s something many people forget. Shaving against the grain can lead to ingrown hairs, irritation, and even infection.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent shaving injuries is to be careful when shaving. Attempt to take your time and take your time with the process. It also means that you need to have a good razor technique. To do this, you should ensure that your razor is clean and sharp, have a good grip on the handle, and apply the least amount of pressure possible when shaving.