Make sure you have the right facts before you reach for your trusted razor.
• T or F: When shaving, you should always go against the grain.
- FALSE. It’s actually better to shave in the direction of your hair growth to help prevent infections, nicks, and ingrowns.
• T or F: Using only soap and water are fine while shaving.
- FALSE. Soap and water is not a good choice for a close shave. Soap is meant to cleanse skin and remove oils along with the dirt, leaving your skin dry and vulnerable. Water on its own does soften skin and hair, but it evaporates too quickly to help your shave.
Shaving gel or foam provides a protective blanket that keeps hair soft during the shave. It also lubricates, allowing your razor to glide more easily over your skin. Another bonus: Shaving gel won’t clog your razor the way ordinary soap can.
• T or F: You should always moisturize post-shave.
- TRUE. Since you remove a thin layer of skin whenever you shave, you need to rehydrate your skin by applying lotion afterwards.
• T or F: Dry shaving is okay if you’re on the go or in a hurry.
- FALSE. If you’re heading out in a cute mini or on a last-minute trip to the pool, take the extra few minutes to do it right. Two minutes soaking in warm water and a couple of extra minutes to apply shave cream will save you some serious razor burn and unnecessary nicks and cuts. A quick, dry shave, on the other hand, will land you in long pants for the next week, or more, while those uncomfortable and embarrassing scabs and scrapes heal.
• T or F: Shaving with a fresh razor gives you more nicks and cuts. You have to break the razor in first.
- FALSE. It’s actually just the opposite. Shaving with a dull blade can cause nicks and cuts. A sharp, fresh razor with three or more blades will give you a cleaner, closer shave and you’ll be less likely to cut yourself shaving. Try Venus Embrace — with five blades!
