Shaving razor problems FAQs
Here are some of your frequently asked questions that relate to problems of shaving body hairs with razors, for both men and women:
What are the side effects of shaving?
There are a number of side effects to be aware of if you shave. These include cuts, abrasions, irritation, and ingrown hairs (also known as 'razor bumps' or pseudofolliculitis). Many of these side effects can be minimized by using a new blade, applying plenty of lubrication, and not pressing on too hard with the razor.
Many people believe that shaving causes the shaved hair to become thicker and darker. However, this is not the case. The hair only appears to be thicker and darker as the shaved body hair has a blunt thick end, rather than a lighter tapered end, as new hairs have. Clinical studies have shown that shaving does not have any effect on the speed of hair growth, or the amount of growth.
Cuts
Many people experience the odd shaving cut, on any part of their body, which can last for up to 15 minutes. Cuts are caused by the razor blade moving across the skin, parallel with the blade, or by slicing off the top of a small bump on the skin. The most common methods to stop the bleeding include dabbing the cut with a swab soaked in alcohol, applying a piece of paper napkin onto the cut, or using a styptic pencil. Also, placing a small amount of petroleum jelly on a cut after most of the bleeding has stopped can prevent a scab from forming. A method used to prevent cuts is to shave with cold water. This reduces the amount of blood flow to the skin due to vasoconstriction caused by the cold water.
Razor burn
Razor burn is an irritation of the skin caused by shaving sensitive areas or not using a proper technique to shave. They are likely to be caused if the person shaves too often with a blunt blade, dry shaves, applies too much pressure, shaves too quickly or roughly, or shaves against the direction of the hair. It often appears as a mild rash and usually disappears after a few hours to a few days. In severe cases, the razor burn can also be accompanied by razor bumps.
The most common areas of the body that experience razor burn are those where course hairs grow on sensitive skin. On women this is likely to be around the bikini line and underarms, and on men it is likely to be on their chests and beards. For more information on razor burns, read How do I avoid razor burns?
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs (also called pseudofolliculitis) are hairs that either grow into the wall of the follicle (i.e. don't leave the follicle), or leave the follicle and curl back and penetrate into the skin. People with curly hair often experience more ingrown hairs because the hair curls back into the skin. What makes matters worse is that when you shave the hair, it makes them sharper and therefore more likely to penetrate the skin. Men often get ingrown beard hairs, and women can often get them after shaving or waxing their legs, underarms, and bikini lines. For more information on ingrown hairs, read How do I avoid ingrown hairs?
How do I avoid razor burns?
Razor burns can be reduced or prevented by doing the following:
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Keeping the face moist
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Using a shaving brush and lather
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Using a good moisturizing shaving gel (consider changing your brand/type)
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Shave in the same direction of the hair growth
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Do not shave too closely to the skin
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Applying minimal pressure to the skin
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Avoid using irritating products on the shaved area
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Avoid scratching or irritating the skin after shaving
To help improve the appearance and sooth a razor burn apply witch hazel, mild salicylic acid solutions, aloe vera, cortisone creams or cold water.
How do I avoid ingrown hairs?
There are a number of techniques that are recommended to alleviate ingrown hairs on sensitive parts of the body; these are:
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Using an electric shaver can help the condition because it does not cut the hair as close to the skin as a razor blades does
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Chemical shaves are a technique some doctors recommend
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Shave only every other day with a single blade razor if possible
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Use a loofah twice a day to help draw the hairs back out from the skin
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Consider laser hair removal, as some patients have experienced fewer ingrown hairs
If you do prefer to shave using a razor then follow these steps:
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Wash you face with a mild cleanser and then rinse.
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Massage the area to be shaved gently in a circular motion with a warm, moist, soft washcloth. This motion will free up the hair tips, drawing them out of the skin so they can be cut with the razor. The warm water will also soften the hairs, making them much easier to cut.
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Apply a non-irritating shaving gel rather than a cream or lotion. Now shave in the direction of the hair growth. It is better to use a single blade razor and try not to pull the skin taut when shaving. Change your single blade razor after every third use, as dull blades increase razor bumps.
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After you have finished shaving, rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a mild moisturizing aftershave lotion every other day, rather than daily.
Do not be tempted to tweeze out ingrown hairs as this may cause skin damage and increase the likelihood of more ingrown hairs.
What should I be careful of when shaving body hair?
There a number of issues to consider when you shave body hair; these are:
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Be careful not to cut any natural bumps in your skin, such as moles, warts and your Adam's Apple.
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Avoid using a shaving brush if your skin is sensitive or oily, as they are fairly harsh.
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Avoid shaving in the opposite direction of the hair growth as this can lead to ingrown hairs.
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Razor blades are very sharp. Do not test the sharpness of a blade with your fingertips.
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Do not share razors, as infections can be easily spread.
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Do not use a bent or rusted razor as this is likely to cause infection and razor burns.
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