Rules for shaving men. How to shave without stubble

Very often, men experience difficulty and fear when shaving their face and neck. The complex terrain, the protruding Adam's apple, really adds trouble and some skill is required in order not to get hurt and learn how to shave correctly.

Some people, due to excessive caution, are left with unshaved areas of skin. Some are concerned about redness, pain from cuts, or ingrown hair. All this may be a consequence of an incorrect approach to shaving.

In this article we will tell you 10 tips on how to shave properly for a man and avoid cuts, redness on the skin, and other irritations caused by the razor.

Some manufacturers claim that you can shave your face and neck without using shaving foam or gel. Don't take their word for it. Yes, they use some kind of soap bar to soften the shave, but it does not replace a full-fledged shaving gel/foam. Therefore, be sure to use shaving foam.

Use shaving cream or gel

The hair on your face can grow in different directions. Hair follicles located on one side of the face or neck can even be arranged in a circle. Understanding the direction of hair growth is the first step to shaving properly.

The easiest way to determine the direction of hair growth is to run your finger along 2-3 day old stubble. If the stubble scratches your finger, you are going against hair growth. If your finger goes smoothly, you are following the hair growth. You can even draw a “hair growth map” on paper if it’s easier for you to remember. Draw the direction with arrows on both sides of the face.

You need to shave in the direction of hair growth. Do not mind! This is the main rule of shaving.

Proper skin preparation is very often overlooked. As a rule, men rinse their face and chin, but they may, for example, forget about their neck. Remember to rinse your entire face and neck with warm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt. It's even better if you steam your skin during a hot shower or a warm towel placed on your face and neck for 2-3 minutes. The pores thus open up and shaving becomes both easier and safer.

If you have very sensitive skin, applying a small amount of shaving oil will help reduce irritation. The thin film will prevent the blade from touching the skin, and you can easily get through difficult areas.

Proceed as follows: wash your face -> apply oil -> apply shaving cream.

After preparing your face and steaming your skin, try shaving and rinsing the razor with cold water. Oddly enough, many note a decrease in irritation and the risk of cutting their face and neck.

By “special” I mean a shaving machine with softening strips and a large number of blades (from 3 pieces). They are sometimes called "safety razors" for shaving. In fact, the manufacturer of the machines made sure that with little knowledge about shaving, you could not hurt yourself or cut yourself, even shaving against the hair growth (as the advertising claims). The production uses high-quality sharp blades located at a certain angle so that the edge of the blade does not protrude too much and does not injure the face.

Tip #7. Pull out some hard-to-reach areas of skin

In some places it is very difficult to shave, even using all possible emollients. For example, the Adam's apple area is a very complex area. Try to move the area of ​​skin or tighten it by moving your head forward or backward. Shorter strokes of the razor will also help to delicately shave a difficult area.

Do not put pressure on the razor when shaving. You need to shave calmly and effortlessly. If the unfortunate hair is not shaved off, try slightly changing the direction of movement of the razor.

Once you have finished shaving, you should thoroughly rinse your face and neck with warm water (before applying aftershave lotion). This will allow you to get rid of any remaining shaving foam and particles of shaved hair.

After applying aftershave, it is recommended to rinse your face with cold water to close the pores of the face and neck. This is especially useful if you prefer to shave in the morning and then drive through a dusty city.

Let's face it. Many people fail to shave their face and neck perfectly, even after years of practice. Obviously, your skin won't become like a baby's even if you pour all the shaving products on yourself. Therefore, try not to cut yourself and bring your skills to a “satisfactory” level, and I think this is quite enough to look “presentable”.

From ancient times to this day, men have shaved their beards.

There are a variety of reasons for shaving: fashion, compliance with safety regulations, requirements for appearance in various establishments, comfort. How to do it beautifully, stylishly, and most importantly correctly?

Today, every man has the right to choose a smooth face, short stubble or a beard of a suitable shape. If you prefer a close shave to a full beard, then this article will help you understand the intricacies of classic men's shaving.

How to prepare your beard and facial skin before shaving?

Before shaving, inspect your facial skin and make sure there are no acne, erysipelas or other skin diseases.

For an easy and smooth shave, steaming your face is an important step. This can be done by simply washing with warm water or a hot towel.

How The hotter the water for washing or for towels, the better and more comfortable the shave will be.

Hot water will soothe and relax the hair and open the pores; you will feel that wet hair is shaved much easier than dry or under-steamed hair.

To prepare your beard and skin for shaving using a wet hot towel compress, you must:

• Pour hot water into a suitable container. It is good if the water temperature reaches 70-90˚ C. If desired, you can add decoctions of soothing herbs, such as chamomile or calendula, to the water.
• Submerge the towel in the water for about 30 seconds. The towel can be small: the main thing is that its size allows it to cover all areas that need to be shaved.
• Remove the towel from the water and wring it out. You don't need to squeeze too hard, but you shouldn't drip from the towel either.
• Place a towel on your face for a few minutes. In this case, you do not need to cover your nose and ears, since the compress affects those parts of the skin and hair where shaving will be done.

  To avoid holding the towel with your hands, sit in a comfortable chair and tilt your head back slightly. This will allow you to relax, which will have a beneficial effect on the preparation of your facial skin.

Necessary tools and facilities

The choice of tools and tools depends on personal preferences, the main thing is that you feel comfortable using them.

Among the shaving products and tools necessary are the following:

1. 
   shaving foam or gel– ensure the razor glides and moisturizes the skin.

   Promotes a close, smooth shave and prevents cuts and irritation.

2. 
   shaving brush– a brush is needed to evenly apply shaving cream to the skin of the face.

   You can apply the foam with your hands, however, when using a shaving brush, the consumption of foam or gel will be significantly lower.

3. Razor– the main tool for cutting facial hair.

   Also removing the upper stratum corneum of the epidermis.

   The following types of razors are available:

   • straight razor– folding razor with handle and all-metal blade.

     This type is the most difficult both to use and to care for, since if such a razor is used incorrectly, it is possible to inflict deep cuts on yourself, and the blade requires regular precise sharpening.

   • 
     Barber (safety) razor- an improved version of the straight razor.

     In this case, the blade is hollow and has a special holder inside for a replacement blade.

   • 
     T-shape razor with replaceable blade– the shape of this razor resembles the letter T.

     This is reflected in the title.

     In fact, this is a razor with one replaceable blade.

   • Disposable machine- Shaver.

     Intended for single use.

     The body is usually made of plastic, the head contains 1-2 metal blades.

   • 
     Reusable machine– a more durable and expensive tool.

     The blades are sold in the form of replaceable cassettes; one cassette contains several blades (from three to seven).

     Along with disposable razors, this variety is one of the most popular shaving tools.

   • 
     Electric razor- a complex electrical tool, usually including several rotating blades.

     A distinctive feature of using such a razor is that there is no need to apply foam to the face; shaving is done dry.

     This type of shaving can also be done with a clipper, but the clipper cannot provide ideal smoothness.

4. 
   Aftershave cream or lotion– are used to soothe the skin, prevent or reduce irritation and protect the facial skin from external aggressive influences.

   Such products also have antiseptic properties and prevent infection of skin microtraumas.

5. 
   Towels– a couple of towels will definitely be needed for a proper and comfortable shave.

   One towel is used as a hot compress, the other is left dry to dry the skin after shaving.

Details on how to properly shave a beard

Compliance with shaving technique is the key to the success of this procedure. Proper shaving not only allows you to achieve smooth and clean skin, but also prevents cuts, irritation and inflammation.

Initial shaving should be carried out only according to hair growth! Otherwise, you risk damaging your hair follicles, which can lead to the risk of ingrown hairs.

In order to maintain the correct shaving technique, follow a certain sequence of actions:

Treatment of skin after shaving at home

Once you've shaved off unwanted stubble, you should definitely pay attention to skin care. After all, the shaving procedure is quite traumatic even if all the rules are followed, so every effort must be made to ensure that microtraumas of the skin do not cause inconvenience and do not develop into irritation and inflammation.

To properly treat your leather, follow these procedures:

1. After shaving, rinse off any remaining foam and shaved hair with warm water.
2. Pat your face with a dry towel. Try not to rub, as friction will create unnecessary conditions for the development of irritation.
3. Apply after shaving care product to your face using patting massage movements. Currently, various creams, lotions and balms are widely used. If you are prone to irritation and allergic reactions, use products for sensitive skin.

Remember that each person has a purely individual reaction to the different substances that make up creams and balms. If burning, itching or irritation occurs, stop using this product immediately.

Useful video

How to shave a beard?

Conclusion

Shaving the face is a very common procedure among men, however, it is not as easy as it seems. Improper use of a razor and care products can lead to various undesirable consequences.

To avoid them, follow the basic rules of shaving and facial skin care, be careful and attentive. In this case, your face will always look fresh and well-groomed, and your appearance will always be at its best.

Shaving is not just a mechanical process; barbers have made a real art out of it. A beard is no longer something shapeless and taken for granted, as it was in the past. Now this is a trend and an indisputable indicator of masculinity.

How to shave a beard? How to beautifully shape contours at home and create a fashionable haircut using improvised means? Below we will break it down into sections.

If you are faced with the question of “shaving or growing it,” then you should take into account that both having a smooth face and wearing a beard have their advantages and disadvantages. Epochs change, one trend is replaced by another.

Now the “beard trend” is coming to the forefront, as evidenced by the data: the percentage of men who have undergone hair transplant operations has increased 600 times. These are those who, for some reason, cannot grow facial hair on their own. Fashion magazines and the style of stars preach brutal images. How to shave a beard beautifully so that the image corresponds to modern realities? How to take into account all the nuances on the neck, chin, temples? First things first.

If you do not have a thick beard, no hair on your cheeks, thin and sparse hair,
-There is a remedy that works for 2 weeks! This is a unique product consisting exclusively of natural ingredients. The result is a thick and beautiful beard!

Pros and cons of wearing a beard

Advantages	Flaws
Masculinity and brutality are guaranteed to a man	Men with beards look older than their years
Behind the cover of stubble, you can advantageously hide skin imperfections: scars, pimples, redness, and other undesirable phenomena.	A beard turns off some women and causes irritation during intimacy
A man with a well-groomed beard looks more respectable and weighty	An unkempt beard brings untidiness and sloppiness to the image
There is no connection to shaving, procedures last much less	Requires additional funds and time for care
It's warmer in winter	Problems with stubble may arise, it may fall out, dandruff may appear, and the beard will lose its attractiveness.
attractiveness A beard makes you stand out from the crowd, adds charm, and helps you shape your style.	It's hot in summer with a lot of vegetation

How to prepare before shaving

Before shaving, the skin and facial hair must be prepared:

1. Wash hair and facial areas for shaving. It is advisable to do this with hot water and shampoo. The face should steam, this makes the shaving process easier. Wait until your hair is dry.
2. Comb according to hair growth.

Wash your beard carefully and correctly

Safety regulations

The shaving process involves quite dangerous tools, these are:

1. Razors (especially straight razors).
2. Scissors.
3. Electrical appliances such as trimmers.

It is very important to follow certain shaving rules while working.

Shaving safety rules

1. Do not use dull razors, blades, or scissors. They injure the skin, remove bristles poorly, cause pain, and contribute to the appearance of ingrown hairs.
2. To prevent the blades from rusting and water from getting on the trimmer, store the tool in separate cases.
3. During transportation, so as not to accidentally injure anyone (in most cases, you), the instruments should be in cases or covers.
4. To avoid causing harm to someone who accidentally walks in, do not swing razors, trimmers or scissors while in the bathroom.

What should you remember when working with electrical appliances?

1. Read the instructions in detail before starting work.
2. Do not allow water to come into contact with a device running on mains power.
3. Use the device only for its intended purpose.
4. Before washing or dry cleaning, unplug the shaver.
5. Do not leave the machine turned on unless necessary, especially when leaving the room.
6. Do not insert foreign objects in place of the blades.
7. Before turning on, make sure that the cord is not damaged.
8. Keep tools out of the reach of children.

How to shave a beard beautifully

How to shave your beard to stay trendy?

Basic haircuts

, or island

This design has two options: with and without a mustache. The hair is shaved, framing the chin area of ​​the face. The rounded appearance is preserved, with a small island of hair remaining under the lower lip. Aristocratic character is emphasized.

Fashionable goatee beard

Balbo

It consists of a mustache and beard, divided into three sections: the cheeks are shaved smooth, the lower part of the chin is completely covered with stubble. A W shape appears on the chin.

Van Dyke

It is a thick goatee in tandem with a downward curved mustache. The cheeks are shaved clean and a goatee is formed. The mustache is optionally connected to the chin. Van Dyke graces the faces of Bradley Cooper and Jeremy Renner.

Van Dyck beard

Hollywood

It consists of a densely stubbled chin and mustache. Planting begins from the middle of the cheeks, while their upper part is shaved clean, the neck is also densely covered with hairs up to the Adam's apple. Hollywood lovers - George Clooney, Hugh Jackman.

French plug

It is vegetation coming from the temples, which covers the cheeks, merges with the mustache and bifurcates at the end. The haircut should start from the temples, smoothly going down to the ends of the hair, and at the end, frame the mustache. Bright bearer: Brad Pitt.

Wide tanks

To style this type of beard, you need to lower your sideburns all the way down to your chin. We start cutting from the sideburns and go down to the chin, the center of the chin is shaved, you can also shave the mustache. Prominent representative: Hugh Jackman.

Fu Manchu

Shows a pronounced mustache, smoothly turning into beard stripes, symmetry is required. Manchu lovers: Travolta, Hulk Hogan.

Duck tail

It originates from the sideburns, going down, sharply tapering towards the chin. The upper part of the cheeks is shaved clean. Symmetry is the key to the success of this model. Representatives: DiCaprio, Mel Gibson.

Rapper standard

It is cut into a thin strip that frames the jaw, extending from temple to temple. The thin mustache blends smoothly into the main goatee design.

Sparrow

The mustache is carefully trimmed, the beard is trimmed in the form of a goatee, and the ends are braided.

Box

The hair extends completely from the corners of the lips downwards and covers the neck, connecting to the sideburns; the hairstyle is crowned with a thick mustache. Fans of this model: George Clooney, Ben Affleck.

It looks like an anchor, concentrated on the chin, the other part of the face is clean shaved, with a mustache on top.

Russian

This look needs to be grown well and efficiently, the beard stretches from temple to temple. It is very thick and lush, headed at the top by wide mustaches.

Basic scenario for proper shaving

• Hair length is trimmed.
• Apply gel or foam.
• You should start shaving from the cheek area, depending on the intended hairstyle.
• The next zone is the neck. Adjustable depending on hairstyle.
• Then they move on to the chin and correct the contours.
• They complete the haircut by correcting the mustache, moving from the center to the ends.

Necessary tools and facilities

To trim your beard you will need:

1. Mirror.
2. Razor.
3. Trimmer.
4. Scissors.
5. Gel or foam.
6. Crest.
7. Towel.

To steam your face from water, we prefer hot.

Stages and types of beard shaving

Let's list the stages:

1. Growing.
2. Selection of form.
3. Modeling.

Growing hair

For some men, it is accompanied by difficulties: they do not grow, fall out, and become patchy. Problems can be caused by genetics, lack of vitamins, poor lifestyle, or diseases.

Special medications, vitamins, and masks will help solve problems. There's nothing you can do about genetics except join the six hundred percent who get hair transplants.

How to start growing? First you need to do a smooth shave. As soon as the bristles begin to grow evenly and densely, it’s time to stop and wait for the desired length.

Choosing a beard shape to suit your face

When choosing a design, it is important to take into account the shape of your face, otherwise it may result in unjustified hopes and a spoiled image.

1. For those with a round face, elongated hairstyles are suitable; for those with a triangular face structure, square and trapezoidal shapes are suitable.
2. The absolute lucky ones are those with an oval face shape: a hairstyle of any shape will suit them.

Now on the Internet you can even find special programs that help you determine your face type and choose the right hairstyle.

Modeling the selected shape

Using a trimmer, the desired hairstyle is modeled and clear contours are formed.

Main types of beard hairstyles: Goatee, Balbo, Van Dyke, Hollywood, French Fork, Wide Sideburns, Fu Manchu, Duck Tail, Rapper Standard, Sparrow, Box, Anchor, Russian.

The best way to shave

A straight or regular razor is perfect for a close shave. For hard, thick stubble, a double-blade razor is suitable. To create a certain hairstyle, use a trimmer and scissors. Shaving your beard with a trimmer is recommended to create contours and only with small stubble. cope well with thick and long vegetation.

Still from the film “Live and Let Die”

At first glance, the classic machine looks intimidating. Of course, this model seems outdated to everyone, because, most likely, you could have seen this from your grandfather. Especially now, when almost everyone uses razors with replaceable cartridges with three to five blades. Think about it: an old-school safety razor only has one blade! And it's very spicy.

But there are several reasons why you should put aside your razor with replaceable cartridges and buy a classic razor.

Advantages of a safety razor:

Maximum skin contact: The blade of a classic razor fits much more tightly to the skin than a model with cartridges. Therefore, you need to be careful when handling your safety razor. But having learned the craft of proper shaving with a classic model, you will never pick up a plastic analogue again.

Less resistance, less irritation: While modern razors offer three to five blades in one cartridge, a safety razor successfully operates with just one. This means that the machine is less damaging to your skin. When using a classic razor, there is less chance of detachment of the upper part of the epidermis along with the hairs, which also will not get stuck inside the blades. Rest assured that the classic razor will provide you with a safe shave, if you do everything correctly, of course.

Better for coarse hair: If you have thick hair that cannot be easily shaved with a regular cartridge razor (which leads to further skin irritation), then the classic model will save your face. And since you'll be replacing the blade after every use, you won't encounter any irritation.

Cheap replacement blades: if you buy them in large packages at once, they are really very cheap - 5-7 rubles apiece. Therefore, without a twinge of conscience, you will throw away the blade after each shave and always use only new, sharp and clean ones.

You are responsible for your shaving: this process requires a lot of attention and accuracy, everything must be under control. You have to think about your every movement, the amount of pressure (or better yet, the lack thereof) and, of course, the angle. Yes, it won’t be easy at first, but your face is your business card. Take your time - make shaving a real ceremony, and then you will look forward to your next meeting with the razor.

If you have decided to test the classic machine in action and have already gone to the store to buy it, then you need to know how to use it correctly. We will tell you how to wield the blade and enjoy the process.

1. Don’t skimp on your razor

A razor with a weighted body will give you the balance and pressure you need for a perfect shave - a process that doesn't require any additional pressure on the skin. So spend a good amount on the best razor of your life. You can become part of the razor community and own a Bevel tool. They are the universally recognized kings of blades and machines.

Although Baxter of California and OneBlade also have beautiful, but more expensive models.

Bevel, $50 at getbevel.com

Baxter of California, $75 at baxterofcalifornia.com

OneBlade, $80 at onebladeshave.com

2. Keep your blades clean

Replacement blades are several times cheaper than plastic cartridges with several rows of razor blades. Therefore, you do not need to use the blade several times. Simply unscrew the machine head, throw away the old blade (preferably wrapped in paper) and insert the new blade. But do all this right before shaving, and not a few days before the process.

Shaving blades, Derby, $8 on amazon.com

3. Prepare your skin for shaving

Even if you don't switch to a safety razor and remain a cartridge enthusiast, you should still prepare your skin for shaving. You need to soften it with warm water and then apply shaving oil. Do your best to lift your hair slightly as you apply the product. A brush works best for this: choose faux fur over badger or squirrel fur.

Pre-shave cream, Proraso, $13 on amazon.com

Shaving soap, Dr. Bronner's, $12 on amazon.com

Brush, Fendrihan, $16 at fendrihan.com

4. Keep your skin taut

It is at this stage that the mechanical shaving process begins. Remember: the skin under the razor must be taut. You need to operate the machine without putting unnecessary pressure on it and without damaging the epidermis with the blades, and to do this you need to avoid unnecessary resistance. Therefore, turn your head, tilt your neck and stretch your skin, so the razor will glide better without pressure.

5. Operate the machine at an acute angle and do not press

A heavy handle should help you hold the razor correctly. You do not need to put additional pressure on the machine, because the blade will do its job without much effort. The main thing is to hold the razor at an angle of 30-45 degrees.

6. Follow the direction of hair growth

Another thing to always keep in mind while shaving is the direction of hair growth. Your movements should coincide with it, and not oppose it. You may need to take a closer look at the direction of hair growth and adjust it before shaving with oil. Your facial hair doesn't grow in one direction, so arrange it in a way that makes shaving easier.

7. Shave short and straight.

Last but not least, you need to shave in small, even strokes. Minimize the movement of the razor on the skin. Run the machine over one area of ​​the skin, then go up a little higher and run again. You can wash off excess foam and hair from the razor, change the side of the blade, but try not to touch again the part of the skin where there is no longer any hair left, otherwise you will injure it. If you watch your movements and keep them to a minimum, you will protect yourself from unnecessary irritation.

First published on the American GQ website.

You might also be interested in:

Everything you need about shaving

How to properly testicles?

To remove excess hair on the face and body, two methods are used: removing it from the roots - epilation and cutting it off at the root - shaving. The second method seems simpler, but it is not. Effective shaving - without skin irritation and hair residue - requires knowledge and compliance with the rules. The shaving process requires a serious and responsible attitude, the deserved result of which will be smooth and clean skin.

Shaving - what is it, the principle of action on hair

Shaving is a method of hair removal in which the outer part of the hair is trimmed with sharp blades. The shaving device is called a razor.

The most ancient razors, found in Egyptian tombs, were made of copper and gold. Their age dates back to the fourth millennium BC. In Ancient Egypt, hair was most often shaved on the head and face, both men and women.

Even before our era, the Egyptians used razors made of copper, bronze or gold.

The shaving device is called a razor. Hair cutting can be done using open-blade straight razors, T-bar safety razors with replaceable blades, and electrical devices. It is believed that “dangerous” razors shave the cleanest, then disposable and reusable razors, and in last place are electric shavers. But if we consider the speed of work, then the situation is the opposite: electrical appliances shave the fastest, followed by conventional razors, and the slowest are “dangerous” razors.

The most popular shaving devices today, each of which has its own followers

When starting to shave, it is necessary to take into account that the hair on the face and body does not grow strictly perpendicular to the skin, but at an angle. Proper shaving consists of two stages: first in the direction of hair growth, and then against it.

The hair growth rate is approximately 0.4 mm per day. In a month, the hair lengthens by 1–2 cm. The champion in terms of growth speed is male stubble, and the slowest ones are eyebrow hairs.

It is useful for men to know that the center of facial hair growth is the chin - from its middle, hairs begin to grow in all directions. The chin usually has the coarsest and stiffest stubble. Closer to the temples, the hairs become much thinner. The most difficult area for a good shave is above the lips: here the hairs are directed in different directions, and due to the complex terrain, delicate manipulations and frequent changes in shaving direction are required.

Types of shaving

Types of shaving are distinguished by the type of device with which the process is performed.

Royal

A royal shave is shaving with a straight razor. Previously, this method was used by noble people, including members of the royal family, hence the name. Of course, they did this not on their own, but with the help of invited masters - barbers.

A straight razor looks like a pocket knife with an open blade. Its flexible and very thin cutting edge is sharpened at a certain angle. A high-quality straight razor will retain its sharpness for decades.

Men used this tool to shave long before the advent of machines. To perform a royal shave, you must have the appropriate skills, because it is easy to cut yourself with an open blade. In beauty salons, only the most skilled craftsmen use this technique and its cost is high.
Royal shaving is best done in a special salon with the help of a master

The wide blade allows you to remove a large number of hairs at the same time, so if you handle the tool skillfully, the risk of skin irritation is minimal. Before shaving, the skin is steamed with a hot scented towel, after which it must be soothed with a massage with a special product and disinfected with cologne.

Dry

Dry shaving is shaving with an electric razor. As the name suggests, the skin is not moisturized and the procedure is performed dry. The method is convenient because it does not require water or cosmetics and can be used on the road, on a hike, or even in a traffic jam.
The main advantage of dry shaving is the ability to shave quickly and without unnecessary complications on the road.

The blades of an electric razor are covered with special meshes, so they do not have direct contact with the skin. On the one hand, this protects the skin from cuts and reduces the likelihood of irritation, on the other hand, the quality of hair removal suffers, and you have to run the razor over the skin again and again. And the skin is not protected by cosmetics that ensure good gliding of the blades, which is why some users experience redness and itching.

Modern electric razors often have a wet shaving function that allows you to use the device in the shower, using gel or foam, so the feel and result of this procedure are increasingly similar to machines.

Despite the high cost of an electric razor and the disadvantages of the dry method, it is quite popular among both male and female consumers, as it saves time and effort.

Classic

Classic shaving is the process of removing excess hair using a T-shaped razor with a single blade. This device is called a safety razor and it is what the fathers and grandfathers of modern men used. The single blade can be easily removed from the machine and disinfected, and, if necessary, replaced with a fresh one. Proponents of classic shaving argue that one blade sliding over the skin irritates it much less than several blades with which modern machines are equipped.
For classic shaving you will need a razor with one or two blades, a shaving brush, and aftershave and aftershave.

Where can you get a real safety razor with a double-edged blade? If you didn’t inherit one from your father or grandfather, you can purchase it in special online stores. The price will be significant - from two thousand rubles, but the payback of such a device is high, because only periodic changes of the blade will be required, which costs much less than replacement cassettes for modern machines.

Classic shaving is always done wet, using shaving cream or soap, which is distributed over the skin using a special shaving brush.

A brush is a brush made of natural bristles. The best brushes are made from badger or squirrel hair. They whip up a dense foam and lightly exfoliate the top layer of skin. Traditional shaving creams and soaps are usually made from natural ingredients and are very economical, which justifies their high cost.

Shaving with modern reusable razors

Modern razors are descendants of the safety razor; they have the same T-shape, but contain several blades, and are also often equipped with a floating mounting system that allows them to adapt to the curves of the body.
Modern T-blades have multiple blades built into a floating head

Machines are disposable and reusable. It is recommended to use a disposable machine no more than 2-3 times and then simply throw it away. It has the simplest design and cheapest blade. Using a reusable machine involves periodically changing the blade block - once a month or more often.

It is convenient if the machine is equipped with a special indicator that signals the need to replace the blade cassette.

Modern machines involve only wet shaving, while the process is very similar to the classic method and is carried out in the bathroom.
To shave with a razor, you definitely need water, a mirror and shaving cream.

It should be noted that modern shaving products differ from traditional ones in quality and composition, not for the better. Products are made cheaper due to the use of synthetic ingredients, which, however, does not prevent shaving foam or shaving gel from performing their functions perfectly.

In general, razors are considered to shave cleaner than electric shavers, but are more irritating to the skin due to the direct contact of the blades with the outer layer of the skin.

Shaving rules

Adolescence

Typically, people pick up a razor for the first time during adolescence, when, as a result of puberty, the child's hair begins to actively grow. The help of parents is very important here, because teenagers do not know how to operate a machine or an electric razor.

Medical experts recommend starting shaving no earlier than 14 years of age. In the past, it was believed that you should not shave before the age of 18, but now views have changed. Firstly, growing up occurs earlier, and secondly, you always need to take into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Girls develop body hair during adolescence, adding to their self-doubt and fears about their appearance. The task of parents is to assess whether these hairs actually worsen the appearance and need regular removal. If yes, then for women and girls there are special women's razors and epilators, as well as beauty salons where you can remove hair for a long time. But if it is a light, unnoticeable fluff, you must try to explain to the girl that it does not spoil her at all. In general, shaving is a rather harmful process for children’s delicate skin, so the later teenagers start it, the better.

Teenage boys perceive stubble as a sign of maturity and masculinity and are proud of it. They may even start shaving frequently to stimulate hair growth. In this case, you need to explain to the young man that the growth rate does not depend on the frequency of shaving. If a boy wants to have a clean chin, then this is his personal business, and after teaching him the rules of shaving, his parents should leave him alone - let him shave as much as he wants.
The task of parents is to teach their child to shave correctly so as not to damage the delicate baby skin.

Shaving with an electric razor

It is better to choose an electric razor with a wet shaving function and a floating blade mounting system. Wet shaving will give you the opportunity to use emollients, and the movable head will carefully follow the contours of the body.
Wet shaving with an electric razor is much better tolerated by the skin than dry shaving.

When shaving with an electric razor, you need to follow the direction of the shaving movements for different types of devices. When using a rotary razor, you need to make smooth circular movements, and with a foil razor, you need to make progressive movements up and down.

You should shave in the direction of hair growth. In places with complex terrain, you will sometimes have to cut hairs both against the growth and perpendicular to it, but in this case you must act very carefully, without pressing on the cutting element and without creating unnecessary friction on the skin.
This is approximately how hair grows on a man’s face, but individual differences are possible.

When choosing a reusable machine, it is better to give preference to models with floating heads and blades that move in different directions. Such machines provide a smooth and comfortable shave.

The choice of cosmetics should be made taking into account your skin type. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic products without alcohol are suitable; for dry skin, those containing moisturizing components are suitable; for oily skin, alcohol-based lotions and drying components, such as oak bark, are suitable. Silicone in the gel or foam improves the glide of the razor.

If irritation and rashes after the procedure are common, then products with salicylic acid and triclosan, as well as alum in the form of powder or solid stone (alunite), will help to cope with them. In addition, alum perfectly stops bleeding and heals microcuts.

A brush made of natural bristles is suitable for distributing soap or gel over the skin.
The shaving brush is useful not only for classic shaving, but also for modern shaving, because it perfectly distributes shaving foam over the skin.

It is better to hold the machine at approximately a 30-degree angle to the skin, clamping its handle like a spoon. If you want a perfect result, then after the first pass with the machine you can make a second and third, changing the direction of movement. But this method is not suitable for beginners and people with sensitive skin!

The machine should be rinsed with hot water as often as possible, getting rid of debris and moisturizing the blades.

Which shaving system to choose

The rotary shaving system uses curved blades attached to the head and covered by a mesh disc. These blades rotate in a circle at high speed and cut off hairs that fall into the mesh. Most often these are three disks arranged in a triangle.
This is what the shaving elements of rotary and mesh shaving systems look like

The main advantages of a rotary shaving system include:

• Clean shave.
• Suitable for hard and rough bristles.
• It follows the contours of the face well due to the large number of floating heads.
• Often has a self-cleaning and self-sharpening function for knives.

In a foil shaving system, the basis is a vibrating blade, which is protected by a special metal mesh. Hairs penetrating through the mesh are cut off with a blade, but not to the very root. Therefore, users make the most complaints about the cleanliness of the shave. In most cases, short, almost imperceptible stubble remains on the skin. By the way, many men like this “light stubble” effect on the face, as it gives them a brutal look.

Advantages of a foil shaving system:

• Compact design for a smooth shave, even in hard-to-reach places.
• Gentle shaving of sensitive skin, eliminating the possibility of cuts.
• Built-in trimmer on some models.
• Wet shaving function.

The disadvantages are the quality of hair removal, the fragility of the metal mesh and the small area of ​​skin coverage, due to which the user has to run the device over the face many times. However, it is the foil models that make up the absolute majority among women's electric shavers, and are also recommended for teenagers for their first shave.

Skin preparation

Before you start shaving, you need to cleanse your skin with soap or cleanser.

The next step is to soften the hair. Hair saturated with water is much easier to cut than dry hair. Therefore, you should treat the skin with hot water. It is best to shave not before taking a shower, but after it. The shower should be hot - such water will not only nourish the hairs better, but also expand the pores and relax the muscles of the face and body. If it is not possible to take a shower, then you should at least wash your face with hot water for a few minutes.

Important! The skin must be kept moisturized the entire time the hair is being cut. To do this, you can periodically rinse it with hot water or wipe it with a wet towel.

In salons, steaming and moisturizing the skin is carried out using a towel soaked in hot water.

People with sensitive skin can use infusions of medicinal herbs, such as chamomile or mint, instead of water. They protect and tone the skin, giving it a fresh look.

• A chamomile decoction is prepared as follows: a teaspoon of crushed chamomile flowers is poured into a glass of boiling water and infused under the lid for about 2 hours. You can also use ready-made chamomile tea in paper bags.
• A decoction of chamomile and mint has a calming and cooling effect: pour one tablespoon of each herb into two glasses of boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes, then leave to infuse.

Chamomile decoction is useful for preparing the skin for shaving and for soothing it after the procedure is completed.

Apply foam or shaving gel to steamed and moisturized skin. If the stubble is very hard, it is recommended to leave the product on the skin for 10 minutes, this will help further soften the hairs.

Skin care after shaving

Skin care procedures after shaving are no less important than preliminary ones. Thanks to them, the likelihood of rashes and redness of the skin decreases, it recovers faster and looks better. First, you need to rinse off any remaining hair and shaving foam and rinse your face with cool water. Cold helps close skin pores and constrict blood vessels, thereby protecting the body from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria. Cool water will cool and soothe your skin after shaving

You can make a compress from a towel soaked in cold water or wipe the skin with a piece of ice.

According to statistics, a person inflicts approximately 150 microcuts on himself while shaving. These wounds are very small and do not cause any particular inconvenience, but to prevent inflammation, the skin after shaving must be treated with antiseptic agents.

Next you need to carry out the disinfection procedure. Cologne, like any alcohol-based liquid, greatly dries out the skin, causing irritation and peeling. It is better to use products such as chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil (5 drops per tablespoon of olive oil). Chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide are gentler on the skin than alcohol solutions

After your face has cooled, you can apply an aftershave: lotion, gel or cream. It is better to choose high-quality cosmetics from well-known manufacturers, because the harmful components of cheap products, if they come into contact with injured skin, will cause the opposite effect - additional irritation and allergic reactions.

In winter, some aftershave creams will provide your skin with additional protection from the cold. For example, a regular baby cream not only perfectly relieves irritation, but also creates a thin fatty film on the skin that protects from frost and wind. The well-known remedies Panthenol, Rescuer, Healer are also well suited for this purpose.

There are folk recipes for getting rid of irritation after shaving, which can also be used as preventive measures.

• Treat problem areas with talcum powder or baby powder. It’s good if the powder contains string extract.
• Aloe cream: Grind a few fresh aloe leaves and mix them with vegetable oil. The recipe is suggested for use after shaving your legs.
• Blue clay mask for the bikini area: dilute the clay powder with warm water to the consistency of sour cream, apply the paste to the shaved areas, wrap with film and leave overnight.
• Compress of medicinal herbs for the skin of the armpits: soak gauze in a decoction of string, chamomile, mint and apply it to problem areas for several minutes until the discomfort decreases.

Baby powder or talcum powder will soothe the skin after dry and wet shaving

Contraindications and possible consequences

There are no absolute contraindications to shaving, since this procedure is quite safe if all hygienic requirements are met. Sensitive and irritation-prone skin can be considered a relative contraindication, but people with this problem also shave, they just have to take more careful care of their skin.

Causes of skin irritation

There are certain techniques and hygiene requirements, neglect of which causes redness and irritation, the appearance of pimples, wounds and ingrown hairs.
Most often, skin irritation is caused by improper shaving.

1. First of all, you need to keep your razor blades sharp and clean. Dull blades, instead of cutting hairs, tear them away from the skin, and dirty ones lead to debris and harmful microorganisms getting into microcracks. The razor must be personal, sharp and clean!
2. Excessive use of the machine makes the skin thinner, dryer and sore, resulting in wrinkles, rashes and red spots.
3. Dry shaving, without the use of hot water and auxiliary products, itself leads to skin irritation. If, if all other conditions are met, the skin does not look its best after dry shaving, then you need to change the electric razor to a machine or model with a wet shaving function.
4. If the skin is not moisturized with hot water before shaving and not cooled after, this can also cause irritation.
5. Removing hair against the direction of its growth is very effective, but often injures the skin.

Ingrown hairs occur after shaving and epilation. If the hair is cut too short or torn off, it bends inside the hair follicle and grows under the surface of the skin. Inflammation appears at this site, itching and pain are felt.
Stages of hair ingrowth into the skin

Ingrown hairs need to be removed. To do this, you need to soften the desired area of ​​skin with a damp compress, disinfect tweezers and pull out the ingrown hair. Treat the place where it grows with an antiseptic - hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or even an alcohol solution will do. To prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs, you need to use only sharp blades and a good razor, and also properly moisturize the skin before and after shaving.

Myths about rapid hair growth and stiffness from frequent shaving

Medical experts confidently state that cutting hair has absolutely no effect on its growth rate, thickness and stiffness. The fact is that hair grows only in its lowest part - the hair follicle (bulb), located deep under the skin.
The growth and division of hair cells occurs deep below the surface of the skin, in the hair follicle, so manipulation of the upper part of the hair does not have any effect on its growth

Why is there such a widespread belief about rapid growth and thickening of hair after shaving? The fact is that the hair at the very root is thicker, and towards the end it becomes thinner and often fades in the sun. Therefore, when cutting off the upper parts, the remaining or emerging new hair appears thicker, coarser and intensely colored.

On average, our hair grows about 1 centimeter per month. The main reasons that determine their growth and quality are genetics, the state of human health and the external conditions in which he lives (climate, ecology, lifestyle, etc.).

What is the difference between women's and men's shaving?

The shaving technique for men and women is not particularly different, but varies depending on the area of ​​the body on which the procedure is performed.
The differences between women's and men's shaving are not in the techniques, but in the areas of the body that are treated with a razor.

Features of men's shaving

Men's razors are designed primarily for shaving facial stubble, although electric shavers may have a built-in trimmer or attachments for shaping the beard, mustache, temple line and nape. But since stubble grows quickly and many men are forced to deal with it, if not daily, then regularly, there are much more men's razors on sale than women's.

Men very rarely remove hair from the roots; such procedures for them are rather the exception to the rule, at least in our country (in Europe, hair removal is in demand among men too), so shaving is the only way for them to get rid of excess hair. A smooth face or light stubble makes males look younger and more attractive, which is why they shave more often than grow a beard. In addition, the beard and mustache also require careful care.
Having a smooth face is considered more fashionable in modern society than growing a beard.

Features of women's shaving

In addition to shaving, women often resort to epilation and depilation, that is, they remove hair from the root in various ways. Cutting hair is not very popular among the fair sex, because after a few days it grows back and the procedure has to be repeated. However, shaving, including with a trimmer, is considered the safest method of getting rid of hair, especially in sensitive areas.

As for the parts of the body that women often use with a razor, these are the armpits, legs and bikini area.
Most often, women shave their legs, a little less often the armpit and bikini area.

Thus, when talking about women's shaving, they mean different parts of the body, not the face. Therefore, devices for women differ from men's. There are razors and trimmers designed primarily for treating private parts and armpits, while there are devices more suitable for shaving legs. However, the skin of the legs is quite unpretentious and can withstand shaving even with men’s razors or electric razors without any special consequences. But there are many requirements for devices for treating the bikini area, since this is where the skin and mucous membranes are the most delicate and vulnerable.
Universal shaving devices that can treat any part of the body are popular among women.

Manufacturers are trying to provide women's razors with floating heads, moisturizing strips and other pleasant additions for a comfortable shave. After all, women's skin is much softer and more sensitive than men's, and their hairs are thinner.
Women's razors are distinguished by their attractive appearance, light weight and the presence of additional options for a more comfortable shave.

Security measures

1. The sharpness of the blades is the key to a clean shave without irritation. It is necessary to change blades, cassettes, and shaving heads in a timely manner.
2. You cannot press on the razor; it should slide freely. If the skin is not clean enough, then you need to apply shaving cream and treat this area again.
3. When stretching the skin with your hands, be careful not to overdo it. Excessive stretching exposes the hair roots and leads to ingrown hairs and pimples.
4. Master the shaving technique gradually: at first no more than twice a week and only according to hair growth, then you can try to shave more often and in other directions.
5. Keep your razor clean and periodically wipe it with a disinfectant solution. Do not allow other people to use your device.
6. Treat all cuts and scrapes with an antiseptic immediately after shaving.

Video lesson: how to shave properly

There are many types of shaving, but the ones that are most valued are those that save effort and time. However, the choice remains with the buyer, because classical methods have their advantages. You should try to perceive the shaving process itself not as a heavy duty, but as a creative procedure for improving your appearance. Over time, the number of mistakes will decrease, practical experience and understanding of your individual characteristics will appear, and shaving will become more and more comfortable and give you a feeling of satisfaction from the result obtained.