Looking For A Smooth Shave? These 5 Razor Tricks Can Help You

Shaving is the easiest and quickest way to get rid of unwanted body hair. But getting a clean finish can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you get a smoother shave so that it looks as if you’ve just hit the salon.

1. Don’t dry shave

Using a razor on dry skin is not only difficult, it also increases the risk of cuts and irritation. With a dry shave, you also miss the most beneficial part of shaving—exfoliation. Ideally, you should soak your skin well for at least two to three minutes in lukewarm water to soften and hydrate your skin and hair. This will make your task easier and will get you a better result. Avoid using hot water because it can make your skin too soft and therefore more susceptible to cuts.

2. Exfoliation is a must

This is one of the most important steps to get a super-smooth, close shave. It helps you get rid of dead skin cells so that they don’t overload your razor. Use a loofah, a bath scrub, a pumice stone or an electric exfoliator/massage brush to give your body a good scrub before using a razor.

3. Don’t use a shampoo or soap

Many people don’t care to buy a proper shaving cream and make do with a shampoo or a bathing soap, thinking the lather is good enough for the blade to glide on the skin. However, you couldn’t be more wrong. Regular soaps and shampoos can have an astringent effect, says Sandra Powell, manager of Cleveland Clinic's Aesthetics Programme, leading to dry and flaky skin post-shave. You can also feel skin irritation. Stick to a foam or gel-based formulation that is specifically meant for shaving. And if you run out of it, use a hair conditioner or coconut oil for an easy shave.

4. Go against the flow

For a better shave, run the razor against the direction of the hair growth. For example, when shaving legs, start at the ankle and work your way up towards the knee. When it comes to the underarms, shave upwards and then get to the root.

5. Post-shave care

After the shave, rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of lather and residue. Then finish it off with a cold water rinse to close the pores. Once your skin is dry, apply a nourishing moisturizer to prevent flakiness. If you are planning to step out, use a sunscreen because the skin becomes more sensitive after a shave and direct sun rays can cause itchiness.

Tip: You must replace your razor or razor blade regularly. A blunt razor can’t give you a smooth shave and also cause more friction against your skin, which can lead to cuts and nicks.