Shaving Myths And Effective Post-Shave Skin Care

Shaving is just like cutting your hair, except that with shaving, you remove the hair from as close to your skin as possible.

Is Hair Growth Affected Due To Shaving?

Each strand of hair begins in a follicle present in the skin. This follicle is the only part that’s ‘alive’. The strand of hair that extends above the skin is dead, so cutting or shaving it off won’t affect hair growth unless the follicle—which is situated deep in the skin—is damaged in some way. And shaving doesn’t damage hair follicles.

How The Myth May Have Originated

When hair strands start to grow back, the follicles hold them erect. And they seem coarser because of this. The hair is darker due to lesser exposure to the sun at that point.

Hair growth is also more noticeable on clean-shaven skin rather than on skin that already has a full growth of hair.

The Long-Term Effects Of Shaving

Any or all of these things may happen if you continue shaving for a long period of time:

Irritation and redness of skin

Stinging and a burning sensation in the skin

Cuts and abrasions

Razor burn

Ingrown hair

Razor bumps

How To Care For Your Skin When You Shave

Technique - Avoid pressing into the skin too hard and always shave in the direction of hair growth.

Equipment - A good shaving brush and a proper lubricant are a must.

Maintenance - Use a new blade each time you shave. If you have sensitive skin, try wire-wrapped blades that shave a little farther from the skin. Invest in a good after-shave cream.

Caring For Cuts - Avoid getting cut by using a new, clean blade each time you shave. Remember to wash your skin with cold water before you shave as this reduces blood flow to the skin.

If you do get cut, apply a good antiseptic cream. Application of petroleum jelly to the cut will help to heal it without leaving a scab.