Did you know that shaving cream is not always necessary? There are alternatives that can do the same job as it, like conditioners, soaps, and oils. Most important, however, is always to moisturize your skin after shaving to avoid irritation and dryness of the skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using soap
Step 1. Choose a soap
The ideal is to use a product capable of foaming and completely covering the skin, helping the blade to glide smoothly over the skin, preventing the formation of irritation or burning. Some suggestions:
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Conditioner:
in addition to smoothing the hair, it is an excellent moisturizing agent.
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Shampoo:
it forms a lot of foam and cleans the skin, removing oiliness.
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Body Wash:
similarly to shampoo, it forms more foam than conditioner. For best results, look for a product that uses butter to moisturize your skin.
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Detergent:
in the absence of shampoo or any other body product, use detergent. Be careful as it can dry out your skin or cause mild irritation.
Step 2. Moisten the area you are going to shave
It is necessary to use water to form the foam that will be applied to the skin. Without it, or any other moisturizing agent, the blade will not slide over the skin, causing irritation and possible cuts.
- If you haven't just gotten out of the bath, wet a washcloth or cotton ball and pass it over the area you're going to scrape.
- Shave your beard about 15 minutes after showering. Moisture and heat will soften the skin and open the follicles for a smoother, closer shave.
- If you like, exfoliate your skin using a sponge, a face towel or an exfoliating product.
Step 3. Lather your skin
The idea is to form a thick layer of foam to make it easier to slide the blade and let you know which areas you still need to scrape.
Add a few drops of glycerin to increase the amount of foam and better hydrate your skin. It is a clear, fragrance-free liquid that can be found in pharmacies and perfumeries. It is commonly used to treat skin irritations
Step 4. Shave
Remember to rinse the blade frequently to eliminate excess hair and oil.
- Always shave in the direction of hair growth. When scraping against, you run the risk of pulling the wires and pinching the blade.
- Slowly run the razor over sensitive or curved areas such as the neck, under the nose, under the armpits, genitalia and behind the knees.
- Appliances with more than one blade tend to create a shave that is closer to the skin. Choose the best option for your case.
Step 5. Moisturize your skin
Remove soap residue, dry your skin and apply a moisturizer. The idea is to smooth the skin, preventing the formation of ingrown hairs and treating inflammation.
Method 2 of 2: Using Oils
Step 1. Decide whether you want to moisten your skin or not
As the oils are very liquid and work well with damp skin, it is not necessary to use water, especially since it repels the product in some cases. Either way, place a soft washcloth moistened with hot water over your face to open the hair follicles and soften your skin.
- Shave your beard about 15 minutes after showering. Moisture and heat will soften the skin and open the follicles for a smoother, closer shave.
- If you like, exfoliate your skin using a sponge, a face towel or an exfoliating product.
Step 2. Trim long hair before shaving
That way you won't clog the blade with hair and you'll end up using less product.
Step 3. Apply a generous amount of oil to the skin
Cover the entire area that you are going to shave well, as lubrication is important for the slide of the blade and for hydrating the skin. Some suggestions:
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Coconut oil:
found in solid or liquid state, just rub it in your hands to melt it and apply it to your skin. It is a very moisturizing and safe option for the skin, in addition to having antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Olive oil:
Known for its healthy properties, olive oil helps protect the skin against possible cancers.
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Children's Oil:
Fragrance-free and with aloe vera essence, helps reduce inflammation and irritation.
Step 4. Shave
Remember to rinse the blade frequently to eliminate excess hair and oil.
- Always shave in the direction of hair growth. When scraping against, you run the risk of pulling the wires and pinching the blade.
- Slowly run the razor over sensitive or curved areas such as the neck, under the nose, under the armpits, genitalia and behind the knees.
- Appliances with more than one blade tend to create a shave that is closer to the skin. Choose the best option for your case.
Step 5. Remove excess oil
If you have sensitive skin or are waxing the genital area, it is best to remove excess oil. If you prefer, leave a little of the product, acting as a moisturizer in place.
Tips
- Always use an aftershave lotion when finished to prevent ingrown hairs and relieve irritation.
- It's important to condition or moisturize your skin before you start, as shaving can be quite irritating.
Notices
- Shaving without any product can cause burning and irritation.
- Never shave your eyebrows or the area near your eyes. You don't want local hair to grow out to look like a beard. Furthermore, it is dangerous to bring the razor blade close to the eyes.