The best tips for using a razor depend on the type of razor a person plans to use. Whether a person uses a straight razor, electric shaver, or disposable safety blade, the blade needs to be very sharp. The skin also needs to be clean before hair is removed. In most cases, a person should use some sort of shaving cream or gel to soften the hair and skin and protect against cuts. Shaving should occur in the direction of hair growth.
Whether manually powered or electric, razor blades grow dull over time. A person should always use a sharp blade. The blade should be smooth on a straight or safety razor. Blades with gouges or irregularities can cut a person as he shaves. The cutters on electric razors should be changed at least once a year. Disposable safety blades need to be traded every few shaves, and straight razors can be sharpened by hand.
Before shaving, a person should thoroughly wash his face or the area to be shaved. The skin should be slightly damp during the shave, which helps the blade glide over it. Skin that is clean won't make the blade dirty. Warm, damp skin has open pores that make it easier to trim hair evenly.
When using a razor, shaving gel or cream keeps the skin soft and prevents irritation. The cream or gel also provides a smooth surface for the blade to glide over, reducing the risk of cuts. If a person doesn't have shaving cream or gel, he can use soap to protect his skin. Usually, cream or gel isn't needed with electric razors. During shaving, the blade needs to be rinsed often to remove buildup of cream and hair.
Hair grows in a certain direction. Shaving should cut hair off of the skin in the same direction it grows. Using a razor in the right direction prevents ingrown hairs, which look like red bumps on the skin. It also reduces irritation and provides a closer shave. As hair grows in different directions in different areas of the skin, it's important to check each area before shaving it.
People who use electric razors should be careful not to push too hard when using the shavers. Pressing too hard can cause redness. To reduce the need to push when using an electric blade, a person can use an alcohol-based pre-shave lotion. The pre-shave lotion makes the hair stand up from the skin, making shaving easier.
