The Smooth Shave

Shaving, gently

Shaving is the cheapest, quickest and most common way to remove hair, from legs, underarms and body to faces. Whether you shave a little or a lot, the goal is the same: a close shave with as little irritation as possible.

The derm-approved method

1. Soften first. Shave at the end of a warm shower, or hold a warm, damp face cloth on the area for a minute or two. Soft hair cuts far more easily.
2. Use a lubricant. A shaving gel, cream or oil - never dry, and ideally not just soap.
3. Sharp, clean blade. Dull blades tug and scrape. Rinse after every stroke or two, and swap blades or disposables every 5–7 shaves.
4. Light pressure, short strokes. Let the razor do the work.
5. With the grain first. Shaving in the direction hair grows is gentlest. For a closer finish, re-lather and do a careful pass across the grain; going against the grain is closest but most irritating.
6. Rinse with cool water, pat dry and moisturise with something fragrance-free.

Razor burn vs razor bumps

• Razor burn - red, stinging, sometimes itchy skin straight after shaving. Usually from pressure, a dull blade, dry shaving or too many passes.
• Razor bumps (ingrown hairs) - little red or dark bumps a day or two later, when curly or coarse hairs curl back into the skin. Very common on the face, neck, bikini line and underarms.

To help: shave with the grain, don’t stretch the skin tight, try a single- or two-blade razor (multi-blade razors can cut hair below the skin surface), and gently exfoliate a few times a week with a BHA (salicylic acid) or AHA product once you’ve patch tested it. An electric trimmer or foil shaver that leaves a tiny bit of length is a great option if bumps persist.

Spacing your shave days

Shaving every single day can overwhelm sensitive skin. Giving your skin a rest day or two allows the moisture barrier to recover and significantly reduces razor bumps.

In your Daily Schedule, you can allocate specific days of the week - for example, shaving legs every Monday and Thursday, and facial touch-ups every Tuesday and Friday. Having designated days keeps your routine calm and gives your skin the breathing room it loves.