In the era of breaking stereotypes and gender norms, one beauty technique that has been rapidly gaining popularity among women is face shaving. Shaving your face might seem unconventional, but many beauty enthusiasts hail it as the secret weapon in their arsenal to achieving baby-soft skin and flawless makeup application.
Face shaving can also provide self-reliant relief from invasive practices like threading or face wax. Both these practices pull out hair from the skin, exposing the pores and opening them up to infections or wounds, contested a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology.
Debunking Face-Shaving Myths
Face shaving is largely considered a grooming technique only suitable for men due to age-old myths that see women as delicate creatures. However, beauticians have been debunking these myths lately:
Myth 1: Shaving Will Make Your Hair Thicker
False. Shaving doesn't alter the facial hair's texture or thickness. The hair might feel coarser when it grows. As hair grows, it starts tapering as the nutrition received by a strand of hair is highest at the root. Shaving cuts of the hair at its thickest point, which is close to the skin. This gives the appearance of hair growing back thicker after shaving.
Also Read: Are You Planning To Try Face Shaving? These Tips Can Come In Handy
Myth 2: Shaving Causes Skin Damage
Incorrect. When done correctly, face shaving can exfoliate the skin gently, revealing smoother, brighter skin. It not only provides a quick solution for unwanted facial hair but also gets rid of dead skin and excessive dirt and oil on the face.
Myth 3: Shaving Increases Facial Hair Growth
Untrue. Shaving doesn't affect hair follicles or the rate of growth. Your hair will grow back at its natural pace.
Step-by-Step Face Shaving Guide
Now if you are convinced to take the leap of faith towards trying face shaving, it's best to have a guide handy. As you will be working with a sharp razor blade, knowing the proper technique is of utmost importance.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
Use a gentle face wash that doesn’t irritate the skin. Make sure your face is dry before you start shaving. A wet surface makes it harder to shave your face properly. Cleaning your face with warm water will open your pores and make shaving easier.
Step 2: Choose the Right Razor
Opt for a single-blade facial razor designed for women. Multi-blade razors might be too harsh for delicate facial skin. Although women are no less strong than men, their skin still is more delicate and should be handled with care.
Also Read: Personal Care: Razor Myths Debunked
Step 3: Apply a Lubricating Agent
To create a smooth surface for the razor, apply a layer of shaving cream, gel, or a gentle cleanser. This minimises friction, clumps the hair together and in a specific direction, and reduces the risk of irritation.
Step 4: Be Gentle
Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. Avoid pressing too hard. Let the razor do the work. Rinse the razor frequently to prevent clogging.
Step 5: Rinse and Pat Dry
After shaving, rinse your face with cool water to close the pores. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Step 6: Apply Moisturiser
Finish with a hydrating moisturiser to soothe the skin. Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to calm any potential redness. Make sure to do a patch test. Using a harsh moisturiser on a freshly shaven face can irritate your skin.
Practice Caution Before Shaving Your Face
The only way to accept a beauty routine with open arms, especially a practice that comes with a plethora of preconceived notions, is by seeing positive results. Additionally, working with sharp blades is always a thing of caution. That is why you should practice the following proactive steps to maximise the benefits of face shaving and open your mind to this revolutionary beauty practice:
- Avoid Active Breakouts: Don't shave over active acne or irritated skin. Wait until your skin has healed before shaving.
- Sun Protection is Key: After shaving, protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen. Newly revealed skin can be more sensitive to UV rays.
- Use the Right Pressure: Don't apply excessive pressure while shaving. The goal is to gently remove hair without causing irritation or damage.
- Exfoliate Regularly: Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to prevent ingrown hairs and maintain smooth skin.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about face shaving, consider consulting a dermatologist or esthetician for guidance tailored to your skin type and concerns.
Beauty has always been a sensitive topic, not just for women but also for men. It is an arena of health and wellness which hardly incites motivation for taking risks. However, face shaving is definitely a practice that is worth exploring. It not only saves your time and money but it can also it can be practised at home easily, as opposed to threading or face wax which requires a higher level of skill. Additionally, face shaving is the perfect painless alternative for women who are plagued by excess facial hair, or thick hair growth.
