Pros and Cons of Shaving

Continuing our hair removal 101 posts, let's move on to one of the most popular methods of removing unwanted hair--shaving.

There are two ways to go about this: wet shaving and dry shaving. We'll delve into the pros and cons of each.

Wet Shaving

This is done with the use of lathered shaving cream and a set of razor blades. This is most often used in the bikini area, arms, legs, and underarms.

Pros:

• Painless
• Razors and shaving creams are relatively inexpensive
• Safe and effective to do on an everyday basis
• Certain types of shaving creams provide moisturizing effects which can help prevent ingrown hairs. It can also prevent irritations from the razor blades.

Cons:

• Hair cycle is also quick so this needs to be done daily to avoid unwanted stubble
• Can only be done in the bathroom
• Razors need to be replaced after using it a few times
• Thick hair can cause ingrown hairs. To minimize this; make sure to exfoliate well with a gentle scrub and apply a moisturizer preferably with AHA (Alpha hydroxy acids) right after. This get rid of dead skin and avoid getting it trapped in the follicle. Having a moisturizing shaving gel can also help.

Dry Shaving

This is mostly used with an electric razor. Used for the legs, arms, and face.

Pros:

• Can be done just about anywhere as opposed to just the bathroom
• No need for shaving creams or gels to use

Cons:

• Electric razors are much more expensive and needs maintenance
• Cords and batteries are inconvenient
• Coarse hair can still cause ingrown hairs

A few more shaving tips:

• Shave in the evening for a closer shave. Legs swell slightly as you sleep and you hair cycle begins almost immediately after.
• Never shave with a dull blade. This will not result in a clean shave and can cause red bumps.