Thinking of shaving your face? Here’s what experts have to say
Everyday, the beauty industry gives birth to new trends, and with these trends comes the hope of improving and enhancing our beauty. While some are handy and useful, others can be quite bizarre. One such fad that is gaining momentum is that of shaving the face.
Women across the globe are trying it, and it is considered a successful trend until now. Dr Parag Sharma, dermatologist, says, “There are many ways in which women remove their facial hair such as threading, laser and shaving, among others. Shaving is still a rare practise. But, if done the right way with the required precautions, it is a good method.” Shaving makes your skin glow and is the quickest hair removal technique which can be used even at the last minute. So, are you shaving your face right? Are you following the right procedure before and after shaving? There are so many queries that crop up, and so many things one must know before going ahead with this trend. Dr Rupali A Pavaskar, cosmetic dermatologist and trichologist, says, “We recommend shaving for people during the time between two laser hair reduction sessions. But, it needs to be done very carefully.”
So before you begin, here’s all that you need to know:
HOW TO SHAVE
Although people don’t put a lot of thought into the instrument — the razor — before shaving, it is imperative to use women’s shaving blades that contain gelbased technology. Use a smaller eyebrow razor on dry skin in swift motions at a 45-degree angle. This type of razor is mild, unlike men’s razors, which are known to be harsh. Shave in the direction of hair growth as this will prevent extra hair growth. Try to get as much hair removed as possible with limited swipes, and don’t press too hard.
In line with this shaving tip, Dr Rupali adds, “You should always shave in the direction of the hair growth. If you shave in the reverse direction, you will get folliculitis — the infection and inflammation of one or more hair follicles. Ideally, one must cleanse the skin with a face wash or with a nonalcoholic cleanser. And after shaving, apply a good moisturiser and sunscreen.”
BREAKING THE MYTH
We all have had our fair share of warnings that state we should avoid shaving as it causes hair to grow back thicker? Well, that’s a myth. Hair growth depends on your body’s hormones and chemical process. It doesn’t matter how you decide to remove your hair, it will grow back in the same manner. One more reason that it appears thicker is because it grows back all at once.
BEAUTY BENEFITS
According to research, men look youn because they shave every day. This is mainly because shaving exfoliates the skin and acts as a cleanser. With clearer skin, any product you use after shaving gets absorbed in your skin better, and gives the best results.