1. Let the hairs grow long enough before you shave
Shaving too often makes the hairs sharper, so they can grow back into the skin more easily. That is how ingrown hairs develop. Your skin can also become irritated if you shave hairs that are too short, so it is important not to shave too often.
2. Scrub before shaving
Scrubbing also helps to smooth your skin before shaving. By scrubbing you remove dead skin cells that clog the pores and block the hair follicles. You want to avoid blocked follicles, because they cause ingrown hairs!
For the best result, massage each area in circular movements for about 30 seconds with a scrub bar. Rinse thoroughly so the scrub particles do not clog your razor.
3. Use a sharp and clean blade
If you clean and replace your razor blades regularly, you stay smooth and cleanly shaved and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. A safety razor is a good choice here: you get a smooth result without razor bumps. With a safety razor you also never have plastic waste again.
4. Shave on wet, warm skin
It is best to shave in the shower, because warm water softens your skin. Shaving on soft skin is safer because your blade cannot snag. This makes the chance of irritation and ingrown hairs much smaller.
5. Use a shaving bar
It is important to use a protective layer to make your skin extra soft. A shaving bar is pH skin-neutral, so your skin is nourished and hydrated while you shave. Its handy shape also makes it extra easy to apply.
6. Shave in the direction of hair growth
Although shaving against the direction of hair growth can result in a smoother shave, the chance of skin irritation and ingrown hairs is much higher. In that case the hairs are cut at an angle, which allows them to grow back into the skin. So follow the direction of hair growth as much as possible.
7. Don’t shave too often
When shaving, not only follow the direction of hair growth, but also take it easy by limiting the number of strokes per area. Be careful as well – pressing too hard or shaving too fast causes, once again, irritation and ingrown hairs.
8. Hydrate your skin after shaving
Aftercare is super important, because dry skin and irritation often appear after shaving. Make sure your skin stays hydrated and nourished. For that you can use a hydrating body butter.