11 Unexpected Mistakes You Make While Shaving...and How to Fix Them

Shaving is one of those things that seems self-evident on the outside, but is actually pretty easy to screw up. Even if you've been shaving for over a decade, you'll never want to get too used to this ritual, as burns, cuts, cuts, and ingrown hairs can happen to even the most experienced razors. However, the chances of slipping can be avoided by following the correct shaving protocol and avoiding rookie mistakes. Here are 11 common shaving mistakes to avoid in order to get the most out of your shave. 

MISTAKE #1: YOU DON'T EXFILL FIRST 

Answer this question for us: before you take your razor out, do you take time to exfoliate the surface of your skin and remove dead skin cells? Hope so. Failure to do so may result in clogged blades and an uneven shave.

What to do: Apply before shaving Kiehl's Gentle Exfoliating Body Scrub on target areas of the body with gentle circular motions. The formula not only helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, but also makes the skin smooth and silky.

MISTAKE #2: YOU SHAVE WHEN YOU STEP IN THE SHOWER

We realized that shaving is not that fun. Most people want to end this as soon as possible by taking a shower. Bad idea. Shaving immediately after stepping into the shower may not give you a perfect shave.

What to do: Save the shaving part of the shower for last. Wet your skin and hair with warm water to soften your skin for a closer, easier shave. If you shave at the sink, soak warm water on your skin for three minutes before lathering.

MISTAKE #3: YOU DO NOT USE SHAVING CREAM/GEL

Speaking of lather, make sure you use shaving cream or gel. Shaving creams and gels are designed not only to moisturize the skin, but also to ensure that the blade glides over the skin without tugging or stretching it. Without them, you can increase your risk of burns, cuts, and irritation.

What to do: If you have sensitive skin try Kiehl's Ultimate Blue Eagle Brushless Shaving Cream. Avoid using popular shaving cream substitutes like bar soap or hair conditioner as they may not provide enough lubrication. And for the sake of skin care, we repeat, do not shave dry. Ouch!

MISTAKE #4: YOU USE A DIRTY RAZOR

While the shower may seem like the most logical place to hang your razor, dark and damp conditions can lead to bacteria and mold growth on the blade. This dirt can then transfer to your skin, and you can only imagine all the terrible (and frankly, disgusting) things that can happen as a result.

What to do: After shaving, rinse the razor well with water, pat dry and store in a dry, well-ventilated place. You will thank us later.

MISTAKE #5: YOU DO NOT REPLACE YOUR RAZOR BLADE FREQUENTLY

We understand that razor blades can be expensive. But this is no reason to hold on to them after their heyday. Dull and rusty blades are not only ineffective, but also a sure way to get scratches and cuts. Old blades can also contain bacteria that can lead to infections.

What to do: Company American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends changing a razor blade after five to seven uses. If you feel the blade tugging at your skin, discard it immediately. Better safe than sorry, right?

MISTAKE #6: YOU SHAVE THE WRONG DIRECTION

The jury is still undecided on the best way to shave. Some say that "going against the current" results in a closer shave, but can lead to razor burns, cuts, and ingrown hairs.

What to do: AAD recommends shaving in the direction of hair growth. This will help reduce irritation, especially on the face.

MISTAKE #7: AFTER YOU SKIP APPLICATION OF MOISTURIZER

The ritual after shaving deserves due attention. Neglecting to apply moisturizer after shaving will not do your skin any good. 

What to do: Finish shaving with plenty of body cream or lotion with moisturizing emollients. Bonus points if the product is specially formulated for use after shaving. If you also shaved your face, be sure to apply a separate facial moisturizer or soothing aftershave balm, such as Vichy Homme after shave.

MISTAKE #8: YOU Rush

Everyone has better things to do than remove unwanted facial and body hair. It's understandable to want to hurry up with a shave and move on with life, but it can almost guarantee (also unwanted) scrapes and cuts.

What to do: Don't be sloppy. Take the time to properly rinse the blade between strokes. The faster you move, the more likely you are to apply too much pressure and dig into your skin. For best results, think of shaving like a marathon, not a sprint.

MISTAKE #9: YOU USE BROUGH FORCE

Let's be clear: shaving is not the time to show off your strength. Applying a razor to the skin with strong pressure increases the risk of unpleasant scratches and cuts.

What to do: Don't press too hard! Shave with light touches in gentle, smooth and even strokes. Save brute force for the punching bag at the gym.

MISTAKE #10: YOU SHARE YOUR RAZOR

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to a razor. Foreign oils can transfer from your skin to another and vice versa, potentially causing an adverse reaction. Plus, it's pretty unhygienic. 

What to do: When it comes to shaving, it's okay to be a little selfish. Whether it's your SO, friend, partner, or best friend asking to use your razor, kindly provide them with yours instead of borrowing yours. You (and your skin) will be happy with this solution - trust us!

MISTAKE #11: YOU OVERSHAVE ONE AREA

While shaving, some of us tend to apply repetitive strokes to one area, such as the armpits. The truth is that repeatedly sliding the blade over the same spot can cause your skin to become dry, inflamed, and even irritated.

What to do: Get rid of the bad habit! Be more efficient and only shave when and where you need to. Do not run the blade over a previously shaved area multiple times. Instead, watch your strokes so they only overlap slightly, if at all. Remember: if you miss a point, you can catch it on your next pass. Most likely, few people will notice it, except you.

Want more shaving tips? Check out our XNUMX step guide on how to shave the right way here!