With 2018 in full swing and in it’s 2nd month, taking all measures toward great health–Mind, Body, + Spirit– is truly important. One of which requires external grooming. This Wellness Checklist: 4 Common Mistakes + Hacks for Shaving post discusses several things that we may have been doing incorrectly when it comes to shaving and the possible ways to combat the unpleasant consequences of our mistakes, introducing the Harry’s Shaving Kit in all of it’s glory!
As you may know, I’m a big believer in living your best life and by doing so, it also requires that we include best practices in our daily living, whether that means eating healthier, exercising more, eliminating a bad habit, or taking the extra time (along with extra measures) to better self-care. Personally, one of my self-care practices include shaving. Can you relate? Luckily, some women don’t have to deal with the hassle of shaving on a weekly basis or every few days, however, like many of you, I push through the entire shaving process trying to remaining like a CHAMP from start to finish! Haha.
My life pretty much evolves around purchasing packs of those little disposable pink razors, spending almost an hour in the shower because I needed to shave almost every part of myself, and trying to battle through the after effects of razor bumps and/or irritation. UGH! I know. I’ve tried almost every razor possible, including electric ones, however, I just didn’t feel like any of them did the job well enough. From razor cuts to not getting my cut hairs low enough to prolong the growing spell, I’ve literally reprogrammed my brain to believe that IT IS WHAT IT IS. “I just have to shave and pull through and repeat it all over again to look my best.”
Then, I came across an episode of Dr. Oz and heard women talking about their preference towards using Men’s razors. Really? While my husband doesn’t shave at home (he prefers to go to a Barber for that!), I’ve decided to purchase my very first Men’s razor and give it a try. To my surprise, Men’s razors are far more precise and smooth-cutting. I’m loving it! However, I still choose to shuffle between Men’s and Women’s razors (because I just love the look of those little pink razors nevertheless!—Don’t judge me! Haha). But I’ve learned that there are 4 common mistakes that I’ve been making during my entire ‘shaving career’ and I’m sure that you (or your Guy partner or friend) have suffered through these common mistakes as well:
Mistake #1: Not prepping the skin/hair appropriately. A splash of water won’t do the trick. Over prepping can also be problematic. If you have a bushy beard or longer stubble, more prep is required before picking up your razor.
Solution: Personally, I’ve had experiences where I did not fully prep my skin before shaving and I had to suffer through major razor bumps and irritation. Who understands how devastating and horrible this is? Definitely avoid this! How? I would recommend sticking to shaving in the shower. I’ve learned that by taking a hot shower and then shaving afterwards while still in the shower, helped my hairs (especially leg hairs) soften a bit and remove much easier. For men, use a hot towel (but not hot enough to irritate the skin) or plan to shave after a hot shower. Also, If you have a thicker beard or long stubble, use an electric razor on its lowest setting to trim the hair first, before beginning to prep for your shave.
Mistake #2: Improperly navigating your grain pattern, or knowing which way your hair grows.
Solution: I NEVER knew that this was a thing until I did it wrong for so many years! Haha. However, last year, I saw an episode of Dr. Oz (the same one I previously mentioned in the paragraphs above) and I learned that you should shave in a ‘downward pattern’ to prevent irritation as well as cuts. Who knew? Plus, the process of shaving in the pattern that your hair grows should relieve any tug and pull on the skin while leaving the area smooth. Thank you Dr. Oz for this lesson! Haha.
Mistake #3: Using soap or body wash might seem like a good idea when you’re out of shaving products or waiting for payday, but doing so will cause trauma to your skin.
Solution: Who else has done this? I know I have so many times! But it’s definitely not a good thing! Although soaps and shaving creams feel and look like they have similar properties, soap removes dirt & oil from the skin, working against your shave. Also, from my own experience, I’ve realized that using soaps during my shaving regimen causes my skin to dry out more quickly (lacking moisture), which then causes greater irritation and itching regardless of using a lotion or moisturizer afterward. I guess that’s why shaving creams were specifically invented for shaving, right?
Mistake #4: Using your razor longer than you’re supposed to will cause more cuts and nicks than you’re expecting. Most people aren’t sure when to actually switch out your razors.
Solution: OK, so I wasn’t aware of this either. Usually I would use my razor until it “looked” like it needed to be changed or no longer had any life left in it, but who knew that there was an actual time stamp like when changing your tooth brush? I read that it is recommend to change your razor blade every 6-8 shaves. CRAZY, right? Well, I’m happy to have stumbled upon a subscription service like Harry’s where I’m able to receive quality razors, so I never have to worry about when to switch out my razor again. Plus, I go back to the issue of QUALITY razors being a must versus the cheaper versions that are so readily available at your local store. Lesson learned for me.
Are you guilty of any of these? If you’re like me, then you probably are. But just know that it’s never too late to fix this and ensure that it gets better.
Ok, so I’ve since tried the coveted Harry’s razor and it was great! Not only are their razors sold in stores, but I definitely like the idea of a subscription and having razors sent to my doorstep conveniently! The best perk: You get to choose how frequently you need to have your razor set shipped, so there’s no need to worry about having a pile of unused razors if you aren’t a frequent shaver! Prices start at as little as $2 for your free trial (this price point just pays for shipping) and it’s around $21 going forward, depending on the shaving plan you choose. Awesome, right?!
Overall, I’m learning that wellness comes with experience and it’s definitely a learning curve, daily. Regardless of whatever wellness truly means to you, I think that we all can agree that our Health is our Wealth.
Looking for other ways to being your best? Check out these posts on Orchids + Sweet Tea:
8 SECRETS TO BEING YOUR BEST YOU
Wellness Checklist: 4 Common Mistakes + Hacks for Shaving. Are you guilty of these?
I had no idea you were supposed to replace your blade every 6-8 shaves. I don’t do that! I do want to try out men’s razors if they do work better, thank you for the tip!
I didn’t know that either, Kim! It’s so crazy, right? I definitely recommend trying Men’s razors to see if they work better for you!
These are such excellent tips! I signed up for the dollar shave club just before christmas and it has completely improved my shaving and skin care routine!
Thanks so much Brittney! Yes, it’s crazy the things you learn from subscription companies. I hope that you continue to enjoy your dollar shave club!
I’ve always used men’s razors! They seem to get so much closer
I’m learning that now! It’s so crazy! They’re my new BFF! Haha.
I think we often don’t give it the importance of doing it right. Thank you, I’m going to pass it on to my husband.
You’re so right, Vanessa! We definitely take the little things like shaving for granted, but doing it right makes a world of a difference!
Oh I am so guilty of all of these mistakes and need to make the effort not to do this especially during the summer when I love to wear dresses
Haha! I am with ya, Meagan!
Lol, yup, I’m guilty of all of them!!! And I have been tempted to try men’s razors too but haven’t yet 🙂 Maybe next time I go shopping.
Haha! I’m so with you! But I think you should definitely try the Men’s razors! They’re pretty awesome!
I’m guilty of stealing my husband’s razor to see what all the rage was about. I did feel like my legs felt smoother! I didn’t know about which way to shave. Thanks for sharing! I will have to try that 🙂
Haha! Well it’s great that you can steal your husband’s razors instead of buying them! You’re welcome, I do hope that these tips help! 🙂
These tips are really helpful! Some of these I didn’t know!
Belle | http://www.OneAwesomeMomma.com
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by these common mistakes also, Belle!
Ugh-I’m SO guilty of using my razor blade for far, far too long. Why do we do that?? But I’ve heard Harry’s razors are amazing. I want to try them!
I know! I think that most of us do this because we aren’t aware that it’s not a good thing! Yes, Harry’s razors are really good! I do hope that you get a chance to give them a shot! 🙂
While shaving can make the surface of your skin feel smooth, there’s always a risk of getting cut if you lose your focus, even a little.
There are electric trimmers available these days that are rechargeable – no need to foam-up lather either! They last for years and cost a little – somewhere between $10 to $100.
And, you can trim right away if you need to! And that too – on any part of your body, early instantly.
Then again, it’s a choice of preference – do what you do best!
I’m super guilty of using my razors longer than I should. I appreciate this info – thanks!
Yes, me too! You’re not the only one at all! Haha!
I am pretty lucky and barely have any hair on my legs. It is fine and patchy so it is a quick process to shave.
Rachel, you’re so lucky! I always wish that I didn’t have hair to shave. Haha! But it’s definitely amazing that your process is quick!