5 Common Shaving Mistakes to Avoid for Smoother Skin

If you’re like most women who shave, you probably experience ingrown hairs, nicks, and razor burn – at least some of the time.

The fact is, shaving well can be tricky, especially in areas like your ankles, and irritations can make you give up on it altogether.

But, believe it or not, it’s completely possible to get a close shave without all the cuts and ingrown hairs you may have gotten used to. Sometimes, just adjusting your approach can be a game-changer. 

So, here are some tips on what to avoid in your shaving routine – and what to do instead!

Mistake #1. Shaving at the start of the shower

It’s much harder to shave well if you start the minute you hop in the shower. If you want the closest shave possible, give your skin time to soften up first.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the best time to shave is after taking a shower. That’s because, after a shower, your skin is moist and free of dead cells and excess oil that can quickly clog your razor blade.

So, instead of shaving too soon, use your shower time to soften your skin under warm water, exfoliate to get rid of dry skin, and bring any ingrown hairs to the surface. Once you start shaving skin that’s soft and exfoliated instead of dry and rough, you’ll never go back!

Mistake #2. Skimping on the razor

The razor you use can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels after shaving, so don’t just grab the first one you see in the supermarket.

If you’re going to be shaving your legs or other large areas, those single-use pink razors aren’t going to cut it (no pun intended!). 

Even though they’re more expensive, investing in a solid razor with multiple blades can save you a lot in the long run.

For large areas, choosing a razor with an excellent pivoting action can also really help. 

Mistake #3. Reusing blunt blades

Look, we get it: If you’re in a hurry and have what feels like two minutes to get ready before running out the door, you might not have time to get a fresh blade.

It’s often a lot easier to just grab the old razor you’ve been using for the past several weeks and hope it’s still sharp enough to use. 

But keep in mind that if you do go the disposable razor route, they have a lifespan of about seven uses.

And even then, the number goes down depending on how big of an area you have to shave. Also, your hair’s thickness diminishes a razor blade’s effectiveness with time too.

So, what’s the bottom line? Trying to shave with a very dull blade won’t shave your hair well, but it will almost certainly irritate your skin. If it feels dull, it’s time to replace it.

Mistake #4. Shaving dry skin

Though it might seem fine to grab your razor and start shaving without putting anything on your skin beforehand, you’re almost sure to cut yourself that way.

Why? Because dry skin makes it hard for a razor to glide effectively. The important thing is to create a barrier between the razor blade and your skin, preventing you from getting cut.

So, feel free to experiment with different products until you find one that makes sense for your skin. If you’re not a huge fan of shaving creams or gels, though, try shaving with an all-natural Castile soap! Ours is formulated with just a few ingredients, and you can use it throughout your routine. 

Mistake #5. Shaving against the grain

Shaving against the grain pulls hair away from the skin and increases the risk of irritation. So, an easy way to avoid this is to examine how your hair grows and adjust how you shave as needed. This can make a big difference, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

Bottom line

If you suffer from skin irritation, cuts, or razor bumps, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is that shaving correctly gets a lot easier with the right tools and a few changes to your routine.

So, if you recognize yourself in any of the mistakes above, try some of the solutions and see if they help. Even if you’ve always hated shaving, you might be surprised by how much easier it can be once you work with the right tools.