Dr Shave’s Book of Shaving Shaving Problems
The expert guide to the world of shaving Shaving Problems
Introduction
Lots of men contact Dr Shave for advice on how to get rid of ingrown hairs, how to banish razor burn, how to avoid shaving rash and many other problems that can affect a wet shaver. Dr Shave generously shares his expert advice here.
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Shaving Problems
Shaving Related Skin Problems Many side effects can be minimised by This condition is extremely common in using a fresh blade, plenty of lubrication, people of African descent, who have Shaving related problems usually respond avoiding shaving against the grain and curly hair. The good news is that they well to a combination of proper shaving avoiding pressing too hard with the razor. can be mostly avoided by a proper technique, equipment and products. shaving technique, indeed we have Razor Bump / Ingrown Hairs helped many men over the years who For tough or non-responding persistent wanted to wet shave but thought they shaving problems, it is always best Some people have an adverse response couldn’t due to PFB. to consult with a dermatologist. In to shaving called pseudofolliculitis barbae this chapter I’ll tell you about the skin (PFB), or ‘razor bumps’ due to ingrowing An ideal shave cuts the hair flush with the problems associated with shaving, how hairs. PFB are reddish or dark coloured, surface of the skin and avoids any undue they are caused and what you can do to sometimes painful, raised areas and are friction or irritation to the surrounding minimise or prevent them happening. especially common with curly hair. skin. If you suffer from razor bumps, ingrown hair and shaving irritation, the Shaving can have side effects including: These hairs, after growing a little above chances are that you are pulling the skin the skin, have a tendency to curl and too taut during the shave and the hairs Razor bumps grow back into the skin. This leads to are cut too short. Redness the reddish, swollen areas, which can In-growing hairs become infected. Bumps occur when Don’t pull the skin tight and see if it Razor burn the hair is cut too short. Then, instead makes a difference. Nicks and cuts of growing back out of the skin it curls Razor rash. round and then grows into the skin layer.
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Shaving Problems Geo F Trumper Skin Food is another use plenty of moisturising shaving cream product that can be applied daily after or shaving soap, not face soap, as an How do I Treat Razor Bumps and shaving. It is effective at fighting ingrown added cushion. Ingrowing Hairs? hairs and helps calm redness associated with shaving and waxing. Use a pre-shave oil, a shaving brush and a If you can see ingrown hairs, try to tease good quality shaving cream or soap made the tips of the hairs out of the skin. Soak Razor Burns from natural ingredients to avoid a reaction a flannel in hot water and apply it to your to harsh chemicals. Make sure you have a skin for a few minutes. This should soften Razor burns are burning sensations and rich, creamy lather on your face and try not the hairs to enable you to pull the hair out irritation more often than not caused by to press too hard with the razor. of the ‘bump’ with a pair of fine tweezers. applying too much pressure with the Cut the loose end with a pair of scissors. razor and or, shaving with a blunt blade. Soothing Razor Burn When too much pressure is applied there Avoid shaving for a few days. Then cut is no effective barrier between your face There are 100s of after shave balms the beard with scissors quite close to and the razor. available, some good, some not so the skin. As the hair grows, it should good. The best ones will soothe, cool grow slightly straighter and not back into The result is friction burns, more and moisturise the skin, our Executive the skin. commonly known as razor burns. Shaving offering is made with water drawn from a Scottish Loch, Intensive Remember when you continue to shave Preventing Razor Burn Moisturising Balm. Dr. Shave has not to pull the skin too tight or shave intensely moisturised skin because of his against the direction of hair growth. The first thing to do is change the blade technique and the cream - smooth. at least once a week - a new, sharp razor An application of Aloe Clear can reduce blade will skim lightly over your skin Shaving Rash / Folliculitis or the condition of ingrown hair, this roll-on without irritating it. Barber’s Rash gel treats ingrown hairs, shaving rash, shaving bump and cools and soothes Be sure to let the warm water soften your This is an infection of the hair follicles, shaved skin. skin and hair before getting started, and particularly of the facial hair. It causes
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red, painful and pus-filled blisters due to hairs, razor burn/bumps resulting from To avoid the problems associated with an infection of the hair follicles. shaving, waxing, electrolysis and laser shaving, it is important that the proper hair removal. technique be followed for shaving. Shaving rash is more of a problem with men who have curly hair and is How to Avoid Shaving Problems A shaving cream or soap should be similar to ‘razor bumps’, the symptoms used prior to shaving, to lubricate and are unsightly red or darkened, painful Experience has shown that shaving with a moisten the skin and facilitate a close ‘bumps’ which can lead to ‘scarring’ in double edge, safety razor tends to provide yet comfortable and pleasurable shave. severe cases. These severe cases may smooth shaves with less chance of causing Needless to say, the equipment used need treated with an antibiotic. shaving irritation and ingrown hairs than for shaving should always be clean and electric razors and multi blade cartridge blades should be changed regularly. Hairs are most likely to grow inwards razors such as Mach3 and Fusion. if you pull too tightly on the skin whilst Avoid using a dull shaving blade as it can shaving. The hairs raise out of the follicle Blades should be changed at least leave your skin red and blotchy. when you pull the skin and after the weekly, more often if skin irritation cut, the tip of the hair retracts into the persists. What Relief is Available? follicle and curls into the follicle as it begins to grow. This causes the shaving Shaving creams and soaps are important To achieve relief from these problems first rash and razor bumps. To minimise any in the treatment of this condition, as check that the skin appears to be free inflammation and irritation it is best to let a good lather will minimise the friction from infection – angry red areas or spots the hair grow back until the rash is gone associated with shaving and reduce are symptoms – if present, treat with an before you try removing it again. the likelihood of ingrown hairs and antiseptic solution or cream. skin irritation. Treatment of Shaving Rash What Treatments are Available? Shaving foams and gels as previously Shaving rash can be treated with stated are simply not up to the job and Treatment of tough cases of PFB often Aloe Clear. Aloe Clear is a roll-on gel perform badly compared to quality requires prescription only remedies. formulated to aid in the relief of ingrown shaving creams and soaps.
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Vitamin A related products such as Retin it reduces razor burn, stops minor bleeds A (tretinoin) or Differin (adapalene) may and kills surface bacteria on the skin. be prescribed in some cases and work by helping exfoliate skin both on the surface Now you have all the information you and around the follicles. need and with good quality tools and products and a clean sharp blade you Skin Food and Aloe Clear is also helpful can enjoy the benefits of a perfect shave for many PFB suffers. every day that leaves you looking and feeling great. For most people, these over the counter products provide sufficient control of shaving related problems. For tough or treatment resistant shaving problems, it Shaving Problems is always best to consult personally with a dermatologist. www.executive-shaving.co.uk
Help, I’ve cut myself! If you would like more information on anything In the unfortunate event of ‘nicking’ in this guide you can yourself while shaving, apply a styptic contact us via e-mail at: pencil with its vessel constricting [email protected] astringent properties to curb any minor bleeding.
Another highly recommended remedy is the fantastic alum block. You simply wet the block and rub it over your chin and neck. The alum block is a mild antiseptic;
6 EXECUTIVE SHAVING www.executive-shaving.co.uk