Shaving is the practice of removing body hair using a razor.

Shaving is a common method of depilation, and is most commonly used by men to remove their facial hair, and by women to remove their leg hair, underarm hair, or other bodily hair. Some men (and very few women) shave the hair off the top of their heads, or at least parts of it. Shaved heads can be considered as a form of a haircut.

History

Before the advent of razors, some humans removed hair using two sea shells to pull the hair out. Later, around 3000 BC, when copper tools were developed, humans developed copper razors. The idea of and aesthetic approach to personal hygiene may have begun at this time, though Egyptian priests may have practiced something similar to this earlier.

Alexander the Great made shaving popular. He was fastidious about shaving. This popularity ended with Roman emperor Hadrian, who let a beard grow to hide a skin disorder.

Shaving: it's easy and effective

Shaving is the fastest, easiest, least expensive way to remove body hair - and, except for the occasional minor accident, it's painless. The downside, of course, is that hair grows back quickly, so the bare feeling that shaving provides is only temporary. Shaving cuts only the hair above the surface of the skin, so you need to shave regularly to maintain a smooth surface.

Does shaved hair grow back quicker?

Hair that has been cut by a razor looks thicker because it has been cut at a sharp angle, and it feels stubbly as it grows in for the same reason. The resulting stubble only makes the hairs seem to be thicker. Because a shaved hair has a blunt end, (versus the tapered end of an unshaven hair) and because hair is often darker in colour near the root, there is a widely held belief that shaving causes hair to grow in thicker and faster. However, the amount of hair on your legs and the rate at which it grows is determined by the hair follicle, which is not affected by shaving. Because hair develops deep inside the follicles, shaving does not alter its size or colour (though women often claim it looks and feels thicker after shaving). However, since you shave your hair perpendicular to the skin when shaving, the shape of the tip is altered, giving you a feeling of coarse stubble. If the hair is allowed to grow back, it will return to its previous silky state. Clinical studies have demonstrated that shaving does not have an effect on hair growth rates or density.

The best way to shave

While waxing and sugaring are increasingly popular, good old-fashioned shaving is still one of the most efficient, and cheapest ways to remove hair. The most effective way to remove hair is to shave in the opposite direction from which it grows. In places where hair grows in different directions and in hard-to-reach areas (underarms, bikini area), it's helpful to pull the skin slightly, making it more taut and eliminating natural creases and folds.

Wet shave wins

Let your hair hydrate before shaving. It's a lot easier to cut when wet and supple. Soaking too long, however, causes the skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, making a close, clean shave more difficult to get.

Use shaving gel or lotion. Though soap is great for cleaning, shaving products help you get a cleaner shave and their moisturizers help hydrate the hair follicles and reduce dryness.

Sometimes it's a good idea to shave at night to help reduce dryness. Using a moisturizer shower gel to soften hairs can also help prevent redness and stinging.

Underarm tactics

Though it sometimes means daily maintenance, shaving is the easiest way to remove underarm hair. The key is to get as close a shave as possible by using a shaving gel and raising your arms so the skin is taut (giving you better access to the hair). Because underarm hair grows in so many directions, it's best to shave up, down, and side to side.

Shaving cuts only the hair above the surface of the skin, so you need to shave regularly to maintain a smooth surface. And underarm hair grows twice as fast as leg hair; you might need to shave there more often, depending on your rate of growth. Delay the sting by waiting a ½ hour before using deodorant after shaving your underarms. The chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants can sting your skin, especially if it's the least bit sensitive.

Using an electric razor

Shaving without the aid of shaving gel, soap, or cream is known as dry shaving. Electric razors are typically used without external shaving aids, and were originally called dry shavers, however modern electric razors now lubricate the skin slightly.

The removal of a full beard often requires the use of an electric (or beard) trimmer to reduce the mass of hair, and simplify the process.

Although and electric razor doesn't give you as close a shave as a safety razor, the advantage is that you can completely avoid cuts. When using an electric razor, make sure your skin is completely dry. Unlike a safety razor, and electric razor doesn't adapt well to wet skin and you won't get a close shave. If you're prone to razor burn, try an electric razor with disposable double-edged blades.

Preventing and fixing shaving problems

Shaving maybe the easiest of all hair-removal options, but it does have its perils. Here's how to keep them to a minimum.

Preventing shaving nicks

Before shaving, be sure skin is very wet. Allow your skin and hair to absorb bath or shower water for at least 3 minutes. This causes leg and underarm hair to swell, making it easier and less hazardous to remove. Don't soak for too long though.

Preventing razor burn

Razor burn can be caused by a couple of things. Maybe you're pressing too hard as you shave because the blade is dull, or perhaps you've left your razor in a bacteria-encouraging puddle and the bacteria are getting on your skin. The first thing to do is change the blade at least once a week - a new, sharp razor will skim lightly over your skin without irritating it. Also, be sure to let the warm water soften your skin and hair before getting started, and use plenty of moisturizing shaving cream - not soap - as and added cushion. And don't forget to avoid those puddles.

Soothing razor burn

Chamomile tea is a great remedy for the irritation that shaving sometimes causes. Either put cold, damp tea bags on the area or you may soak a cloth in strong, cold chamomile tea and apply it.

How to heal red shaving bumps

Unsightly red shaving bumps often occur in the bikini area. This happens because there are lots of oil glands there that are attached to nerve endings, which are easily irritated. To avoid shaving bumps, try dissolving two aspirins (aspirin acts as and anti-inflammatory) and a drop of glycerin in ¼ of a cup of distilled water in a small, clean bottle; apply the mixture after removing hair. Using an antiseptic cream to calm the skin after shaving can also be helpful.

6 tips for successful shaving

Keep stubble at bay and avoid nasty side-effects with our six helpful hints: