About Shaving

In ancient times, men and women used sharp rocks or sea shells to remove hair. After the development of copper tools in around 3000 B.C.E., men started using sharp copper blades. Egyptian society eventually adopted shaving as part of personal hygiene, and their priests began teaching the importance of shaving to citizens. Alexander the Great helped to implement shaving in his empire during the 4th century B.C.E. Over time, shaving in the Western world became a part of social norms.

A wet shave is a common method of shaving that utilizes a straight or safety razor. Safety razors, which are often disposable, come in all shapes in sizes--from single-edged razors to double-edged and injector razors. Straight razors are common in barber shops and require sharpening and honing. A wet shave entails wetting the face with water, applying facial cream or lubricant and then running the blade across the skin to remove the hair. After the shave is complete, the blade and skin are rinsed, and the aftershave lotion or oil is applied to the skin. Dry shaving requires an electric razor that has rotating blades moving behind a safety foil. Electric razors do not cut as close as straight or safety razors, but they are quick and convenient. Electric shaving typically does not require any cream or lubrication.

To get the closest shave, splash your skin with hot water or shave in the shower to expand the pores. Shave in the direction of your beard or hair growth and use long strokes. This will decrease the chance of ingrown hairs, nicks, cuts, razor bumps and other skin damage.

Many large corporations specialize in making shaving products. The two most popular manufacturers of safety razors are Gillette and Schick. Gillette’s most popular razors include the Gillette Fusion Power and the Gillette Mach3, while Schick’s are the Schick Quattro Power and the Schick Xtreme SubZero. Panasonic, Braun and Philips are leading producers of electric razors.

Shaving is good for the skin because it helps to remove dead skin cells and leaves the skin cleaner. Athletes often shave to help keep their body temperatures low and to lessen the amount of friction on their skin when their body is in motion. It’s not uncommon for athletes in sports such as swimming or track and field to shave most of their body in an attempt to gain an advantage.

If the skin is cut from a shave, it is important to apply rubbing alcohol and pressure to the cut. Once the bleeding has stopped, place a small piece of tissue paper or petroleum jelly on the cut to prevent scab formation. Razor burn most often occurs when shaving with a blunt razor or without proper lubrication.