Every shaving story is different. For some women, irritation is a conundrum while others have to shave every other day. A safety razor is the first thing you need to achieve a smooth shave and is a great tool for those with sensitive skin. Unlike traditional razors, the OUI’s razor only has one blade which offers a smoother shave with one swipe. This razor is 100% stainless steel and is handcrafted in Germany by employees earning fair wages. According to the shaving expert and owner of OUI, Karen Young it is essential to avoid using soap and she recommends never shave with dry skin. With the right amount of pressure, you can have an irritation-free experience without having to re-shave. Here are some shaving tips and methods to avoid ingrown hairs.
Shave in multiple directions
For most people, hair grows in a crisscross pattern so you don’t always have to shave up. Instead, try shaving in different directions - up, out, in, or a combination of all the above. Some plastic razors will not allow you to shave in the grain. This means when the razor blade travels in the same direction that your hair is growing. With a safety razor, you don‘t have to shave over the area repeatedly. You will only need one or two passes and voila!
Keep it light
The main cause of irritation is pressing harshly with the razor on your skin. Make sure to keep a light touch and remember it takes longer to heal irritation than it does to change your blade. OUI’s razor has a weighted handle that you can easily glide over the top of your skin without pressing down. Ease up on the pressure for bony areas like shins, kneecaps, and ankles to avoid cuts. These areas often have vellus hairs which are thin, barely noticeable and hard to shave in one pass. Go over these areas slowly and short strokes.
Angle the razor
Keep the angle of the safety razor at about 30 degrees relative to your skin and hold your skin tight with one hand while you‘re shaving. Disposable razors should never go against the grain and require more pressure. With a safety razor, the hairs are exposed to the blade resulting in a closer trim.