Shaving has been a part of our daily routines for the longest time, with the promise of smooth, hair-free skin. Others, however, still express concerns over irritation, ingrown hairs, and even long-term damage and see no importance in shaving.
For Mahlatse Thosago from Cape Town, the advantages of shaving lie in its contributions to grooming and cleanliness.
“Shaving makes one feel clean, but it also causes ingrown hairs and blackheads. Removing hair is a must because we tend to sweat, which leads to bad hygiene,” she says.
For those who opt to shave, Thosago offers a valuable tip that has worked for her: “If you choose to shave, try not to make it a close shave, i.e., shaving close to the skin, to avoid ingrown hairs.”
Looking good and clean
“I genuinely shave when I remember to. It’s not something I do religiously, so sometimes it may be after two weeks and sometimes more,” shares Mpho Moalamedi from Heidelberg in Gauteng.
Moalamedi believes that shaving is primarily about manageability and aesthetics. “If you often wear sleeveless clothes, for example, it may look or feel better to shave, but I don’t believe shaving is a must.
“Society has created a one-sided, gendered culture of shaving. If women don’t shave, it’s viewed as unhygienic. On the other hand, men are often not expected to shave, and their hygiene is rarely questioned.”
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According to Eastern Cape dermatologist Avumile Mankahla, shaving remains a popular method for removing unwanted hair among both men and women due to its numerous benefits.
“Shaving is fast, very affordable, and easy to perform. Studies have shown that shaving of the underarm hair (also called axillary hair or armpit hair) in men results in a marked reduction or elimination of armpit odour compared to non-shaved underarms for at least 24 hours.”
However, Mankahla points out several complications that may occur due to shaving, which include itching, razor burns, skin irritations, small cuts, and the spread of local pre-existing infections, like warts.
“Shaving may also increase the risk of acquiring new skin infections.”
Dermatologist Avumile Mankahla
“Shaving also increases the risk of developing ingrown hairs, particularly in individuals with coarse and curly hair. In these persons, the hair tends to curve back and re-enter the skin, triggering an inflammatory response around the ingrown hair tip, resulting in razor bumps developing.”
Correct ways of shaving beard
Furthermore, he advises the correct way to shave to protect the skin. He outlines two primary methods: wet shaving with a razor blade and dry shaving with an electric shaver.
For wet shaving: The razor has to be clean and the blade sharp. Blunt blades are uncomfortable and can irritate.
“The beard hair should be wet and soft to facilitate removal and minimise irritation. Pre-shave lotions and shaving creams can help soften the hair. The most important step in wet shaving is applying water, as it is the most effective beard softener.”
For dry shaving: The skin should be clean and dry and the beard as stiff as possible. A pre-shave lotion can be used.
He adds that you should shave towards the direction of hair growth.
“After shaving, preparations are generally applied only to the face. They feel refreshing and may soothe razor discomfort; however, it is doubtful that any of these preparations have therapeutic effects on the skin. The benefits are purely cosmetic, but the application of a moisturiser is recommended after shaving.”
Shaving different body parts
Mankahla notes that there is no ideal hair removal method as each one has its advantages and disadvantages, so the techniques must be appropriate for each person or problem.
“There are important factors to consider in each case: hair and skin type, frequency of removal, presence of skin problems, cost and convenience, and individual preferences.”
He also cautions against shaving for certain individuals and body parts.
“People with bleeding disorders, acute skin infections, or acute inflammatory skin diseases involving the area with unwanted hair should avoid shaving.”
Additionally, he highlights specific areas that should not be shaved regularly:
- Face (for women): Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, razor burns, and skin irritation, especially around the eyebrows, lip, and chin area.
- Scalp: Shaving can lead to razor burns, ingrown hairs, and scalp irritation. Regular clean-shaved haircuts can also trigger acne keloidalis nuchae, a condition affecting the back of the neck.
- Pubic area, genital, and perianal regions: Shaving these areas can cause skin irritations, and ingrown hairs, and increase the risk of infections.
“It is also worth noting that patients on oral isotretinoin (a medication for acne) should avoid waxing because isotretinoin makes the skin more sensitive and fragile, increasing the risk of waxing-related irritation, redness, and even tearing of the skin.”
Tips to treat and prevent itching
According to Gillette Venus, experiencing itchy armpits and legs after shaving can be annoying. They share ways you can give your skin the relief it needs such as:
- Warm Compress
- Use Moisturiser
- Wear Loose Clothes
To prevent itching after shaving, they recommend:
- Trimming first
- Don’t shave on dry skin
- Use Superior quality razors
- Shave in the direction of hair growth
- Moisturise skin after shaving
ALSO READ: Skin deep: How to manage hyperpigmentation
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