Do you know how to correctly shave your legs?
Following the reports of a recent study which debunks the common belief that using a razor leads to coarseness, we at Venus though it was about time we set the record straight on a few of the most enduring shaving myths.
With the help of Venus Beauty Therapist, Nathalie Eleni and Venus Scientific Communications Manager, Bailu Lu we debunk those shaving myths we’ve all heard at least once.
Myth: Shaving will make my hair grow back thicker, darker and faster
“The hair re-growth process is determined by that’s on the inside – your genetics and hormones. So why the relentless myth? When a shaved hair grows back the blunt tip shape is different from an unshaven hair, making it seem thicker or darker to a human eye. This might make hair feel a little sharper too. Another possible reason – underarm typically grows faster than hair on yoru legs, so it’s naturally growing faster with or without shaving,” explains Bailu Lu.
Myth: Shaving will make my skin dry, flaky and sensitive
“Shaving with a razor actually helps skin look and feel smoother by gently exfoliating or removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Venus razors include features to help provide superb glide and silk soft skin after you shave,” says Nathalie Eleni.
Myth: Soap and water are all the preparation I need to get a smooth, close shave
“The use of ordinary soap can be damaging for the skin as it can remove natural moisturisers. Use a moisture-rich shave gel such as Satin Care with a touch of Olay before shacing to help keep hair hydrated and to ensure the razor glides easily over skin,” says Bailu Lu.
Myth: Shaving will remove my tan
“You simply can’t shave off your tan. Tanning is a function of melanin production within your skin. Infact, shaving may actually enhance your tan by exfoliationg flaky skin that can hide its glow,” explains Bailu.
Dos and Don’ts of shaving
DO:
Use a razor with 5-blade technology which gives a more comfortable shave
Use a moisture-rich shade gel
Replace blades at first sign of dullness
Hydrate hair in warm water for two to three minutes to make hair easier to cut
Use a light touch when shaving. Let the razor do the work, not you
Use a razor with an ergonomically designed handle for esy manovering
Rinse and air-dry your razor
Shave legs against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave, or in the direction that is most comfortable
Keep your razor and spare blades in a dry and convenient place
DON’T
Borrow your father’s razor – after all, you’re shaving in a slippery shower or bath, not in front of the sink
Use soap or dry shave your legs
Shave with a dull blade – it will cause the razor to drag and create irritation
Soak in a hot tub for long periods of time before shaving. This causes the skin to wrinkle and swell, making it more difficult to get a close shave
Press down too hard on your razor
Leave your razor facing down on the counter – the blades have a greater chance of becoming dull if not allowed to dry, and germs can be picked up more easily.