If you often experience these pesky side-effects to shaving, we’ve got your back (or, your underarms, legs and bikini line). Read on for our top tips for shaving with sensitive skin.
1. Choose the right tools
The key to an irritation-free shave is in the tools. Dull razor blades and poorly designed handles increase the risk of nicks, bumps and irritation. Always use a sharp razor when you shave, and make sure that it has the right number of blades to get a smooth shave (reducing the need to go over your skin multiple times).
We always recommend blades like ours. Our heads have 6 precision-engineered blades, a lubricating vitamin E strip and a bikini line styler. That means they’ll give you a super-close shave, while looking after your skin at the same time.
It’s worth signing up for a razor subscription option too, which means you always have sharp blades on hand when you need them. It’s not worth using a dull blade, especially if you have sensitive skin.
2. Prep your skin
Before you start shaving, it’s really important to prepare your skin. Exfoliate using a gentle scrub, then soak your skin for a few minutes. You don’t have to have a bath each time you shave; soaking the area you want to shave in the shower works just as well.
Soaking your skin is an important step, as it helps soften the skin and hairs before you shave. Remember to use warm water (not hot, as hot water can irritate sensitive skin).
3. Use the right products
Don’t skip the shaving cream! While it might feel like an extra hassle, shaving cream helps protect your skin when you shave. Shampoo, shower gel or conditioner won’t do the same job. We recommend using a sensitive skin shaving cream, like our Shave Cream. This includes hydrating ingredients like manuka honey, shea butter and coconut oil. These ingredients keep your skin soothed and protected as you shave. Plus, our Shave Cream also includes cationic ingredients to encourage a close shave, which means you don’t have to shave over the area repeatedly.
4. Be gentle
Cuts, irritation and razor bumps can happen when you shave over an area multiple times, or when you press too hard. With our precision-engineered razors, you don’t need to add a lot of pressure or keep shaving one section. Use long, gentle strokes when you shave, and pull the skin taut if you can.
5. Don’t forget aftercare
Shaving can dry out your skin, which can be a problem for people who have sensitive skin. After you’ve finished shaving, make sure you moisturise afterwards. This helps add hydration back into your skin, and soothes any irritation. Our Post-Shave Balm has rich manuka honey, almond oil and cocoa butter to help keep your skin feeling smooth. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.
