Shaving for the first time can be a big deal. Many of us spend months or even years longing to be able to shave, so it’s no surprise that it can turn into a pretty momentous occasion.
But what should you do when your first shave goes wrong, and you’re left with skin that’s red, itchy and irritated? If this has happened to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. The number of men who don’t experience any irritation after their first shave are very much in the minority, with nicks, cuts and stinging all being particularly common after a first shave.
There are two possible reasons why you might experience discomfort if you’re just getting into shaving: either you’ve not quite mastered your shaving technique, or you’re one of the many men who have sensitive skin.
Find out where you’re going wrong now, and you could save yourself from years of annoying shaving rash and unsightly razor bumps.
How to Tell if You Have Sensitive Skin
Signs of sensitive skin include:
- Redness
- Tightness
- Dry skin
- Tenderness
- Itching
- Soreness
- Inflamed patches
- Acne
- Burning or stinging
- Bleeding
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Reactions to skincare products
If any of these apply to you, read below for our tips on shaving sensitive skin in the most effective and comfortable way.
How to Shave for the First Time, Properly
At Gillette, we’ve been helping men to shave for over 117 years, so we’ve had plenty of time to learn all of the best shaving tips and tricks. Get into the habit of following these five steps, every time, and you’ll soon have smooth shaving nailed:
1. Hydrate Your Face
It’s so much easier to glide a razor over skin that’s just been washed, which is why it’s always a good idea to shave right after your shower.
Wet shaving can give a far smoother finish than dry shaving, so use plenty of shaving gel or foam to create a lather each time you shave while you build up your confidence and your technique.
2. Check Your Blades
Most nicks and cuts from shaving are caused by dull blades, so always check yours before using them on your face. It’s easy to forget to add fresh blades to your shopping list when you’re not in the habit of buying them, so sign up for a Gillette shaving subscription to get blades delivered to your door on a regular basis.
3. Get Shaving
For your first shave, experiment by shaving both with and against the grain (the direction of your facial hair growth) to see which works best for you. Be gentle with your skin to avoid cutting yourself – it should be your razor doing most of the work, not your hand.
The Gillette SkinGuard Sensitive Razor has actually been specially designed to absorb some of the pressure from your hand, so it’s a good one to use while you get used to working out the right level of pressure to use.
