Shaving for the first time can be daunting, but you can make the experience smooth and easy. So to protect your skin against irritation, we’ve got preparation tips for anyone learning how to shave for the first time!
Beginner’s Guide to First Time Shaving
Whether you shave or not is entirely down to you. All women grow body hair, some might grow lighter thinner hair, others may grow thicker or darker hair - but no matter your genetics, we all grow body hair.
Why to shave? Is shaving necessary?
Some women may want to shave their body hair because it makes them feel more confident or simply because they like the feel of having smooth, hair-free skin. However, shaving is by no means necessary, it is a personal grooming choice.
Shaving for the first time? Shaving can cause irritation, redness, razor burn or rashes if done incorrectly. Follow our first time shaving tips to get the best results:
How to shave for the first time
Moisturise your skin
When your skin is well-hydrated, your body hair will become thick with water and break away from the skin more easily, resulting in less chances of skin irritation. Soak the area you plan to shave for about three minutes by taking a warm shower or bath, or under running water.
Exfoliate before shaving, if needed
If you want a closer, longer-lasting shave, try exfoliating before you start shaving. Exfoliation helps to remove any surface-level, dead skin and helps your razor glide over your skin more easily. It’s better to exfoliate your skin before shaving rather than after. Otherwise, you might risk causing additional irritation. Use a loofah or a gentle scrub in the shower for better results.
Use plenty of shaving gel to avoid irritation
After you’ve hydrated your skin, apply a thick, even amount of shaving gel over the area you plan to shave. Using shave gel properly will help prevent moisture loss and add an additional layer of protection to avoid any scratches, cuts and hair pulls while you shave, and therefore cuts down on itchy razor bumps and skin irritation post-shave — especially if you have sensitive skin.
Using shaving gel also shows you exactly where you’ve shaved with your razor already. This helps avoid having to re-shave over any areas, thereby decreasing chances of skin irritation. Learn more about how to choose the shaving gel that’s right for you.
Choose the right razor
Most razor blades will last between 5 and 10 shaves. And, whether using a disposable or reusable razor, you need to make sure your razor blade is sharp and clean. This will reduce the chance of feeling the blade pull on your body hair or feel rough while gliding across your skin. If your blade starts to do this, it’s time to replace it.
After shaving, be sure to rinse your razor completely, let it dry naturally and keep it in a dry place in your shower. Learn more about choosing the right razor for you.
Learn how to shave the right way
Your best chances of achieving your best shave will depend on the areas of your body you are shaving. Learn more about how to shave:
- Legs: shave lightly from the ankles up
- Underarms: shave in all directions your hair grows
- Bikini Area: shave in the direction of the hair growth first; then you can go against the grain for a closer shave
Apply moisturiser
When you’ve finished shaving, rinse, pat your skin dry and apply your favourite moisturiser. Post-shave moisturising will help keep your freshly shaven skin healthy and hydrated. What’s more, since soap and water can often cause dry skin, applying a post-shave moisturiser helps to protect your skin against moisture loss while shaving.
First Time Shaving FAQs
When should I shave for the first time?
As everyone’s body is slightly different, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should start shaving for the first time. Usually, girls start thinking about shaving when they hit puberty which normally begins between the ages of 10-14.
How often should women shave?
How often you shave is entirely down to your personal grooming preferences. It is recommended to shave every 2-3 days. Some might like to shave every day, others may want to shave before going to the beach, pool or wearing certain clothes.
What happens when you shave for the first time?
If you follow our guide and use the right tools, you shouldn’t experience any side effects from shaving for the first time. However, you may notice your skin is drier and more sensitive.
Which is the best razor for first time shavers?
The best razors for first time shavers are designed for sensitive skin which helps protect the body part you are shaving from potential nicks and cuts. The SkinElixir lubrastrip on our Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Razor works in exactly this way to glide over skin and enhance your first time shaving experience.
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