For both boys and girls, it is a step towards adulthood to be able to shave. This means you are maturing and getting closer to adulthood. Learning how to shave, though, can be enjoyable. You'll learn how to shave by following these directions.
You will need:
Cream or gel for shaving
A sharp razor, needs to be new
Water, at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold)
Clean towel
1. Cleanse your skin and exfoliate. Whether this is the first time you shave your legs or face, you will have a better chance of a close shave when you begin with a clean area. Use an exfoliating soap. This step will get rid of any dead skin and actually lift the hair away from your skin. It will also help prevent bacteria build up that leads to razor burn and ingrown hairs.
2. You must always prepare your skin properly, with warm water. Your skin must be warm and moist before you start to shave. Whenever you can it is better to shave the same time as you shower so you can let your skin soak in hot water for several minutes before you begin.
3. Lather up with a shaving cream or gel. Squeeze some gel into your palm and then put a slight layer over your skin. Don't rub, just apply, a thin coat of gel to the area you are looking to shave.
4. Decide on the point you will start. For your legs, generally women will begin shaving around the ankle area. Men shave downward starting above the top of the hair on your cheek or jaw.
5. Use long, smooth strokes when shaving. Shaving should not be rushed. You are less likely to injure yourself when the razor is new and your strokes are even.
6. After every stroke, take time to rinse. Your razor can become clogged and lose its sharpness if you are too rough on one stroke. As a reminder, be sure to run the razor under warm water to clean it between swipes. This will take out the hair that gets tangled behind the blade and any extra shaving cream.
7. Be sure to catch difficult-to-reach spots. Some sections of the face or leg will be harder to shave than others so slow down and be gentle. On the face these might be the chin, top lip and any part close to the nose. When it comes to women the knees, ankles and bikini line are difficult.
8. Shave the area until it is very soft and smooth. Considering how thick and how much your hair grows you might need to shave each area more than one time. Run a hand over the area to be sure it is completely smooth.
9. Use warm water for rinsing. Wash off with warm water to remove cut hairs and any remaining shaving lotion, once finished. You should clean the skin but not use soap because it could irritate your skin.