Shaving is the removal of hair by using a razor or any other kind of blade to slice it down to the level of the skin. Shaving is most commonly practiced by men to remove their facial hair and by women to remove their leg and underarm hair. Both men and women sometimes shave their chest hair, abdominal hair, leg hair, underarm hair, pubic hair or any other bodily hair. Head shaving is much more common among men.

Shaving for boys

First, talk to some men in your family, perhaps your father, or an older brother who has already started shaving and ask them if you are ready. You should start shaving when you decide that you have enough hair growth on your face to actually shave off. Shaving can be done with a straight razor or safety razor(called manual shaving or wet shaving) or an electric razor (called dry shaving).

Shaving for girls

You can start shaving when you feel uncomfortable with all the hairs in your armpit and or pubic area. Talk to your mom, an auntie or older sister about it.

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Alternatives other than shaving for girls

• Waxing
• Hair removal cream
• Electrolysis
• Laser hair reduction
• Threading
• Sugaring

Which Razor to Use for Shaving

To start shaving, you have to find a razor that is safe, effective, and easy to use. Get your dad, mom, or older sibling to advise you You will find two popular types of razors: electric and manual. An electric razor may come with a cord, or in a rechargeable and cordless design. A disposable razor or safety razor can have several blades stacked one on top of the other. It can provide you with a very close shave.

Razor Basics Razors come in a bunch of different forms. There are standard razors that are either completely disposable or have a disposable blade that needs to be replaced regularly, and there are electric razors. Using an electric razor can be quick and convenient, but many guys find that it may not give the close and accurate shave that a standard razor can. Although using an electric razor is pretty easy, shaving with a standard razor has a few rules to follow.

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When you’re using a standard razor, the most important item you need is a clean, sharp blade (the best razors have at least two blades and a movable head). Try to avoid shaving with a dull or blunt blade. Change disposable razors often. A dull blade will give you an uneven shave and leave you with redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair on your face and neck and even can remove a fair amount of your skin along with the hair! Shaving scrapes natural oils off your face, so the next most important item is some sort of shaving gel to keep your skin from becoming too dry and reduce friction from the razor. Pick a gel you think good and give it a try.

Problems with shaving:

1. Cuts and nicks
   When you nick or cut yourself, be sure to grab a clean tissue or cloth and apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
2. Razor bumps
   Some might get ingrown hairs after shaving, in which the hair grows back into the skin. It can pierce the hair follicle, which in turn causes razor bumps. Called folliculitis, this condition can sometimes be handled by using a special safety razor, but this doesn’t always work for every guy. If you experience folliculitis, talk to a dermatologist about the best way to remove your beard and moustache.

Now let’s shave:

• First, wet your face with hot or warm water. Or shave right after a hot shower. This makes the hair on your face softer and opens your skin’s pores, getting you ready for a closer and easier shave.
• Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth area (around your lips), neck, and throat.
• Press the razor to the area you want to shave. It is good to start with the sides of your face as they’re easy to handle. Use short, slow strokes and remember to move the razor in the direction your hair is growing. Don’t press too hard but don’t be too gentle.
• When the sides of your face are finished, move on to the more tricky spots. For areas like your upper lip/moustache area, bottom lip/chin area, and neck/throat area, you’ll have to work a little. Try to stretch your skin a bit to make a flat surface, and glide the razor over those tricky areas.
• When you’re finished, rinse your clean, smooth face with cold water. If you want to, put on some aftershave.
• If you’re heading outside, be sure to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least
• Depending on how fast you grow that beard and moustache, repeat the entire process in 1 to 3 days.

Don’t Believe Shaving Myths

Despite what you might have heard, shaving does not make the hair grow back thicker. Shaving only removes hair at the surface of the skin. The sharp edge caused by shaving the hair creates the rough “stubble” you can feel on your legs or armpits. You will probably find that unless you have very thick hair growth, you won’t have to shave every day when you first start shaving. As you get older, your hair will start to come in much faster, requiring you to shave frequently. Remember, everyone is different. Genetics play a big role in how much hair you have.

References

1. http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/shaving.htm
2. http://www.metroparent.com/wp-content/uploads/Shaving-101-for-Beginners-Tips-for-Tweens-and-Teens.jpg
3. What Are the Best Tips for Growing Teen Beards?
4. WebMD Medical Reference