Shaving is bad for my skin.
True and false.
True: Shaving can irritate the skin especially if done wrong or is done without shaving cream (more on that below). If you cut yourself, don’t moisturize after shaving, use a dull razor, etc that can be bad for the skin too.
False: Shaving exfoliates the skin. Shaving removes a layer of skin from your face which clears away dead skin cells and debris which if left on their own, can clog pores leading to acne and ingrown hairs. This is good.
That’s why they call it a clean shave. You take care of the whiskers and your skin at the same time and end up with a clean, smooth feeling.
If you shave correctly, it’s good for the skin.
If I shave my head it won’t grow back the same as before.
No, it’ll grow back the same as before. Hair grows due to genetics not because of how often you shave it.
Having said that, if you start shaving your balding head today and then stop shaving it say 5 years from now, of course you aren’t going to have as much hair. Your hair continued to fall out while shaving your head.
But it didn’t fall out because you were shaving your head.
Shaving will make hair grow back thicker, darker or faster.
If only.
Imagine how many bald guys would have full heads of hair if this was the case. Shaving your hair on any part of your body does not make it grow back thicker or thinner or darker or lighter. As mentioned, hair growth is in your genes and due to genetics not due to your shaving habits.
Now, using laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) hair removal can over time reduce the amount of hair you have on a particular body part and the hair that grows back does tend to be thinner and finer than before.
Using a new razor blade causes you to cut yourself.
Using a fresh razor is the smart thing to do. Yes, you have to be careful because you’re using a sharp blade. But a sharp blade ensures a closer shave and is the correct thing to do.
Using a dull blade is what will tend to produce cuts. You overcompensate for the dullness by pressing harder on your skin. So while a dull blade tugs on whiskers while you’re pressing down and causes discomfort, you’ll tend to shave the same area several times before getting a clean shave which is what tends to produce cuts.
Dry shaving without water or shaving cream is ok to do.
The pre-shave is the most important part of the shave ie. prepping the skin for shaving. Shaving dry skin leaves you open for cuts, irritated skin, etc. Shaving with a razor blade produces friction on the skin and shaving it dry makes it worse.
Showering before shaving softens the skin and whiskers. Using a good quality shaving cream further lubricates and softens the skin and whiskers and protect and soothes the skin after the shave.
A cheap razor is as good as a more expensive one.
I’ve had good success with fairly cheap razor blades. I also had bad experiences with cheap BIC disposables. So it’s hit and miss. While you don’t have to buy the most expensive razor blade out there, the cheaper ones tend not to offer the same level of shave as a higher quality one ie. they don’t last as long, no lubricating strip, they don’t pivot.
Having said that, double edge razor blades tend to be cheap to buy. Why? DE razor blades have been around for over a century so there are no active patents remaining. They are widely produced and are fairly cheap when bought in bulk as a result.
I need a multi-blade razor.
Razor blades are available in single blade, twin blades, 3-blades, 4-blades, 5-blades, 6-blades and 7-blades. How many blades do you need?
Single blade: Such as a cheap BIC disposable or generic brand. A DE razor is also a single blade but it’s of a higher quality. A single blade uses one blade to cut whiskers at skin level. Tends to be good for guys with ingrown hairs. So there are single blades (cheap BIC disposables) and then they are single blades (DE razor). They’re not the same.
Multi-blade razors: Uses a lift and cut system. The first blade typically grabs the whiskers and the next and subsequent blades shave them. Offers a closer shave but can lead to ingrown hairs. The more expensive ones also have lubricating strip(s), pivoting head and other features.
Summary: Our ancestors used single blade razors until several decades ago. They seemed to survive. Of course, they didn’t have any other option to shave with, so…
Electric shavers are better/worse than manual razors.
Some guys like electric shavers. Some guys prefer manual razors. Some guys use both.
Electric shavers are effective for shaving the face as new models have pivoting, floating heads and are available in both wet and dry options. So you shave a bare face or you can shave with shaving cream either in front of a mirror or in the shower. You tend not to cut yourself with electric razors as frequently. They don’t tend to work as well on a shaved head in my experience as it takes far longer than shaving your head with a razor. Even if you have a mirror, shaving the back of your head with an electric shaver takes more time than with a razor.
Manual razors are good for shaving both your face and head in my experience. They are widely available and come in a wide variety of types ie. single blade all the way up to 7 blades. Many shaving cream, gels and soaps are available to choose from, with a wide variety of scents, styles, etc.
So it depends. Maybe an electric shaver is better for you or maybe a manual razor is preferable. Or both!
Shaving ruins your tan.
Depends.
Real tan (from the sun): Shaving won’t have any effect on your tan.
Fake tan (a spray on tan): Partially true. Shaving effectively removes the top layer of skin (exfoliates) your skin. This will reduce the length of time that your tan appears as such.
Now, if you use spray tan on your face and head and then shave both, will you have a lighter complexion in certain areas? I’ve used spray tans, shaved my head and face (with a goatee in place) and I didn’t notice a difference.
Soap or body wash works the same as shaving cream.
No. A good shaving cream, soap or gel has moisturizers and other additives and ingredients designed to protect and soothe skin from the effects of shaving. A regular soap or body wash is just that: a soap or body wash for cleaning only.
What shaving myth(s) have you heard? Tell us below in the comments and let’s clear them up.