Top 3 Shaving Complaints, Solved

If you’ve read up on the Pure Shave  “About Us“, you’ll know that we were created in a bid to solve some age-old shaving complaints. Shaving, despite being a fixed part of life for centuries, really hasn’t evolved that much since it’s early days. Ok, we may no longer be tweezing out individual hairs with clamshells (yes, that was really how it was done back in the “good ole days”), but theres still no shortage of shaving complaints.

We believe that getting a perfect shave every time is not only achievable but should be the expectation of every man in the UK. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 3 shaving complaints, and how Pure Shave can offer a solution.

1.   Razor Burn And Irritation

By far, the most common shaving complaint is razor burn and skin irritation. There are a few different potential causes of irritation during shaving, which are:

• Clogged or dull blades

When a blade is dull, it can pull the skin, hacking through each hair instead of gliding smoothly. Ensure you use a sharp, clean blade, or better yet, a double-edged razor which stays sharper, longer and costs less to replace blades. Unlike other brands, Pure Shave results in much less clogging of blades, helping you get a cleaner shave.

• Find the right pressure

If you’re pushing down too hard on the razor to get a closer shave, you’re likely to irritate the outermost layer of your skin. Safety razors are designed to work with their own weight, so you shouldn’t need to apply pressure. With both safety and cartridge razors, if you’re having trouble getting a close shave, the fault likely lies with your blade (see Complaint #3).

• Missing out on your prep

Never, ever skip your pre-shave routine. By having a shower or using a hot towel first, you’ll open your pores and soften the hair, reducing the risk of any excess tugging on your skin.

• Using the wrong products

Not all shaving products are created equal. Many are filled with detergents which strip your skin of its natural oils, drying it out and leading to irritation. Look for products that use natural and moisturising ingredients which will hydrate and soothe your skin.

2.   Not Getting A Close Enough Shave

If you feel like you’re just not getting the results you expect from a shave, or that there’s too much stubble remaining, you’re not alone. The result? Either a subpar shave, or the need to shave the same area multiple times, resulting in more irritation. Here’s a few things to consider…

• Know your angles

The ideal angle for shaving is 30-degrees, which allows the blades to best reach the base of your hair. This is particularly important to note if you’re using a safety razor. Too sharp or shallow an angle and the razor won’t make it as far down the hair’s strand. While many men choose to shave with the grain to reduce irritation, this will also prevent the blade getting close to the skin – one of Pure Shave’s advantages is that it allows you to shave against the grain.

• Prep, prep, prep

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if you skip your pre-shave prep, you’re asking for trouble. Let hot water soften up your hair and skin, then use a good quality shaving gel or foam – this will allow the razor to glide through your hair, resulting in a smoother, cleaner shave.

3.   Cuts And Nicks

Find yourself having to dab at cuts and nicks after shaving? There are two main reasons that you might be experiencing this frustrating risk of shaving…

• Old, dull blades

When a blade isn’t at its sharpest, it requires more passes over the same area, raising the likelihood that you nick your skin. Dull blades also catch on the skin more easily and lead to cuts as you shave. Keep on top of your razor by replacing the blades regularly.

• Technique issues

The most common reason for experiencing cuts and nicks during shaving comes down to technique. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to shave too quickly, or trying to cover larger areas without cleaning your blade. Everything we said above regarding dull blades also applies to blades clogged with hair, so make sure you’re rinsing regularly and using  slow, short, careful strokes for best results.