Is Shaving Your Face Bad? We Tried it (SEE Video)
So you've watched all those IG videos of people shaving off their peach fuzz, but is shaving your face bad?
One of the main reasons why women shave their faces is to soften skin texture, which makes your skin (and foundation) look way smoother. The question is, is face shaving for women a good idea or do the cons outweigh the benefits?
Ahead, everything you've ever wanted to know about shaving your face as a woman including the pros, cons, and how to shave your face for the best possible results. And of course, we'll answer that burning question: Is it bad to shave your face as a woman?
Should I Shave My Face?
Hair removal is all down to personal preference. Face shaving involves using a clean razor to remove surface-level hair for a smoother, softer feel and look. It's easy, something you can do at home, and you get to enjoy instant results.
There are two types of facial hair, vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is the peach fuzz that covers most of your face. It works to regulate body temperature and evaporate sweat.
Terminal hair is darker and thicker, and appears along the upper lips and lower lips, sideburns, and chin. Facial shaving is an easy way to remove these types of face hair.
Is Shaving Your Face Bad?
No, shaving your face is harmless. However, how it affects your skin depends on factors like skin type, shaving technique, and the quality of shaving products used. Shaving can sometimes cause irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs.
To minimize these issues, it's crucial to use a sharp, clean razor, lubricate with shaving cream, and follow a proper pre-and-post-shave skincare routine. For some, alternative methods like electric razors or trimmers may be gentler.
Whether you're looking to improve skin texture or working with PCOS or hirsutism, it's completely fine and safe to shave your face. As long as you do it correctly, of course! If you're wondering will hair grow back thicker after shaving your face, that's a myth. It won't grow back thicker or darker after shaving.
Is shaving your face bad? The only case in which face shaving for women is bad is if you don't shave correctly or you're using an old, blunt razor which can lead to nicks, cuts, rashes, and irritation. But those are normal side effects of shaving that are easily preventable.
Pros and Cons of Shaving Your Face as a Woman
According to dermatologists, there are benefits of shaving your face as well as a few cons if you're not careful.
Benefits of Face Shaving for Women
- Smoother, softer skin: Shaving your face exfoliates the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a smoother and softer complexion.
- Makeup goes on smoothly: A freshly shaved face provides a smoother canvas for makeup application. Foundation and concealer products glide on more evenly, creating a flawless finish.
- Makeup lasts longer: Without peach fuzz and dead skin cells, makeup stays on better, resulting in longer-lasting wear. You'll find that your makeup also remains fresh throughout the day.
Cons of Face Shaving for Women
- Nicks, cuts and razor burn: Shaving your face can lead to occasional nicks, cuts, and razor burn, especially if not done carefully. That is why it's essential to use proper technique and sharp razors to minimize these issues.
- Dryness and itching: Since shaving exfoliates and buffs away dead skin, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itching. To counteract this, always follow up with a moisturizing aftershave or cream to hydrate the skin.
Is it bad to shave your face? It's only bad if you don't use a clean, sharp razor or the right shaving technique which can result in cuts and razor burn. You can also choose to wax your face but shaving is faster and less painful.
@trulybeauty #skincare #facialtreatment #beauty #beard #faceshaving #shaveitoff ♬ LATIN CUMBIA - Mat Dante
Shaving vs Dermaplaning
It's easy to get confused between shaving and dermaplaning. However, there are a few key differences between the two.
Shaving the face only removes the vellus hair (peach fuzz). In contrast, dermaplaning removes the vellus hair as well as the top layer of your skin. While shaving simply removes facial hair using a razor, dermaplaning involves the use of a surgical scalpel to remove hair, peach fuzz, surface skin, and dead skin cells. It's more of an exfoliating treatment than regular shaving.
Both are safe provided that they're done correctly. Is shaving your face bad or better than dermaplaning? It's definitely easier and more convenient. Again, the method you choose depends on personal preference.
How to Shave Your Face
Glazed Donut Shave Set
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With regards to is shaving your face bad for skin, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the benefits of face shaving. You just need to make sure you use the right skincare products and technique. Here's a step by step guide on how to shave your face as a woman.
Step 1: Cleanse
Glass Skin Cleansing Balm
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First, make sure your face is clean and free of makeup and product. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser or opt for a soothing cleansing balm to clear away dirt, oil and impurities.
Truly's Glass Skin Cleansing Balm is a 2-in-1 cleanser and makeup remover that lifts the day's sebum, gunk, and makeup for a clear and poreless complexion.
Step 2: Apply Shaving Cream
Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter
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Always start your shave with a shaving cream, gel or butter. Shaving cream acts as a protective barrier between your razor and skin, preventing razor burn and ingrown hairs. What's more, it ensures an easier glide and smoother finish. Wet your face and apply a thin layer of cream all over the area you're shaving.
Truly's Coco Cloud Whipped Shave Butter is a hydrating blend of coconut milk, argan oil, and vitamin E. It provides marshmallow-soft cushioning against your razor blade while softening skin and hair follicles for the smoothest shave.
When it comes to is shaving your face bad it's not as long as you always use shave cream!
Step 3: Shave with the Grain
Life Shaver Starter Razor
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Using a clean, sharp razor, tilt the razor at a 45 degree angle, press it against your skin, and use short, light strokes to shave the hair in the direction of hair growth to prevent ingrowns. Repeat until you're fuzz-free. Try to avoid going over the same areas to avoid irritation. Rinse your razor after every swipe.
Truly's Life Shaver Starter Razor offers a clean, ultra-close shave for that feeling of a fresh shave on silky sheets, everytime.
Step 4: Apply a Pigmentation Treatment
Jelly Booster Pigment Treatment Body Potion
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Over time, shaving can cause discoloration if you're not using the right products or technique. Is shaving your face bad? No, but there's always the risk of discoloration. To combat this, follow up with a pigmentation treatment that brightens and fades discoloration.
Truly's Jelly Booster Pigment Body Potion is formulated with antioxidant-rich pomegranate and skin regenerating vitamin B2. It works to conditions the skin while calming irritation and fading hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars, ingrown hairs, trauma, and hormonal changes. It'll also add a little glowiness to your complexion.
Step 5: Soothe with an Antimicrobial Serum
Cooka Concentrate Ingrown Serum
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Whenever and wherever you shave, there's always the risk of skin irritation and ingrowns. To prevent and treat shaving aftermath, apply a topical treatment formulated with antiseptic and antimicrobial ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, and lavender.
Truly's Cooka Concentrate blends tea tree, lavender, and primrose to relieve and prevent ingrowns, razor burn, and bumps. Use it after every shave to stay smooth and bump-free. It's suitable for dry skin and sensitive skin too.
Step 6: Moisturize
Glazed Donut Facial Glow Cream
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Finally, finish your face shaving routine with a nourishing moisturizer to restore moisture in the skin and alleviate any post-shave dryness. Choose something rich but lightweight and apply a thin layer as the last step of your routine. Unless you're going out of course -- in which case you'll need to apply sunscreen!
Truly's Glazed Donut Facial Glow Cream intensely hydrates skin with a nourishing blend of shea butter, coconut, passion fruit, and vitamin E for visibly smoother, glowier skin.
How Often Should I Shave My Face?
Now you know is shaving your face bad you're probably wondering how often you can shave your face. Everyone's hair growth cycle is different. If you have a faster hair growth rate, you'll find yourself shaving more often. Some women even shave their faces daily to keep skin soft and smooth. For those with a normal hair growth rate, shaving weekly should be more than enough.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Face Shaving?
Most dermatologists agree that shaving your face is safe. Whether you're shaving your face or body hair, there's always the risk of nicks, cuts, razor burn, and ingrowns. However, provided that you follow a good shaving routine for your face, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a smooth, irritation-free shave every time.
Check out our face shaving tutorial for women:
Is shaving your face bad? Not if you do it right! Facial hair removal is all down to your personal preference. Follow our woman's face shaving routine above for a smooth shave every single time.
