Whether you’re too tired to hop in the shower and use shaving cream or forgot to buy a new pack of razor heads, you've probably made some common shaving mistakes. Shaving is something to approach with just as much care as any other part of your skincare routine. By the end of this blog, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth, pain-free shaving experience. Here are the 10 common shaving mistakes to avoid:

1. Not prepping your skin

Always prep your skin with warm water so you allow the hair to soften up.

2. Skipping exfoliation

If you feel like no matter how much shaving cream you use, or how sharp of a razor you shave with, you simply can’t get a close shave, dead skin cells may be to blame. Gentle exfoliation is a great way to get rid of any dead skin cells and impurities prior to shaving and therefore support a super close shave. If you have ingrown hairs, exfoliation will also help unclog pores and smoothen the skin.

For silky, smooth legs skin try using a granular scrub that’s specifically designed for the body, like Pure Fiji’s Coconut Crush Scrub. A decadent coconut crème scrub infused with crushed coconut shells from the South Pacific for a smoother exfoliation.

3. Applying too much pressure

Applying more pressure is never a good idea. In fact, pushing too much on the skin causes friction and, for many, results in irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. Invest in a good razor. Less is more when it comes to pressure and hair removal. Remember to keep a light touch when shaving because it takes longer to heal irritation than it does to change your blade.

4. Using plastic razors

A men’s razor versus plastic razors provide a sharp cut on the hair so it can grow back without becoming ingrown. If the cut is dull, the probability of ingrown hair is higher. A good razor can also help stop post-shave irritation like razor burn. A weighted safety razor, the weight of the handle does all of the work, resulting in a much gentler, smoother and irritation-free shave.

5. Not using enough product

Even if you use the proper razor, foregoing shaving cream can lead to a world of hurt while removing body hair. Always provide a layer of protection between the blade and the skin. It will ensure less friction and minimize the risk of redness, razor burn, and irritation – and fewer nicks and cuts.

Ditch shaving creams or foaming gels that are typically filled with alcohol and use a coconut milk shower gel from Pure Fiji instead. This dreamy coconut milk shower gel is packed with moisturizing ingredients to hydrate the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

6. Shaving on dry skin

If you’ve ever shaved on dry skin, then you know what we’re talking about. Shaving in a rush on completely dry skin or with soap can result in extreme razor burn and irritation.

7. Shaving in different directions

When you shave in the opposite direction, you can get ingrown hair and even harsh growth. Also, shaving against the grain will cause skin irritation and even razor bumps.

8. Using dull blades

Try to avoid shaving with a dull or blunt blade. At best, a dull blade will give you an uneven shave and leave you with redness, blotches, and patches of unshaven hair. At worst, a dull blade will remove a fair amount of your skin along with the hair!

If you want to keep your razor sharp for longer periods avoid leaving it in your shower. You want to keep it dry whenever possible. You can also coat the blades with Pure Fiji's Exotic Bath & Body Oil to protect the blade from rusting.

9. Leaving residue on the blade

How you care for your razor in between blade swaps matters. Washing a razor clean of shaving products and hair after shaving helps the blade to stay sharp and hygienic. Leaving residue on the blade can lead to rust or build up that could result in skin irritation and cuts.

10. Forgetting to moisturize

It's important to apply a moisturizing lotion or oil after you shave to help keep your skin hydrated and ready for next time. That's because your skin loses moisture when it is exposed to water for a long time. It's also one of the keys to avoiding those rough bumps.

Summary

If you enjoy shaving, it’s important to put in the TLC to do so properly. Shaving can be traumatizing to the skin, so it’s important you take care of your skin to avoid irritation like ingrown hairs, razor burn, and itching. With summer just a few weeks away, remember to avoid exposing the shaved area directly to the sun immediately after shaving since the skin is more sensitive to sunlight.