Cold water is excellent for separating the hair strands from the skin. It simply stiffens the hair, letting it stand up, hence easier to cut with a blade and easier to achieve a skin-level shave.
Shaving cold has many benefits. You will experience less irritation, your pores will stay closed, and your stubble with stay stiff.
Hot water causes hair to bend as the blade glides along which causes a longitudinal cut. With stiff hair, the cut is more transverse as hair stands upright which leads to a much closer shave. Consequently, most men say that cold water results into a better and cleaner shave. Cold water tends to be better for the skin.
Hot water makes your beard soft; cold water keeps the whiskers stiff. Thus, cold water renders a better shave. Cold water leaves the skin looking healthier.
Here's what to do once you spot those wretched bumps, and decide that you want to bump off those good-for-nothing spots: Splash cold water over your razor bumps as soon as they start to appear - this will help shrink your pores and soothe the skin.
Shaving with a clogged or unclean razor is a big no-no. Folliculitis is typically caused by bacteria. Folliculitis causes red and white pimples to grow around the hair follicle resulting in that prickly feeling after shaving. Rest assured, mild cases of folliculitis should clear on its own within a number of days.
The less close shave can be comfortable for some – Depending on your skin's sensitivity, a dry shave may not only be faster, but it could allow for less irritation since the blade is not as close to the skin as it is when wet shaving.
As you may know by now, water is the key ingredient when shaving. You should always be shaving with warm/hot water. At the end of your shave, however, splash your face with cold water in order to remove the cream, oil and loose hairs off your face.
A positive effect of the evening shave is the tonic, soothing and regenerating effect that sleep and night bring on any cuts and wounds. The advice is to use before the first shaving, massaging it on the face, the All-In-One Beard Oil.
Shaving with the grain
You must shave in the downwards direction as it protects you from getting razor burns or ingrown hair. Although shaving against the grain can undoubtedly give you a closer shave, it is not something you must follow if you have sensitive skin.
Some say shaving with the grain – ie, in the same direction that your hair grows – is better for your skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation, razor burn and ingrown hairs. This is particularly true for those with coarse or curly hair, who are likely to find shaving against the grain more uncomfortable.
While shaving, always use a moisturizing shaving cream. Once you're done shaving, apply a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce the risk of razor bumps and irritation. Use proper technique when shaving to reduce bumps. Shave in the direction your hair grows or you're training it to grow.
Dry shaving with a razor designed to be used with water is always a bad idea. Your skin will feel irritated and will probably suffer from sensitive bumps, redness and ingrown hairs. Dry shaving with a purpose-made electric shaver, however, isn't bad for your skin and is a technique used and preferred by many.
Wash and cleanse your bikini area.
Hop in a warm shower and make sure the pubic hair is softened before you start shaving. “The water helps to soften the hairs and reduce the friction between the blade and the skin,” Dr. Garshick explains.
Fewer Razor Bumps And In-Grown Hairs
This is one of the best advantages to wet shaving – you get fewer itchy razor bumps and unsightly in-grown hairs, swelling and inflammation.
Shaving every day is okay if you are wet shaving and using a razor that can cut closely and smoothly in just a couple of passes. It is also better for those who want to have a cleanly shaved face every day. The best grooming tools for this job are straight and safety razors.
Wet Shaving: A Closer Shave
The way the razor cuts the hairs means that wet shaving produces a closer shave than dry shaving. You'll notice it feels smoother and takes longer to grow back.
Showering before or after you shave can make a big difference in how your skin reacts to these products. Taking a shower before you shave will soften your skin and the hair follicles, loosening up the skin so that it can better soak up hydrating ingredients.
If you want to keep things bald on your lower abdomen and below, you need to shave in the direction of hair growth several times a week. You may be able to go a few days without stubble forming, but that depends if you did a closer shave or left room for the hair follicles to breathe.
Electrolysis is your best option for permanent hair removal, but it can be expensive. For more permanent results, laser hair removal can also help you remove pubic hair for a hefty price. You can also opt to do occasional grooming with trimming or tweezing to avoid going completely bare.
Use a conditioner: You can also condition your pubic hair to keep it smooth and soft. The conditioner can work to improve the texture of the strands. Use a conditioner which contains vitamin A and vitamin E to unclog pores and prevents ingrown hair growth. Just spread some conditioner on your pubic area.