Is there a limit to how often women should shave?
How often to shave depends on your genetics and your preferred end result. In general, we recommend shaving every two to three days if you want a clean shave; three to five days if you want to simply style or trim; and if you want to just let your hair grow, then simply stop shaving.
How quickly hair grows also depends on the area of the body. For example, armpit hair tends to grow 50 percent faster than leg hair, which means you may need to shave your underarms more often if you want to maintain a clean shave feel.
When shouldn’t I shave?
If you have an open wound, sore or skin rash, consider postponing shaving until your skin has healed. When your skin is more vulnerable, there’s an increased risk of infection, especially if you get nicked while shaving. Likewise, if you have bothersome razor burn or ingrown hairs, you should wait until your skin clears up before shaving again to reduce further irritation.
How can I avoid skin irritation when shaving?
Shaving correctly helps safeguard your skin from irritation. Keep in mind the right shaving method will depend on where you’re shaving. Learn more about how to shave your legs, armpits, arms, face/eyebrows or your bikini area. And, below are best practices regardless of where you shave.
- Hydrate your skin via a warm bath or shower for a few minutes before you shave.
- Exfoliation can also help prepare your skin for shaving by removing any dead skin cells.
- Use shaving gel to preserve moisture and help your razor blade glide more easily.
- Apply moisturizer, preferably alcohol-free, after you shave to help keep skin hydrated.
- And, always use a sharp, clean razor blade. Using a dull blade increases your chances of nicks, razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritated skin.
How often should I change my razor blades?
The best indicator it’s time for a new blade is dullness. If your razor blade pulls at your hair, feels rough on your skin or you notice more skin irritation than normal post-shave, it’s time to replace it. How frequently you need to change your blades really depends on how frequently you’re shaving. Most women get their best shave when:
| If you shave... | Consider changing |
|---|---|
| Daily | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Every other day | Every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Twice a week | Every 4 to 6 weeks |
How can I make my razor blades last longer?
Your hair texture and shaving frequency impact the longevity of your razor blade, but proper care can help keep your blades fresh and sharp for longer.
Make sure skin is well-hydrated. Wet hair can be cut more easily and with less friction when shaving than dry hair. More friction dulls down the blade quicker.
Keep shaving gel residue and cut hairs from drying in between your razor blades and reducing their effectiveness by rinsing off your razor after each stroke. Likewise, clean off your razor and let it dry thoroughly after you finish shaving.