Women are used to shaving their legs, underarms and bikini area, but did you know that many women are also shaving their face? This procedure no longer reserved for the upper lip area; face shaving is becoming popular as a way to exfoliate facial skin and make it smooth and soft. But should women shave their face? Doesn’t it make your hair grow back thicker?
Here, we answer all your burning questions about this beauty craze. Keep scrolling to learn more about facial shaving before you take a razor to your chin hair! We have tips for proper shaving, a list of the five best facial shavers for women, and info on the benefits of shaving your face.
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Why Do Women Shave Their Faces?
It may sound like a relatively new trend, but women have actually been shaving their face since ancient times. Famous women throughout the centuries – from Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor – used razors to remove hair and keep their skin radiant. The fancy spa option nowadays known as dermaplaning is really just that – face shaving!
Facial shaving started getting attention again after Bachelor in Paradise‘s Michelle Money posted a facial shaving tutorial in 2011. The gorgeous Money Method cosmetologist created a detailed video about why and how she shaves her face. She’s not the only beauty authority who swears by shaving her face! ‘Guru of glow’ Kate Somerville is famous for her amazing skincare treatments, and she’s been using a Gillette Mach3 since her twenties to remove facial hair.
Tons of women are now trying facial shaving to get the same benefits: softer, clearer skin that can absorb skincare treatments better. Beyond removing any unsightly moustache above your lip, facial shaving can really improve your skin’s texture. Shaving is physical exfoliation, so you’re sloughing off dead skin cells while taking off those small hairs. There’s definitely a noticeable difference with your complexion before and after shaving, which is why there are so many women shaving their faces now!
How To Shave Your Face
The first step is to cleanse your face so you have a clean canvas for shaving. Have a single-use disposable razor ready. If you’re using an electric face razor, check first that it’s been properly cleaned, and if it’s intended to be used on dry or wet skin.
Shaving creams or oils will help keep your skin moist while you remove hair, so apply some to your face for a closer shave. Pay special attention to sensitive areas so they get enough before you start removing hair.
Pull your skin taut, so you can see all the hairs that you’re about to shave and prevent nicks. Start shaving in short strokes in the direction of your hair growth. This will keep ingrown hairs from developing. Rinse your face with warm water, taking care not to tug or rub on the freshly-exfoliated skin.
Soothe any razor burn using aloe vera. Take care to use moisturiser regularly, and don’t use skincare that has acid or retinol immediately. Freshly-shaved skin can be sensitive, so mild products are best in the first 24 hours after shaving.
The Pros And Cons Of Face Shaving
Some of the immediate benefits of face shaving are a softer complexion and clearer skin. Once you’ve shaved your facial hair, your pores are more open to absorbing skincare products, so your pimple treatments and brightening serums will become more effective! Your skin stays soft for several weeks long after your facial shave, and contrary to many women’s fears, your facial hair will not grow back darker and thicker!
There are some cons to facial shaving. You could nick your skin, or get ingrown hairs. Sensitive skin may also get irritated by shaving. These problems can be avoided by shaving in short strokes, choosing a good razor, and using a moisturising shaving cream.
If you’re wondering “how fast does facial hair grow back?” – it honestly depends. The recommended frequency is to shave your face every two weeks. Many facial shaving devotees say this should be on a case to case basis as the regrowth is barely noticeable and not stubbly!
The Best Face Shavers For Women
1. Tinkle Eyebrow Razor
You Don’t Need To Break The Bank For Facial Shaving!
Price: $AUD21.99 for 6pcs here.
Ignore the ‘eyebrow’ bit in the name. These inexpensive razors are now more popular as a DIY dermaplaning tool! The single-use Tinkles are perfect for carefully removing peach fuzz from all the contours of your face.
2. Braun Silk-Epil Lady Shaver
A Versatile Shaver That’s Easy To Use And Clean
Price: $AUD59.05 here.
If you want to make facial shaving part of your skincare routine, consider investing in an electric shaver. The Braun Silk-Epil only needs two AA batteries to work. It’s cordless, can be used on wet or dry skin, and has several attachments so you can use it for exfoliation and trimming too!
3. Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body
Skin-Guarding Tech To Keep Skin From Getting Inflamed
Price: $AUD79 here.
The Norelco OneBlade is known for cleanly shaving any length and thickness of hair, whether it’s on your face or body. This double-bladed trimmer is super gentle on the skin thanks to its guard. Wet or dry, you can get a close shave with minimal skin irritation.
4. Shiseido Prepare Facial Razor
Quick, Close Shaving On A Budget
Price: $AUD8 for 3pcs here.
Another disposable ladies face razor, the Shiseido Prepare is affordable and designed specifically for facial hair removal. The small blade means you can reach every corner on your face, and the razor has enough edge to shave off hair without cutting delicate facial skin.
5. Panasonic Facial Hair Trimmer For Women
This Shaves Off Peach Fuzz In One Fast Swipe
Price: $AUD26.81 here.
Remove hair quickly and discreetly with the Panasonic’s thin blades! The pivoting head adjusts the razor to your facial contours, and the hypoallergenic blades will keep sensitive skin from getting irritated.
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