Shaving Razors of Different Types

As we know, shaving is a part of daily routine of every man in the morning. Choosing the right type of razor is the most necessary step towards a close and cuts-free shave. There are so many kinds of razors available in the market today; it's difficult to choose which one is right for you. If you have general information about each type of razor available, making the choice becomes easy for you.

There are many different types of razors on the market for shaving unwanted hairs. Some razors are made of lightweight plastic and are disposable, some have heavy handles and only disposable heads and others come in the electric form. The one that is right for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you are in need of selecting a razor, here are some points to ponder in selecting the right razor for you.

Shaving has been going on for hundreds of years. Early men pulled out unwanted hair with their hands. Later, hair removal became a little less traumatic and blades were used for shaving facial hairs.

Picking a razor will mostly depend on your preferences. Some people prefer using a new razor each time they shave, so a disposable razor. Others dislike the cuts and nicks from blades and prefer an electric razor. There are razors of various sizes, colors and blade number. The main consideration when choosing a good razor is to find the one that gives you the kind of shave and results you want when shaving. Everyone has different hairtypes and skin types. What works for one person, may not work for another.

Blade razors:

Disposable razors: It might be the perfect choice for those looking for a close shave without the worry of changing out the head. These are inexpensive and come in all different varieties. If you are considering using a disposable razor, think about what you need in a razor. Some are very basic, offering just one blade. Others use new technology with up to four blades per razor head and swiveling heads. As a general rule, disposable razors with several blades offer the closest and smoothest shave.

Blades can be of different types, double blades or loose double blades are also used in these razors.

Traditional razors : These are often a little more expensive than disposable razors and often give similar shaves. Some people prefer these because the handles tend to be heavier and easier to manipulate with wet hands and skin. These razors also offer close, smooth shaves. These are very similar to disposable razors, but they handle is used over and over again and the heads are replaced with each shave.

Safety blade razor: There are traditional loose, double edged razors and single and twine-blade cartridge razor, some or which are adjustable for lighter or close shaves.

Electric Razors

These razors are rechargeable and some can even be used with water or shaving gel. For the most part, these give close shaves without the worry of nicks. Sometimes, electric razors do not give close shaves in areas that are bony, such as around the chin or knees. Electric razors are also good options for those who are on the go or who travel frequently and need a quick shave without the water or shaving lotion. These also come in all different brands and prices ranges. Still, these are good options for some.

Electric razors are also of different types.

Foil head razor : A foil head razor has a think flexible screen over the cutting head, which moves back and forth.

Rotary blade razor : This is less common and has spring mounted guards over the cutter.

Either types of electric shave have adjustable setting to regular the closeness of the shave.

Avoiding Shaving Rashes:

Razor burn does seem to be a minor issue, it actually is not, and you are actually tugging at sensitive skin. Curing razor burn is simple and easy; simply soften face with a light layer of moisturizer before applying shaving foam. Allow the cream to penetrate into the skin and then shave off. Your skin will feel softer and supple and no more rashes too.

To start with, ensure that the toiletries used for shaving are up to the mark; avoid using blunt blades as these give a poor shave.

Wash face with a facial wash as this will soften the beard and dislodge grime from the skin.

Shave in short strokes in the same direction as hair grows this avoids hair in-growth.

Opt for an after shave with soothing ingredients and natural fragrance.

The choice of razor is ultimately a matter of personal preference, with cost and convenience being the main consideration.

Shaving tips and Minimizing Side Effects of Shaving

Shaving is an integral part of a man's daily routine which starts as soon as his early teens. Getting a smooth shave everyday gives them the confidence to give a good start to the day ahead. These tips will help men get a smoother shave with minimum of problems.

It's best to avoid shaving the very first thing in the morning. If possible, let your skin wake up a while. This allows the "puffiness" you encounter from fluids collecting in your skin during the night to recede, thus allowing you to get a closer shave when you do begin the task.

Use an exfoliate such as a facial cleanser or scrub to eradicate dead skin cells and open up the pores of the skin to prepare it for a close shave.

Stubble should be wetted with warm or hot water before shaving. This swells the hair shaft allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin. So, first cleanse your face properly using warm or hot water (or if you are in a hurry, splash some hot water). It will soften the beard and help open up the pores.

Thoroughly massage shave cream into stubble. A vitamin and Aloe Vera based shave cream will provide a close soothing shave and protect against razor rashes and burns. Massage your shaving cream or oil into the area to be shaved. Shaving oil or cream will give you the best results and be a lot less drying.

Use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over your face and catches your skin along with the hairs of your beard. For better shaving control, razor handle should be heavier.

Rinse the blade often in hot water when shaving and use slow short strokes. Take your time.

Always first, shave in the same direction as hair growth; this prevents in-growth to a large extent. Then re-lather and shave slightly against the direction of hair-growth for a closer shave.

Shaving with grain means shaving in the direction of how the hair grows on your face. It is always best to shave this way. Shaving against the grain can cause redness, rashes, razor burn and ingrown hairs, which are all painful.

After shaving, apply an oil-free moisturizer to soothe and protect the face. If you prefer an after-shave, check the label for alcohol. Dryness and stinging sensations are by-products of most after-shave products whose primary ingredient is alcohol. It may feel good at the time, but alcohol based after-shaves are actually irritating to many complexions. In the last, use a moisturizer over the face and neck to keep the skin firm and supple.

Be wary of mentholated shaving products. Although the "cool" sensation feels good on the face, menthol, like alcohol, can be irritating to the skin.

A lot of foam or lather is not needed. Many grocery and drug store shave creams contain skin irritants such as Sodium Laurel Sulfate, which are formulated to "foam up" the product. However, these irritants may be the cause of your skin problem.

Side effects of shaving:

Shaving can have numerous side effects, including cuts, abrasions, and irritation. Some people with curly hair have an adverse response to shaving called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or "razor bumps" due to ingrown hairs. Many side effects can be minimized by using a fresh blade, plenty of lubrication, and avoiding pressing down with the razor. Some people choose to use only single-blade or wire-wrapped blades that shave farther away from the skin. Others cannot use razors at all and use depilatory shaving powders to dissolve hair above the skin's surface.

Many people traditionally believed that shaving would cause the hair shaved to become thicker and darker. However, this bit of conventional wisdom has been disproved. The resulting stubble only makes the hairs seem to be thicker, as a shaved hair has a blunt end as opposed to the tapered end of an unshaven hair, and because hair is often darker in color near the root. Clinical studies have demonstrated that shaving does not have an effect on hair growth rates or density.

Cuts from shaving can bleed for about fifteen minutes. Common methods used to stop bleeding include putting alcohol on a cotton swab and pressing it onto the cut until the bleeding stops, as well as tearing off a small piece of toilet paper and placing it onto the cut. The latter method, however, can be undesirable for aesthetic reasons. Products such as styptic pencils can also be used to stop bleeding. Placing a small amount of petroleum jelly on a cut after most of the bleeding has ended can stop the bleeding without forming a scab. Shaving in a cold shower can help prevent bleeding as well, because blood flow to the skin is reduced in these conditions due to vasoconstriction caused by the cold water.