Shaving Face? Go Right Ahead, Ladies

There's no shame in admitting it: as much as most of us like to deny their existence, we women have facial hair too, sometimes almost as much (or more) than the men. While we're perennially in awe of the brave souls among us who are able to unlearn years of conditioning, and ignore the barrage of messages (advertising) that cement the narrow definitions of beauty in our minds, the truth is, being seen with facial hair is a matter of great embarrassment for most women.

And so we turn to time-tested, if painful, methods of hair removal such as threading, epilation, laser hair removal, waxing, etc. One method most women refrain from using for removing facial hair is shaving. Much of the trepidation around facial shaving for women comes from the myths associated with the process. We've all heard the warnings about how shaving can cause future hair growth to be darker, thicker and rougher than before. Many women also tend to think of shaving as a masculine form of hair removal and shy away from it.

The great news is, none of that is true. Razoring your facial hair cannot affect the quality of future hair growth because the growth is an internal, cellular process and the quality of hair is dependent on internal factors like diet, nutrients and deficiencies. Shaving, on the other hand, is a strictly external treatment. And sure, men's razors are sharper and meant for thicker growth, but women's razors, customised to suit thinner and more delicate skin, do not pose any danger.

Shaving your face can, in fact, save you from a world of pain, especially if you have sensitive skin. Facial shaving can be a saving grace as it is painless, quick and even exfoliating. Even the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor famously shaved their peach fuzz. And if it's good enough for Liz Taylor, it's certainly good enough for us.

So if you're opting to shave your face, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you do.

1. Choose The Right Razor

Avoid using the razor you use for your arms and legs, or other parts of the body, on your face. While this is not a line in the sand, you need to remember that razors often retain skin and hair residue, so using the body razor might be unhygienic for the sensitive facial skin. Besides, a regular razor isn't shaped ergonomically for the contours of one's face. That's why a specifically made facial razor like the Gabriella Facial Razor is a preferable alternative, if you intend to use it often. If you don't want to invest that much right away, make sure you always sterilise the blade of your regular razor with steaming hot water before using it. 

2. It Isn't An Exfoliator

Even though shaving the facial region does get rid of dead skin cells, don't make shaving your primary exfoliating method. Its purpose is to remove excess hair, but if done excessively or with too harsh a hand, shaving can lead to ingrown hair and even cuts.

3. Use the Right Method

Shaving can be the perfect hair removal solution on days you're in a rush, but do it gently and slowly for optimum hair removal. Start by washing your face and moistening it with facial oil or wash. Shave in the opposite direction of your hair growth with small, gentle strokes. Avoid repeating over the shaved skin to avoid ingrown hair and tugged skin. Finally wash your face and sanitise your razor.

Verdict: When done well, face shaving gets a whole-hearted yes from us. Just make sure you use the right method and razor for best results.