Gone are the days when body hair used to be a taboo. Today, body hair is openly discussed and whether to have body hair or not is at an individual’s discretion. Amid this choice, the question of how to remove body hair if one wishes to remain on the center stage. While some prefer waxing their hair, others prefer shaving, and some go for electric tools such as epilators.
There’s a lot of ifs and buts when it comes to using razors. Will my hair grow back darker? Will it grow thicker? Will my skin get rough? The list is never ending! To simplify the whys and hows of shaving and razors, we spoke to personal care expert and entrepreneur Ms. Siddha Jain (CBO, Bombae-BSC) and cleared all our doubts so that you have a doubt free and smooth experience.
So, read on!
Question: What are the preconceived notions for women’s shaving?
Answer: Shaving and its perceived side effects like hair growing back thicker, darker, and coarser or that it leads to ingrown hair are as long-standing in India as the belief that the earth was flat. Even though one half of the world is happily shaving every other day and we are okay to emulate the West in a bunch of things but not this. We want to break this hypocrisy through always-on education and building interesting narratives.
Question: What is the preferred method of shaving: electric razor, safety razor, or disposable razor?
Answer: We believe hair removal like everything else is a spectrum. Hair removal is a highly intimate, DIY, and differentiated experience for different people and varies by occasion too. A lot of young consumers prefer body razors for the first time. Face razors are the proven choice for makeup enthusiasts and women with PCOS. Electric trimmers are a vacation essential while disposable razors are the last-minute smoothness savior!
Question: How often do you typically suggest people shave?
Answer: We completely believe and celebrate the fact that hair removal is a personal choice, but for those women who choose to, we want to be unapologetically there for them. Frequency really depends on one’s hair growth and occasions. For example, face shaving before makeup gives an insanely smooth makeup finish as it exfoliates dead skin and primes new skin for a great base. For the body, once a week should be good. But fuzz, no fuzz, or just enough is really a personal choice.
Question: Is there a specific shaving routine or steps that one should follow?
Answer: We swear by the CASS method. It’s simple and easy, and your skin will be singing “Diamonds” by the time you’re done! So basically, Cleanse and exfoliate with your face or body wash. Apply aloe vera gel on the face and shaving foam on the body. Shave in short strokes in the opposite direction of body hair. Finally, Soothe with your favorite moisturizer. And voila! It’s done.
Question: What pre-shave products such as oil or lotion would you suggest?
Answer: When it comes to prepping your face or body, you gotta start with the essentials. Trust us, you want something that’ll soften those hairs and make the razor glide like it’s on a red carpet. For face, the best prep is a thick layer of aloe vera gel. For the body, exfoliation is key. You can use a body scrub or regular body wash.
Question: What would you suggest minimizing skin irritation or razor burn after shaving? Also, how can one prevent or alleviate it?
Answer: The post shave balm is a cult favorite for no post-shave chik chik and is almost always out of stock! Infused with the goodness of aloe vera and niacinamide it soothes and minimizes pores. In case you run out of this, aloe vera gel or baby oil will do the trick just right.