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Reader Q&A: What's the Best Way to Avoid Nicks and Cuts While Shaving?

Posted 03/28/11 at 01:20PM by Claire Girdler

Reader question: What's the best way to avoid nicks and cuts while shaving? -- Ann B.

According to Venus Scientist, Claire Girdler, there are four primary suspects that are responsible for the majority of women's shaving injuries. As she says, they are:

#1: Shaving with an old, dull blade
"Make sure to change your blades regularly (after every five shaves) as blunt blades are not effective and may also increase the risk of irritation," suggests Girdler who also mentions that "using a dull blade may result in you pressing harder during a shaving stroke, which can also cause nicks and cuts."

#2: Razor slippage
The manner in which you shave may also be responsible for your minor injuries. According to Girdler, "the razor should only ever be moved in the direction perpendicular to the blades; never move your razor side-to-side over your skin."

To prevent slippage, she recommends using a razor with "a handle designed to give greater control and maneuverability in a wet environment." (Try Gillette Venus ProSkin Moisturerich, $10.99.)

#3: Putting excessive pressure on the razor
Ease up a bit! "Women occasionally apply too much pressure to their razor," Girdler observes. "To help prevent unwanted nicks and cuts, use a light touch, exerting as little pressure as possible, and shave in the direction that feels most comfortable. "

#4: The use of inferior-performing shaving products
Culprits like single blade razors and cheapo disposable ones, can cause nicks and cuts. Happily we live in a time when multi-blade technology abounds -- having more blades means less drag on the skin and more adjustability on curves and tough-to-reach areas.

Now that you know how to keep those pesky cuts and nicks to a minimum, find out all there is to know about getting the perfect bikini area shave.
And the survey says...
1-6 of 13 Comments

  • Posted by EricaC123 on 04/13/13 at 03:08pm

    Nice

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  • Posted by taryn.romero on 10/06/11 at 12:41pm

    Really good tips on this one.

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by LipglossandSpandex on 07/21/11 at 11:07pm

    It took me years of razorburn and nicks to realize I really really needed to replace my razor every 4-5 shaves--that it wasn't some marketing gimmick to get me to buy more razors, but it actually made my legs look better! I give myself weird razor cuts all the time--it seems like it happens more often with knockoff brand razors. :( Using nice, 3+ blade razors, LOTS of shaving cream, and shaving slowly and carefully have reduced the trauma to my legs :P

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by chula400 on 04/29/11 at 05:18pm

    sounds good

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by MissPurple on 04/29/11 at 03:47pm

    Good advice. I may have to try the Nair when shaving that Melissa is talking about.

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by lea_m_gibson on 04/21/11 at 02:30pm

    nice.

    Report Abuse

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