We all agree that waxing is a weapon of self-inflicted torture but somehow, the razor is only reserved for hairy emergencies (second dates not included). An educational tour of the Gillette Innovation Centre in Reading, UK has converted us by breaking age-old shaving myths. Here’s what you need to know to champion the weekly shave with Gillette Venus:
If you’re a serial cutter…
Use a razor that has a flexible neck and fine blades; it will cause less damage to skin and hair. The Venus’ rotating pivot allows the razor to move along curved areas (like knees and ankles), keeping the cartridge optimally positioned on the skin and reducing the chances of nicks and cuts down to none. Also, the ergonomically designed handle gives you a good grip and reduces the stress of bathroom yoga.
If your skin is dehydrated and scaly…
Don’t dry shave! For best results, shave after a shower, once the hair follicles have soaked up moisture. For a silky finish, swap your standard shaving foam for conditioner. “The blue strip on the Venus razor also helps with this by delivering water soluble, polymer-based lubricant to the skin with each shaving stroke,” says Kristina Vanoosthuyze, principal scientist, Gillette Innovation Centre.
If you always end up with reptile skin after shaving…
Remember to shave in the direction in which the hair grows. “Usually, when the hair shaft gets damaged, it ends up growing in the wrong direction and that’s what causes ingrown hair. It could as easily happen during waxing or any other method of hair removal,” explains cosmetic physician Dr Rashmi Shetty.
If razor burn is your biggest enemy…
Make sure you’re using a sharp blade and not applying too much pressure. The Venus’ spring-mounted, shock-absorbing blade trio creates a cushioning effect, and the elastomeric honeycomb guard around the blades enhances the glide by distributing shaving foam evenly. Now that’s smooth.
If you are scared of turning into a hairy monster…
You can relax. Shaving in no way affects hair growth or texture. It only seems that way. “A razor slices away hair at the skin’s surface — instead of pulling it out — giving it a broad, blunt edge and making hair appear thicker,” explains Dr Shetty.
