Shaving of Unwanted Hair

Generality

The shaving of unwanted hair is probably the most widespread technique to eliminate these unwelcome skin appendages.

The razor is undoubtedly the most comfortable solution, but also the least durable, to the problem of unwanted hair. In fact, it limits itself to removing the part of hair that emerges from the skin, without affecting its root.

Hair growth

From the biological point of view, the growth of unwanted hair depends on the amount of circulating androgen and estrogen hormones (especially from their free fraction), as well as on the sensitivity of the hair follicles to their action (concentration of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, the person responsible for conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, involved in the etiology of androgenetic alopecia).

If pathological factors are excluded (see causes of hirsutism), those just mentioned are genetically determined elements.

Results

As mentioned, shaving with razor has a really short duration, in fact, the hairs grow back in a short time and the operation must be repeated every two or three days. Furthermore, even if it is simple and quick to perform, shaving causes the so-called "sandpaper" effect on the skin, caused precisely by the cut made by the razor blades.

However, whatever one may say, in itself, the passing of the blade does not make unwanted hair thicker or darker, just as it does not accelerate or slow down growth. In any case, it tends to highlight the problem, because the cut made by the blade makes the tip angular and sharp, which becomes rougher to the touch. Moreover, during this phase, the hair may appear quite evident, dark, as reinforced, but in reality it is not, it is only an illusion linked to the greater thickness of the base with respect to the tip removed from the razor.

Those who want to keep their skin smooth for weeks should use razor blades only in emergencies, moving towards choosing other depilatory or epilating methods.

Side effects

Shaving of unwanted hair is a cheap, fast and painless method, even if, in individuals with particularly sensitive skin, it can still cause redness and irritation.

Fortunately, currently on the market there are razors with more blades and specific shaving gels to be applied before hair removal. Using both saves the skin cuts, scratches and irritation. Similarly, after passing the razor, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer.

However, the perfect shaving manual is included in this article.