Shaving your beard can be effortless and quick.
But if you experience an uncomfortable feeling while shaving, or your skin gets irritated and may form razor bumps a few days later, this might be because you are not shaving your beard the correct way.
But the good news is that you can change how you shave your beard with these easy techniques and avoid having those itchy and painful bumps developing afterwards.
More men are paying closer attention to their beard care, like filmmaker Thapelo Mokoena who launched his very own beard grooming products in January 2023, including a range of oils, beard washes, and butters.
We speak to Dr Muhanyisi Mukansi, a dermatologist from Curewise Medical Centre in Johannesburg, who recommends the following tips for people to apply when shaving their beards. She adds that you don’t have to go too hard on your skin.
1. Moisturise the skin
Applying a moisturiser to the skin before shaving can soften the hair and therefore making it easier to shave, and it also helps the blade to glide very easily.
2. Use sharp blades
A sharp razor blade quickly cuts the hair. It makes it unnecessary to go over the same area multiple times and run the risk of cutting yourself and irritating the skin.
3. Shave in the direction of the hair follicle
It is recommended that you shave in the direction of the hair follicle to minimise the growing hair from curling back into the skin, which could become an irritant and cause ingrown hairs.
READ MORE | Meet the salon owner behind SA’s beard wigs and hair extensions for men – ‘We are getting new faces’
4. Choose electric shaver and not blade shaver
Electric clippers or shavers do not give a very close shave as a razor would and lessen the chances of cutting and irritation to the skin. Shaving too often also irritates the skin. It is recommended you let your beard grow out a little in between shaves.
5. Moisturise after shaving
Moisturising after a shave helps protect the skin and minimises the risk of more inflammation and possible ingrown hairs.
