As it turns out, shaving cream is not always necessary for shaving. There are other methods for shaving that work just as well, such as using body soap, a hair conditioner, or can you shave with just water? The most crucial step in shaving is hydrating your skin after to avoid dryness and discomfort.
On the other hand, using only water for shaving is not particularly recommended, especially for people with specific skin types. Shaving soaps and creams were created for a reason: they offer lubrication and protection to your skin.
In this article, you will find out how to properly shave using just a razor and water, what is the perfect aftercare for your skin, who is not recommended to use this method, and what are its pros and cons. Let’s get into the details!
Let’s check can you shave with just water? step-by-step instructions
Shaving is a routine part of the week for both men and women. There are several situations where using shaving cream, shaving gel, soap, or any other shaving product is inaccessible for you. As a result, you will have just water to use.
Here’s how you can do it.
1. Get your razor ready
First of all, you need to make sure your blade is suitable for shaving without shaving cream.
A straight razor is undoubtedly the sharpest option, but using one typically requires the most work. A double-edged razor (or safety razor) is most effective for a close shave.
A disposable razor is also a great option. Disposable razors are simple to clean, and after using them for some time, you may throw them away. Electric razors are excellent for dry or watered skin.
People who shave with a conventional razor, such as a cartridge razor, have to be aware that oil, cream, or soap are essential ingredients for a safer, more precise shave. Without them, this type of razor can cause a razor burn or skin irritation. Razor bumps and ingrown hairs are also frequent occurrences in this situation.
Once you have the necessary razor, make sure it is free of rust, hair residue, and dirt. If you find any clogs, quickly rinse it under running water. After that, use a piece of towel to dry it off.
2. Wet your skin
Apply some water to the area you want to shave. By moisturizing your skin first before using any type of razor on it, you may make this step even more crucial.
For a few minutes, you might cover the shaving area with a warm cloth. When you begin shaving, the warm water will widen your pores and make it easier for the hair to come out of hair follicles. It would be best if you exfoliated some dead skin before shaving.
3. Apply the razor to the desired area
When shaving only with water, you need to be as cautious as possible.
To ensure that you apply enough pressure to cut hair at the follicle, press the entire razor firmly against your skin. However, take care to avoid drawing blood. This method also requires keeping the razor at a 45-degree angle.
Keep your strokes brief for a better shave to reduce rashes and ingrown hairs. Shave in the direction of your hair. For instance, pull your razor downward if your hair is growing toward the floor.
Rinse your razor after each stroke as you shave. Rinse well under running water for optimal results. The blade will become clear and allow for a smoother shave after being unclogged.
4. Finish the procedure
Protect your shave by giving the area a cold water spritz. It seals your pores and removes a few facial hairs. By doing this, you can also stop bacteria from entering your pores.
You need to use a clean cloth to dry your skin. If a clean cloth is currently unavailable, use a paper towel.
Afterward, apply some aftershave gel, lotion, or some aloe vera. No matter whether you have sensitive skin or not, you can be sure that your skin cells will only benefit from this hydration.
Is it better to shave with just water?
Shaving with water solely is great for replacing even a good shaving cream, especially for those people who don’t have delicate type of skin. It does, however, have its benefits and drawbacks, just like everything else in life.
Let’s look into them more closely.
Advantages:
- It is cheap. You will end up saving a lot of money if you don’t purchase shaving cream, gel, or foam.
- It is time-saving. You save time by not needing to apply any foam or gel. Consequently, you don’t need to spend time washing any of those off. This way, shaving is done more quickly.
Disadvantages:
- The skin is more prone to cuts. You need to be aware that shaving without shaving cream raises the possibility of cuts and nicks.
- Shaving may become a bad experience. For some people, shaving without shaving creams, gels, or foams can turn out to be quite uncomfortable and painful even without accidentally cutting themselves. These goods were specifically created to meet the needs of those who want to shave more easily and conveniently.
- Bigger possibility of skin inflammation. Even if you don’t cut yourself, you could get a razor burn, itching, redness, and skin irritation without using shaving creams.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to shave without shaving cream?
It is indeed okay! However, it is not particularly recommended, specifically for people with sensitive skin. If you are not one of them, there are several things you need to take into account before applying this method to use. For example, the types of razors that are most suitable for shaving with no shaving cream.
Additionally, there is a certain technique for shaving without any shaving cream, which was described above. Here’s what you need to do in a nutshell.
Wet your skin first. You might cover the area with a warm cloth for a few minutes. It will help widen your pores and make it easier for the hair to come out of hair follicles. For even better results, you can exfoliate some dead skin before shaving.
Firmly press the razor against your skin. Be cautious to avoid drawing blood! Keep in mind that the razor must remain at a 45-degree angle.
Strokes should be quick.
Shave in the direction your hair grows. For instance, if your hair is growing downward toward the floor, pull your razor downward. Don’t forget to apply lotion or gel afterward to hydrate your skin cells.
Can you shave with just cold water?
You can, of course. Here are the possible benefits of shaving with cold water:
– makes your hair stand out straight;
– gives a closer shave;
– causes less skin irritation;
– moisturizes your skin;
– wakes you up in the morning and gives you extra energy.
However, we do not consider it the best option. On the contrary, we recommend using neither cold nor hot water but rather warm water.
The pores can open up due to the warm water, which also makes shaving more effective because the hair follicles can be cut more easily. The main effect of cold water is constringent. This means that shaving with cold water will prevent the hair follicles from loosening.
Although, you might wash your face with cold water after the shave. It minimizes facial hair growth while also sealing your pores. Additionally, you can prevent bacteria from penetrating your pores by doing this.
Can you shave only with water and soap?
You absolutely can!
If you want a quick and efficient shave, using a soap bar is fantastic. Not only is it cheap, but it also contains natural chemicals that are simpler for a person’s skin to adapt to.
Although there is a certain drawback. Keep in mind that a razor may get dull when it comes into touch with the lather of a soap bar as compared to shaving cream because of the natural oils soap bars contain. For someone not utilizing a disposable/single-use razor, the razor might potentially breed more bacteria, which is not good for you.
To figure out whether this method suits you or not, you will most certainly have to try it out. Don’t hesitate to use different tools, and different techniques – soap, shaving cream, or no shaving products at all; cold, hot, or warm water – only once you try, you will find out your perfect formula!
Is it easier to shave with water?
This is a trick question.
Shaving with water only is quite time-saving: no need to apply shaving cream or soap, no need to wash anything off. Just a couple of minutes – and you’re good to go!
Nevertheless, even though it takes less time than shaving with any shaving product, it is not easier for everyone. Some people, especially those with a delicate skin type, can find this method quite painful, causing them not only to receive a terrible and frustrating experience but, in some cases, get an accidental cut or a razor burn.
We recommend you try this method yourself and figure out whether it suits you or not. Don’t forget to take all the instructions into account and be careful during this procedure!
Conclusion
It is possible to shave with just water, despite the considerable risks involved. It just depends on the type of your skin and what it needs, especially in the case of moisturizers.
Being cautious when handling sharp objects close to your face is important. You need to shave slowly and avoid using excessive pressure.
Overall, until you discover the approach you consider best for you, you could experiment with other techniques and tools. While the majority of people swear by shaving cream, some people say shaving with water is perfectly acceptable. You need to find that out by yourself.
We hope that you found all of our instructions helpful!
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