Which direction should I shave my face in
health advisory
Hospital
Mens Health
2007-11-15 5:39:12
I normally shave with a gilette fusion razor in an upwards direction to get a really close shave, but I end up cutting my face a lot and it's painful afterwards. But if I shave downwards, it's less painful but no where near as close. Anyone have any idea either how I can have a closer shave in a downwards direction, or a less painful shave in an upwards direction, or perhaps which one is better?
Answer:Actually, really get your face wet and resoap often. I shave in both directions to get it all taken care of
In direction of the hair growth
Facing Mecca
According to the most heard song of the UK punk band:
Sex Pistols.
.
just get an electric razor, much better
I'm a girl and don't know a lot about facial hair...thank goodness. But my guess is that your "Gillette fusion" is a blade type? Try an electric one. Good luck and hope your face feels better soon. xx
I heard an *expert* (from gillette, no less) once, who said you should always shave in one direction, downwards.
However, I prefer a closer shave, So I first shave downwards (to remove 90% of the growth) and then upwards, pulling the skin taut, with my other hand.
It may take longer, but shave downwards first, then shave in the opposite direction to get closer. This will give you less cuts, or at least did for me. I use an electric now and it gets very close.
Shaving upward (against the grain) can cut hairs off below the skin level and cause ingrown hairs (they curl up under the skin and can get infected). A sharp blade is the only way to get a close shave. Personally, I use a Norelco electric razor, and it does a pretty good job without taking any skin off or cutting the hairs below the skin level. They're fairly expensive, but I'm not sure there's any difference in the cost in the long run, after you buy disposable razors, shaving cream, after shave, etc. Plus, you can shave the hair on the back of your neck without killing yourself.
Wow, you should always shave in a downward position. It's called the "direction of the grain", i.e. the direction your hair is growing in. It's the direction that barbers also cut your hair in.