Shaving is the practice of removing hair with a razor, often for cosmetic purposes. Commonly shaved areas include the face of males and the legs and underarms of females.

Shaving removes the hair down to just below the surface of the skin. It is a temporary technique of hair removal. Most hair grows back within one to three days. Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker.

Other temporary methods of hair removal include plucking, waxing and depilation (use of a chemical to dissolve the hair). Techniques for permanent hair removal include electrolysis (electric needles are inserted into hair follicles) and laser hair removal (the elimination of hair with the use of a powerful light beam that targets the areas of skin that cause hair growth).

Although shaving is considered safe and painless, it may cause minor skin irritation, as well as cuts in the skin and ingrown hairs (hairs that have curled back, penetrated the skin and become embedded). Taking certain steps, such as shaving in the direction that the hairs lie, can minimize these risks.

Shaving is the practice of removing hair with a razor, often for cosmetic reasons.

Both men and women shave, although the body parts shaved may vary. Areas most commonly shaved include the face (among men) and the legs and underarms (among women). Both men and women may shave hair elsewhere on the body, including the pubic area. Hair on the head may also be removed by shaving.

Hair is composed of three parts: the shaft, the hair follicle and the bulb at the base of the hair follicle that produces the hair. The bulb and follicle are embedded in the skin.

Shaving removes the hair shaft down to just below the surface of the skin. Because shaving does not affect the hair follicle or bulb, it is considered a temporary hair removal technique. To remove hair permanently, the hair follicle must be destroyed along with centers in the bulb that produce hair.

Shaving is the most common method of hair removal for both men and women. Most people who shave begin to do so after puberty, when hormonal changes makes hair on the face and body grow more. People shave for both cosmetic and cultural reasons. Throughout history, cultures have had both strong preferences and prohibitions regarding shaving or the appearance of hair for both men and women. Men have been shaving facial hair for thousands of years, but shaving among women did not become common until after World War I.

Although shaving is considered easy and safe, it may occasionally cause minor skin irritation, as well as cuts in the skin or ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair is a hair that curls back and penetrates the skin with its tip, causing inflammation and the formation of pus. Shaving can also cause folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles that occurs on the skin or scalp and resembles acne pimples or crusty sores. A variant that occurs in the beard area is called pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps). This occurs primarily in African American men when curly hairs grow into the adjacent follicle and form small, curled masses. This condition can cause keloid scars.

The best shaving results are achieved by using a sharp razor on wet, warmed skin. Shaving cream or other lubricants help the process. The razor stroke can be either in the same direction as the grain of the hair, or against it. Shaving with the grain of the hair will not produce as close a shave, but is less likely to produce cuts or nicks. Shaving against the grain provides a closer shave but has an increased likelihood of cuts and ingrown hairs.

Among common types of razors used to shave include multiple-blade razors, electric razors and straight razors (more frequently used in the past by barbers).

Most shaved hair grows back within one to three days. Although shaving is not painful, new growth can be itchy. Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker or darker. It also does not impact the rate of growth. The color, location, thickness and length of hair are determined mainly by genetics and hormones.

Other temporary techniques of hair removal include plucking, waxing and depilation (use of a chemical to dissolve the hair). Techniques for permanent hair removal include electrolysis (electric needles are inserted into hair follicles) and laser hair removal (the elimination of hair with the use of a powerful light beam that targets the areas of skin that cause hair growth).

Some people use shaving as a way to treat hirsutism, a condition caused by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to male hormones that causes excessive amounts of hair to grow on the face or body. Although it can occur in both men and women, it usually poses more of a problem for women.

There are a number of steps men and women can take to reduce their risk for cuts, irritation and ingrown hairs as the result of shaving. These include:

• Thoroughly wet the hair before shaving. When shaving the face, place a hot, wet washcloth on the area for five minutes to soften the hair. Individuals can also shave during a shower or immediately after one.
  
  
• Use a shaving gel. These products help soften the hair, prevent the skin from becoming too dry and reduce friction from the razor.
  
  
• Shave in the direction that the hairs lie (with the grain).
  
  
• Avoid repeating strokes. Instead, use only one short and slow stroke over each section.
  
  
• Keep the skin relaxed while shaving.
  
  
• Avoid stretching the skin while shaving.
  
  
• Shave every other day rather than daily.
  
  
• Set electric razors on “high” settings to avoid shaving too close.
  
  
• Avoid pressing the razor too hard against the skin.
  
  
• Use a clean, sharp blade when using a standard razor.
  
  
• Rinse standard razors after every few strokes. This helps remove shaving cream and hair from the blade.
  
  
• Rinse face with cold water after shaving.

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to shaving:

1. What is the best type of razor for me to use?
   
   
2. What areas of my body are safe to shave?
   
   
3. What conditions may I develop as the result of shaving?
   
   
4. Is shaving safer than using depilatories, plucking or waxing?
   
   
5. Is shaving safer than permanent hair removal techniques such as laser hair removal and electrolysis?
   
   
6. How can I prevent ingrown hairs?
   
   
7. What steps can I take to relieve skin irritation after shaving?
   
   
8. I’ve heard that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker. Is this true?