Contributed by Info Guru Jennifer Andrews

Shaving is a routine aspect of most people’s beauty and hygienic routines.

Although shaving rituals and practices will vary among men and women, the young and the old, between countries and in most households, most people will engage in some form of shaving throughout their lives. Men start growing facial hair in adolescence and thus are taught to shave as teenagers. Facial shaving will get rid of hair growth, stubble, mustaches and potential beards. Men are much less likely to shave other parts of their body such as their legs or arm-pits. However, some men do shave their chest hair as they prefer a bare-skinned, fuzz-free look. Women on the other hand are most likely to shave under the arms on a near daily basis as well as the legs, particularly during shorts-wearing season. Furthermore, in the past decade or so, there has been increased awareness of cleaning up the bikini line. However, this area is more likely to be waxed by professionals in spas or salons versus shaved at home.

Although critics exclaim that shaving leads to quick hair regrowth, the practice is advantageous in that it can be done inexpensively by the person in the privacy of his or her own home. Check out the following top ten daily shaving tips to include in your own shaving routine at home.

10. Shaving cream

Shaving at home can be made more luxurious by purchasing an excellent shaving cream to use on the face, under the arms, on the legs or any other must-shave areas. In addition to making your skin smell good, shaving creams moisturize the skin making it easier to get rid of unwanted hairs and decrease risks of irritation and cuts from dry skin.

9. Right razor

Using a really good shaving razor is one of the essential daily shaving tips you can follow. A good razor should glide over skin and not lead to numerous nicks and cuts. Furthermore, it should last for numerous quality shaves and the blades should be easily replaced when worn out.

8. Moisturizer

In addition to using a good shaving cream, a skin moisturizer will help keep the skin soft, smooth and silky after shaving. Skin moisturizers will prevent skin from drying out and keep your legs looking toned, firm and hair-free.

7. Wet skin

Avoid trying to shave dry skin as this will only lead to cuts, scratches, blood and pain. Wet the skin prior to shaving so as to soften the skin and moisturize it.

6. Shave up

Top shaving tips include shaving in the direction opposite to hair’s growth. For leg hair, this would mean you start shaving from the ankles up towards the knee. Shaving under the arms may be an exception as hair grows in at many different directions, meaning you will need to experiment to see which direction yields the closest shave.

5. No ingrown

Ingrown hairs can be a major downside to shaving and occur when hair curls back underneath the skin. Prevent the risk of ingrown hairs by exfoliating on a daily basis with an exfoliating cleanser that suits your skin type from dry to oily to normal.

4. Use and replace

Replace razors regularly to prevent shaving with dull blades. Worn out blades will only lead to nicks and cuts which cause bleeding, irritated skin and stray hairs. Most razors have replaceable cartridges for the blade so you can avoid having to purchase a brand new razor every few weeks.

3. Sensitive skin

Shaving can be a conundrum for people with sensitive skin who are easily irritated by blades and/or creams. In this case, find a shaving cream that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin that is prone to rashes and irritation. Avoid scented products or lotions that aren’t specific for skin. Be sure to apply a moisturizer after shaving to soothe sore or irritated skin and decrease the risk of bumps and redness.

2. Lighting

Shaving is a practice that requires attention to detail and precision to avoid cutting the skin as well as to achieve a close shave. Try shaving in an environment that has good lighting and a mirror that will allow you to properly see what and how you are shaving and increase effectiveness.

1. Rinsing blades

Daily shaving requires rinsing off the blade after each swipe you take while shaving hairs. Rinsing blades will wash away accumulated hairs, lotion or debris that would otherwise prevent you from getting a close shave.