Do you dread getting up and shaving every morning?

If so, this is a real shave since a good shave should be an enjoyable experience.

However, there are ways to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

The first step is to pinpoint parts of your shaving routine that could be better. For example, if you have a bad habit of dry shaving, then this should be the first thing to go from your shaving routine.

The second step is to avoid making these common shaving mistakes (that you probably don’t realize you are making…)

1. Water-Only Shaving

Depending on your skin type and sensitivity levels, shaving with water may or may not be a good idea. For better results, use an oil- or silicon-based shave cream to get your skin all silky before you start your shave. Those who shave with more traditional shaving gear like safety razors or cartridge razors would never make the mistake of shaving without a quality cream or a soap.

Although we don’t love canned shaving cream, it is still better than nothing. For example, if you’re traveling and only have access to what you can buy at the convenience store, then sometimes you have to make do. You can avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn by ensuring that your face is well lubricated before blades come anywhere near it!

2. Using Harsh Aftershaves

Did you know that most aftershaves on the market are made primarily with alcohol? Do you know that burning sensation you often feel after using an aftershave? That’s the alochol talking… Alcohol is a pretty harsh substance to cavalierly rub all over your face after you’ve just inflicted micro cuts all over the surface of your skin. The average alcohol-based aftershave hurts right after shaving, no matter how careful you are!

Not to mention, the alcohol dries out your skin, and causes inflammation… leading to bumps, redness, and ingrown hairs.

Instead of opting for the cheap stuff, why not treat your face to an aftershave made with the health of your skin in mind? These alcohol-free aftershaves are often marketed as aftershave balms and may contain natural soothing astringent ingredients such as witch hazel, or essential oils such as coconut oil.

You can also apply witch hazel or coconut oil directly to your skin after shaving if you prefer to use less-processed products.

3. Being a Product Cheapskate

You may be tempted to grab a Dollar Store bag of disposable razors and a bar of Ivory and hop to it, but don’t. And here’s why…

Will you throw away your expensive cartridge razor heads just as often as your inexpensive disposable razors? Yes!

But think of it this way: Those inexpensive disposable razors are almost certain to leave your skin crawling with painful razor bumps and ingrown hairs, unless you have skin made of titanium.

You get what you pay for, and your face isn’t the place to cheap out.

4. Using Pressure on the Razor

Although it might be difficult to break this habit, avoid pressing down too much while shaving! Applying pressure leads to inflammation at the surface, causing ingrown hairs and razor burn.

You should shave with the lightest touch possible, dragging your razor over the skin, hardly applying any pressure at all. This is much easier when your skin is well-lubricated, so circle back to the first point if we haven’t driven it into your head already. A quality shaving cream or soap here will help with the glide when you are not putting any real pressure on the razor.

5. Over-Shaving

Yes, there is such thing as over-shaving. The ideal razor pass is one-and-done. Of course, sometimes factors such as skin irritation or ingrown hairs may require that you go back over the same spot again, so don’t sweat it if you can’t get a smooth shave in one pass.

For best results, make sure your skin is thoroughly wet and warm. Wet your razor before every pass, and shave with a maximum of two passes: one with the grain, one against. Any more is unnecessary and likely to cause irritation.

Turn Your Shaving Routine Around

It’s ironic to think that something you do every day could be done incorrectly. If you have inadvertently turned your shaving routine into one riddled with bad habits, then it’s time to turn all that around. By understanding and recognizing the common shaving mistakes, you can turn your shaving routine into a healthy one.