The never-ending pursuit of perfectly smooth skin and everlasting youthful beauty led to the women’s face shaving craze arising a few years ago. And ever since, experts have been split on whether women should join the face shaving craze. Maybe you have heard that iconic women such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Cleopatra were all fans of women’s facial shaving and now you’re considering starting this trend as well. So, we’ve gathered all the information on both sides of the argument and are going to separate myth from fact, so you will have the truth about women’s facial shaving before you make your own decision.

Will hair grow back faster, darker, or thicker if I shave my face?

This question is always the first fear any woman has when they think about shaving their face. After all, the last thing you want to do is make your facial hair more noticeable in the future. There’s no reason to fear, though. The idea that shaving will make your hair grow back faster, thicker, or darker is nothing more than an old wives’ tale. Shaving does not make any physical changes to hair follicles or chemical changes to keratin, so hair will continue to grow the same way it always has.

Is facial shaving a good way to exfoliate?

Just to be clear, the main purpose and benefit of facial shaving is removing the light vellus hairs women have on their faces. However, an added benefit to facial shaving for women is that it also can act as an exfoliator. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the superficial layers of the skin, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother, and leaving a more even, glowing appearance to the skin.

Does shaving your face make your makeup go on smoother?

Women who shave their faces often claim it allows their makeup to go on more smoothly and evenly. This benefit is a side effect of the exfoliation benefit of facial shaving. Exfoliated skin is better able to absorb skincare products, including makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, and antiaging products. You should always apply your moisturizer and sunscreen directly after shaving, but don’t apply any other facial skincare products or makeup for at least an hour afterward to help prevent irritation.

Is facial shaving dangerous?

Facial shaving requires you to use a razor against your skin to remove unwanted hair, which means it can be dangerous if it is not done the correct way. Before you begin, always make sure your face is properly cleansed and that you will not be using an old, dull blade. Properly cleansing and preparing the skin beforehand will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. There are many razors available that are designed specifically for female face shaving, so it is best to choose from one of these razors. When you begin shaving, hold your skin taut and shave with the direction of the hair growth so you can get a close shave and avoid cuts. You also need to make sure that you finish with a good moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin afterward and avoid irritation.

Facial shaving also is not meant for everyone. If you have active skin care problems such as acne, eczema, impetigo, or cold sores, then you should wait for the problem to be fully healed and cleared before shaving as shaving could further irritate the area and exacerbate the issue.

Is there a professional option for facial shaving?

Yes, there is! If you just aren’t comfortable with the idea of shaving your own face, or if you really want to maximize the benefits of facial shaving, you should consider dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is similar to facial shaving, but provides a deeper and more targeted exfoliation benefit than shaving does. Dermaplaning involves the use of a sharp surgical blade, rather than a razor, and should always be performed by a professional esthetician.

If you are interested in trying dermaplaning or any other skin exfoliating treatment, contact the professional estheticians at Brandon Essentials Spa today. We will work with you to determine a customized skincare routine that is right for your skin. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!