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It’s a common belief that shaving in the shower is bad for your skin. Whether you shave at the beginning or end of your shower session, this fear has likely left many men and women wondering if they should continue their pre-existing habits.
Does shaving in the shower actually damage your skin?
Is it better to leave your hair and wait until you get out to lather up and shave?
Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of shaving in the shower. Shaving is an old practice that has been around for centuries. While there are many ways to eradicate unwanted body hair, most people still prefer manual razors. There are multiple reasons why you may want to shave in the shower, whether it’s because it is more convenient than a sink or you just have a short time window each day where you can get away with doing so. A major con of shaving this way is that there usually isn’t a mirror in the shower, although you could always purchase one designed for shower use. Also, spending all that time shaving while showering is a big waste of water.
Pros of Shaving in the Shower
There are many benefits to shaving in the shower. For starters, you will likely save yourself some time since you won’t need to hop out of the shower to complete the task. It’s also very convenient to be able to rinse your mess away on the spot. By keeping it in the shower, you don’t have to worry about cleaning a mess at the sink, or loose hairs getting all over your bathroom.
Some people argue that shaving in the shower is a more efficient way to groom. Shaving can be a cluttered activity, so shaving in the shower could help you with that because of all the shelves and storage space. If you’re someone who is constantly on the go, you may also benefit from being ready faster in the morning. You can shave in the shower and then quickly hop out, finish the rest of your grooming and be on your way. This can be great for people who are always in a rush.
Having a constant source of moisture is also a game changer for your shower shavers. Warm water and steam generated by your shower are excellent when shaving as it softens your hair and hydrates your skin.
Cons of Shaving in the Shower
There are, of course, some drawbacks to shaving in the shower. You may risk your razor losing its sharpness more quickly if you keep it in the shower. If you don’t dry your razor properly, it could quickly rust. Rust and bacteria are major things to watch out for when shaving. This being said, it’s probably best to store your razors somewhere other than the shower. Having to move all of your shaving supplies to and from the shower each time also lowers the convenience of it altogether!
If you keep your razor in the shower, it can collect bacteria and other contaminants that can lead to skin irritation and infections. Shaving in the shower could also lead to some extra skin damage due to the steam. The steam from the hot water may cause your pores to open up and lead to ingrown hairs and skin irritation. If you use a low-quality razor you could also end up damaging your skin even further combined with all the other factors mentioned. An all-around better option for shower shaving is a waterproof electric razor.
Is Shaving in the Shower Bad for Your Skin?
Despite the many benefits of shaving in the shower, you may be wondering if it’s bad for your skin. Well, that all depends on how you do it. If you keep your razor in a place where it can be easily contaminated and is not dried properly, you might risk your skin picking up bacteria or even rust. If you use a contaminated razor, you may also end up with some pores that are completely closed and others that are completely open. This could lead to ingrown hairs and pimples. If you want to avoid these issues, you should be sure that your razor is clean and dried properly.
You should also make sure that your razor has a sharp edge and a proper grip. You can do this by keeping your razor clean and replacing it when it becomes dull. If you want to avoid any skin damage and open pores, you should also make sure that you are using a quality razor. A low-quality razor could lead to your skin being broken and infections forming.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, shaving in the shower presents both conveniences and challenges that must be carefully weighed. While it offers time-saving benefits, the convenience of immediate cleanup, and the advantage of softening hair and hydrating skin with warm water and steam, there are valid concerns to consider. Risks such as razor degradation, potential for bacterial buildup, and skin irritation highlight the need for proper razor care and hygiene. It’s crucial to store your razor correctly, ensure it’s dry and clean, and use a high-quality razor to mitigate these risks.
Ultimately, whether shaving in the shower is beneficial or detrimental to your skin depends on your personal grooming habits, the precautions you take, and the tools you use. By adopting best practices for shaving in the shower, including using a waterproof electric razor for a more skin-friendly option, you can enjoy the pros while minimizing the cons. Remember, the key to a safe and effective shave lies not just in where you shave, but in how you manage the process and care for your skin and tools before, during, and after the shave.
