On average, our hair grows about a quarter of an inch per month. For many, shaving is a regular routine. It also acts as an exfoliation process, removing dead skin cells and exposing newer ones to the environment. Without proper care, this can leave the skin feeling dry or irritated.
Carefully-formulated shaving products and high-performance razors help by hydrating and softening hair, creating a lubricating layer between the skin and the blade, improving glide and reducing irritation, and protecting the skin from damage.
What are shaving products made of?
Shaving foams, gels, and creams contain a mix of soaps, detergents, and lubricants. These help remove oils from the skin, soften beard hair (which is surprisingly tough - about as strong as copper wire), and enhance comfort during shaving.
Foaming creams typically contain 6-10% fatty acids that turn into soap during production. Aerosol shaving creams are pre-foamed using pressurised gases, ready to dispense as a rich lather.
Does shaving affect hair growth?
Shaving doesn’t make hair grow back faster, thicker, or darker. What it does do is change the shape of the hair tip. A freshly cut tip can feel coarser or appear darker, but this is just an illusion caused by the blunt edge.
Men’s and women’s hair also differ structurally. Men’s facial hair is 50-60% thicker and more irregular in shape than women’s leg hair, which is typically oval. This difference is why men are recommended to soak their beard area for about three minutes before shaving, while two minutes is usually enough for women.
How does beard oil work?
Anyone who’s grown a beard knows the early stages can be itchy and uncomfortable. Beard hair tends to be wiry, and sharp edges left by shaving can irritate the skin. Add dryness beneath the beard and it’s a recipe for discomfort. Luckily, there's a solution: beard oil.
Beard oils are typically made from a blend of carrier oils and essential oils. They work like a conditioner for both your beard and the skin underneath, helping to lock in moisture, reduce itchiness and dryness, soften wiry beard hair, add shine and manageability, and leave a fresh, clean scent.
The result? A smoother, healthier-looking beard that’s easier to groom and much less itchy.
