Apparently We Should Be Shaving Our Faces

Okay, ladies, it’s time for some real talk about shaving: No, I am no talking about legs, armpits, or our delicate bikini areas. I am talking about the face. I am sure we’ve all felt like we were way overdue for a waxing or plucking, grabbed a razor, and went to town on our upper lip, chin, or sideburns at some point because we could no longer handle the forest that was randomly sprouting.

The truth is, we all have facial hair. Some have a little peach fuzz while others have darker, thicker, more prominent hair. Most of us will admit (to our best pals) we’ve had a date with a razor while standing over the bathroom sink, wrapped in a towel, freaking determined to rid ourselves of random hairs.

But now? Women are stepping up their game. They are going all out with the blade, grown-man style, and they are loving it and refuse to go back to the days of getting dipped in hot wax. While shaving doesn’t last as long as waxing or laser treatments, it is less painful, cheaper, and you can do it in the privacy of your own home in just a few minutes.

Women have been shaving their faces for some time, and it’s been said that icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor always shaved their faces — and their supple skin is proof there are huge benefits to shaving — and Japanese women have been doing it for centuries.

Shaving doesn’t just remove the hair, it is an exfoliant and leaves your skin super-soft and smooth (your makeup will go on like butter), and it gets rid of any dead skin cells hanging around your skin’s surface. Shaving also helps moisturizers, toners, and serums sink into our pores, giving us better results.

You can wet your face down, lather up with your favorite shaving cream, grab your husband’s Gillette, and shave in the direction your hairs grow. Or for a closer shave, you can shave in the opposite direction — just don’t skimp on the moisturizer after. It helps cut down on irritation.

If that feels intimidating, and you aren’t quite ready to sport a full face of shaving cream to get rid of your bristles, don’t worry. There are tiny razors that have the perfect angle for our upper lip, cheeks, and brows. You can also view a few how-to videos that will give you confidence if you are thinking about trying it out.

If you are worried your hair will grow back thicker and darker, fear not. It’s a myth. Dr. David E. Bank, founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, tells BuzzFeed, “Neither waxing nor shaving causes hair to grow in faster or thicker. We have a certain number of hair follicles in the skin and, if you don’t destroy them with lasers, they will continue to grow in at the same rate and with the same thickness.”

There you have it.

Whether you are going to shave weekly or just put the razor to your skin in a pinch when you can’t get in for a wax, it’s good for the skin (with proper prep and aftercare) and your budget. Now pass the razor — I’ve got some shit to take care of.