How To Guide: Shaving Chest Hair

If you’ve been shaving your chest hair for years, or this is the first time, you may learn some tricks for great results. We’ll help you get a close shave, while avoiding common problems like nicks, irritation and annoying razor bumps.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10-15 minutes for shaving chest hair

Here's How:

1. Choose your shaving cream or gel wisely. What you use has as much on the outcome of your shave the razor you use. I would recommend Brave Shave (read review), originally created for male body shaving.
2. A new quality razor is important. Stay clear of the straight, cheap disposables or you'll be asking for cuts and nicks. Instead use a razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades to give you a smooth, close shave. A a big favorite with the guys is Gillette Fusion (compare prices).
3. Trim, trim, trim . If you’ve never shaved, or haven’t in a while, it’s good to trim hair down as short as possible. You can do that by placing a comb flat on the skin and trim over comb with scissors. Or to make it quick and easy, use clippers with the shortest guard.
4. Jump in the shower and relax for five. Take a minute to breathe. Wash your body and your hair. The warm water will soften your hair and skin, allowing for a closer shave.
5. Exfoliate. By lightly sloughing away dead skin cells you will get closer results and minimize ingrown hair. Gently using a wet loofah will work great.
6. Use a bit of shaving oil. A couple drops under your cream or gel works as a barrier on your skin, so the razor will glide easier instead of dragging. It not only moisturizes,the oil also helps prevent razor burn, general irritation and ingrown hairs- all big offenders when shaving thicker hair like in the chest (compare prices).
7. Apply shaving cream or gel. Slather on a bit of cream or gel over damp skin. Skin that is too wet will make the cream run right down the drain. If you have a shaving brush, apply product using small circles.
8. Shave. Using a firm touch, shave in the opposite direction of hair growth while holding skin taut. Don't go over the same area too many times or skin can end up irritated.
9. Rinse. In between strokes, be sure to rinse blade. A clogged razor won’t work well.
10. Dry off. Pat skin dry and apply a light unscented lotion.
11. Keep the bumps away. Apply a product that will help keep ingrown hair, razor bumps and irritation at bay. A product such as Tend Skin (read review) will work wonders. If you don't use a bump-fighting product, be sure to exfoliate often.

Tips:

1. Watch the direction of hair growth. Your hair has a mind of its own. It will grow in every direction, so adjust the blade's shaving direction to get the closest results.
2. Be extra careful around the nipple area and collar bone or other curves in your chest. Take extra time in these areas and use short strokes.
3. If you're not going to shave your stomach or lower abdomen, at least trim hair down so there isn’t such a distinct difference.
4. If you don't want to use a manual razor, try an electric one made for male body shaving like Philips Norelco Bodygroom (read review)

What You Need

• Comb and scissors or clippers (if hair needs trimming)
• A new razor with multiple blades
• Gentle body exfoliator or loofah
• Shaving oil (optional)
• Shaving brush (optional)
• Shaving cream or gel
• Unscented lotion