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Shaving

Let's Talk About Razor Hygiene

Sep 17, 2021

Let’s Talk About Razor Hygiene

Posted by Hannah McManus, 7th May 2021

We’ve all been guilty of reaching for any old razor, even if it’s months old.

But how is this actually affecting your shave? Even if we can’t see bacteria, it doesn’t mean it isn’t rife. Rinsing your razor after a shave only removes the visible debris and when left in a bathroom, it could be gathering millions of bacteria in just a few weeks. This means that when you come to grab your razor again, the bacteria from the blade transfers straight onto your skin.

How does this actually affect my skin?

When bacteria infect the hair follicle, this can cause razor rash and ingrown hairs (our worst shaving fears).

We spoke to Skin Expert, Dr Karim who gave us the low down on razor bacteria. She advised that by using a bacteria-ridden blade, we could even be putting ourselves at risk of infections, such as Cellulitis, which is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin most commonly caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin's surface.

Make sure you do it the right way

Old blades also mean dull blades

A dull blade can cause some serious irritation as it can snag on hairs, causing uncomfortable pulling. Not only do they increase the risk of pseudo-folliculitis (shaving rash), but the incomplete cutting of the hair can also lead to folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), causing red raised bumps that can be unsightly and itchy.

Recurrent episodes of these issues can also give long term effects such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where the skin becomes darker, plus temporary and permanent hair loss giving a patchy appearance.

To ensure the smoothest, most flawless results, you should be aiming to change your blades every 5 shaves – this might be weekly for those that shave most days or bi-weekly for those that shave less frequently.

 

Worried about the environmental impact of regular blade-changes?

You can shave guilt-free with our blade recycling scheme that gives old blades, new life, that’s not destined for landfill. Find out more about our recycling scheme here.

 

What about sharing razor blades?

For hygiene reasons, it’s really important not to share razors. Sharing blades can even cause infection if nicking or cutting yourself when shaving. Plus, you likely won’t know how old the razor is, meaning it could be a dull or dirty blade – increasing the chance of irritation and razor burn. Steer clear of razor sharing!

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Sep 17, 2021

Shaving or Waxing? Which is Better? We’ve Compared Them

Posted by Claire Cavanagh, 16th April 2021

Hair removal should be effortless

Whether you’re tidying up your bikini line or de-fuzzing your legs, you shouldn’t have to spend hours (or loads of money) on achieving super-smooth skin. If you’re looking for the best hair removal method, we’ve got the low down on whether you should be shaving or waxing.

For Results

Whether you’re removing all unnecessary hair or just shaving the bits on show, we all want super-smooth results from our shaving or waxing routine.

Waxing removes your hair from the follicle. For that reason, your results will last longer. But remember, you’ll likely experience tenderness for a few days after a wax. Plus, hair needs to be a certain length for waxing to work, so you’ll have to leave your hair to grow between waxes.

Shaving, on the other hand, cuts your hair at the skin’s surface. You’ll notice regrowth more quickly but won’t have to deal with any soreness or pain afterwards. Plus, you can shave every few days - or even every day - if you want to.

Our winner: it’s kind of up to you (but we prefer shaving, obviously).

Which is Best?

For your purse

We get it. Staying on top of your grooming routine can be expensive. If you’re looking for silky-smooth skin without denting your bank balance, shaving is your best bet. Heading to the salon for professional waxing can add up, especially if you’re tackling multiple areas. Plus, at-home wax kits are often single-use and don’t always give the best results. Our top tip? Invest in a reusable handle and replace the blades when you need to. Our razor subscription option is economical while making sure you’ve always got fresh blades on hand.

Our winner: shaving

 

For your skin

First off, it’s worth saying that everyone’s skin is different. You know your skin best, so always pick the right hair removal method that works for you.

Is shaving better than waxing for your skin? No matter what you do to prepare before a wax, it’s going to hurt. After all, the process involves ripping out your hair from the follicle. Waxing may not be suited to those with very sensitive skin or those who can’t tolerate pain.

Shaving, on the other hand, is pretty much pain-free. With the right prep and sharp blades, you’re unlikely to experience ingrown hairs or nicks either. Our winner: shaving (but it might be worth trying out gentle wax strips on your face).

 

For your face

Should you shave or wax facial hair? Really, it’s up to you. Contrary to popular opinion, shaving your face won’t make your hair grow back thicker or darker. But it might cause irritation if you don’t use a new blade and face-friendly products.

Instead, you could use dedicated facial wax strips. These are designed to be used on this delicate area and small enough to target specific areas (like your brows or upper lip). Pick no-heat wax strips if you’re doing it at home; you don’t want to mess about with hot wax near your eyes or mouth.

Our winner: waxing

 

For convenience

Who’s got time to spend ages on hair removal? Not us. Whether you’re thinking about shaving or waxing, the process should be effortless.

Shaving is definitely the most convenient hair removal method. It’s as simple as hopping in the shower when you want to de-fuzz. Our razor subscription service makes it even easier because you get premium blades delivered direct to your door.

While waxing might last longer, you’ve still got to deal with that awkward growing-out phase. It often takes around 30 minutes to get a professional wax as well, whereas we spend around 10 minutes shaving in the shower. Plus, you’ve got to factor in time travelling to and from your wax appointment.

Our winner: shaving

 

For the environment

Is shaving or waxing better for the environment? While single-use razors are definitely not environmentally friendly, waxing isn’t that great either. Many of the wax strips used in salons are made from paper or plastic, which often can’t be recycled after use. Plus, synthetic wax is made from a type of plastic too. Our solution? A razor recycling system that really works. Simply save up your razors, post them back to us, and we’ll separate them ready for recycling. Our reusable razor handles are made from metal, and all our shaving product tubes are made from recycled plastic, which can be recycled again!

Our winner: shaving (but choose a sustainable option)

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Have an Embarrassing Shaving Question? We’ve Answered 8 Right Here

Sep 17, 2021

Have an Embarrassing Shaving Question? We’ve Answered 8 Right Here

Posted by Claire Cavanagh, 23rd March 2021

You Asked, We Answered...

Whether you shave daily, weekly or just when you fancy it, knowing what’s what when it comes to hair removal is important. However, as is often the case with personal hygiene, some of the questions can be a bit too cringe-inducing to ask your friends or family.

This is where we come in. From how best to tackle your bikini line to whether shaving makes you sweat less, we’ve got all your embarrassing questions answered below.

Can shaving irritate your bikini area?

Most women who have shaved their bikini line in the past know that the answer to this one is unfortunately yes. Razor burn is a common side effect of shaving this sensitive area, which can be annoying, itchy and even painful.

However, shaving shouldn’t always cause irritation. The most common cause of razor burn is a dull razor and poor shaving products. Change your razor blade regularly to reduce irritation, and always use gentle shaving cream and post-shave balm to keep your skin happy. Pick a razor subscription (like ours!) to make sure you have sharp blades on hand when you need them.

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Embarrassing Shaving Q&A

1. What shaving cream is best for pubic hair?

The hair on your pubic area tends to be thicker than elsewhere on your body. That means you’re more likely to experience razor burn and irritation around this area when you shave. To combat this, we always recommend using a hydrating shaving cream with gentle ingredients.

Our Shave Cream features exclusive cationic technology and soothing ingredients to encourage an extra-close shave. These all help to avoid ingrown hairs, irritation and razor burn.

 

2. Will shaving increase hair growth?

Nope - despite it being a popular shaving myth, shaving won’t make your hair grow faster, thicker or darker. It might seem like your hair is thicker or darker when it’s growing back, but this is because your hair has a blunt tip after shaving. That’s what makes it feel coarse or stubbly during the regrowth stage.

 

3. Can shaving cause thrush?

Shaving itself can’t cause thrush, but shaving improperly or too often might make you more vulnerable to infections or irritations. This is because shaving can cause tiny cuts, which could become inflamed.

We recommend following good shaving hygiene, as well as avoiding tight clothing or underwear made from synthetic materials. Pubic hair would usually act as a barrier between skin and underwear, so if you’re removing this you might have to take some extra steps to keep things fresh.

 

4. Can shaving get rid of crabs?

No, shaving can’t get rid of crabs (also known as pubic lice). Although these small insects cling to body hair, shaving won’t get rid of them. It’s best to visit your doctor or sexual health clinic for treatment and advice on what to do next.

Some evidence suggests that shaving might get rid of public lice eggs. However, it’s always best to talk to a professional.

 

5. Can shaving cause warts?

Warts are spread by skin-to-skin contact, so shaving alone won’t produce them. However, shaving over warts could cause them to spread. It’s best to avoid shaving if you have warts in a particular area, as you might spread them to other areas of your body. Again, consult with your doctor for more information.

 

6. Will shaving your armpits reduce sweat?

Shaving your armpits won’t reduce the amount you sweat - that’s caused by glands in your body. However, you might notice the effects of sweat less when you shave your armpits. This could be because the deodorant you use can get into the skin more easily, or because your sweat won’t linger in the hair (which can also be a contributing factor to body odour, if pongy pits were another worry).

 

7. Can shaving darken skin?

Your skin colour is determined by a pigment called melanin. You can’t change this pigment by shaving, but you might notice some discolouration if you shave with dull razors or shave very aggressively. This can damage your skin, which might result in dark patches or discolouration.

 

8. Can you shave with eczema?

You can shave when you have eczema, but it’s important to be gentle. Avoid using chemical-laden products, dull blades and very hot water, which could all irritate your skin further. Instead, pick products that feature natural ingredients and be sure to always use new blades. Don’t forget to moisturise after shaving to help soothe your skin. Our Post-Shave Balm is great for hydrating and also has lots of natural ingredients.

If you have open wounds or areas of extreme irritation, we recommend avoiding that are until it’s fully healed.

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Sep 17, 2021

Top Tips For Talking About Shaving With Your Daughter

Posted by Hannah McManus, 2nd July 2021

Adolescence can be a tricky time. Along with mood swings and growth spurts, your teen’s body changes in ways that might take some getting used to.

Body hair can be an unwelcome change, especially for teenage girls. Of course, it’s not essential to remove body hair, and your daughter might prefer to keep it au naturel. If they want to start shaving though, it’s good to be prepared with tips and tricks for looking after their skin. Developing a healthy hair removal routine will help reduce irritation and help your teen get the best possible results from her first experience with shaving.

When to talk to your teen about shaving

There’s no set rule. We’re all different, and your teen might develop at a different rate to others. She might approach you about shaving, or you might notice increased body hair and choose to start that conversation.

Remember that whether or not she shaves is totally her choice. There’s nothing wrong with body hair, and she doesn’t have to remove it if she doesn’t want to.

How to talk to your teen about shaving

Your teen might be feeling a bit unsure about her body changes, and she might feel a bit embarrassed too. She’ll feel much better with you on her side. Gently let her know that you’re there to teach her if she wants to start shaving and reassure her that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

If she isn’t interested in shaving, it’s important to let her know that that’s totally fine too.

What razor should my daughter use when first learning to shave?

Basic hygiene rules are a good place to start when teaching your daughter to shave. Remind your teen that sharing razors is a big no-no because that could lead to infection or irritation.

Let her choose her own razor and remind her how important it is to use that razor just for herself. If you choose a razor brand like ours, she can pick out her favourite colour and personalise her handle with her name. This might help to make the process more special.

What shaving safety tips should I teach my daughter?

While shaving blades are made to be as safe as possible, nicks, cuts and irritation can all happen (especially for inexperienced shavers!).

  • Remind your daughter to use sharp blades each time she shaves (a shaving subscription like ours makes that a breeze)
  • Give your teen a hydrating shaving cream to help reduce irritation (our vegan Shave Cream is your go-to)
  • Let her know how important it is to moisturise after shaving (pick a product like our soothing Post-Shave Balm)

How do I teach my daughter how to shave?

While shaving might be second nature to you, it will be totally new for your daughter. It’s a good idea to teach her how to shave all the areas she might want to remove hair, so she knows how to safely take care of her legs, armpits and bikini line.

Some handy tips include:

  • Take your time! Rushing often leads to cuts or nicks
  • Soak the area in warm water before shaving
  • Use shaving cream and hydrate after hair removal
  • Don’t press too hard
  • Shave in the right direction for the area being shaved

What direction should you shave in?

  • Legs: shave from the ankles upwards in long, gentle strokes
  • Armpits: shave in all directions
  • Bikini line: shave in the direction of hair growth, then against the hair growth if needed

How often should my teen daughter shave?

Honestly, it’s up to her. Often, body hair appears in different areas at different rates during puberty. That means she might not need to shave certain areas very often (if at all). Other times, she might want to shave more regularly to keep her body hair at bay. Just remember that shaving certain areas every day might cause irritation (especially for sensitive skin).

Keep the lines of communication open and let her know that she can talk to you about anything. That way, you can provide her with the best advice for where she’s at.

 

Your Effortless Leg Shaving Guide

Sep 17, 2021

Your Effortless Leg Shaving Guide

Posted by Hannah McManus, 9th August 2021

Hair removal should be effortless

Whether you shave once a week, every day or just on special occasions, removing unwanted hair should be effortless. Forget about painful bumps, ingrown hairs, redness and irritation. With the right shaving regime, you can achieve silky smooth skin (without the hassle).

How often should you shave your legs?

There’s no hard and fast rule. Honestly, it’s up to you. Some people like to shave every day, while others prefer to do it on special occasions. Stick to a schedule that works for you and your skin.

If you prefer silky smooth skin all the time, it could be worth shaving your legs every day or a few times a week (especially if you have fast-growing hair). Just remember to follow a good shaving routine to keep the irritation at bay.

What’s a good shaving routine?

So, how should you shave your legs? While it might seem quite straightforward, there are some key steps to bear in mind to avoid irritation. With the right routine, you can enjoy ultra-soft legs every time you shave.

  • Soften your skin in warm water

We all know that dry shaving is a big no-no. Shaving without water can cause a lot of irritation and redness, which will affect how smooth your legs feel (nevermind causing discomfort and pain).

While it’s always a good idea to shave with water and a soothing cream, you might want to start your shaving routine by soaking your skin for 5-10 minutes. This helps soften the hairs, making it easier to get a smooth shave. You don’t have to run a bath every time you shave either; a warm shower works just as well.

  • Gently exfoliate

Gentle exfoliation is an important step in your shaving routine. Exfoliating before shaving helps remove any dead skin cells, letting you get closer to the hair for a smoother shave. Plus, it helps rejuvenate your complexion for a beautiful glow.

Remember to choose a gentle exfoliating scrub because a harsh product could cause irritation. Our cruelty-free Pre-Shave Scrub is your go-to. It features natural walnut husks and soothing manuka honey to prep your skin ready for the next step.

  • Use a soothing shaving cream

Before you set razor to skin, remember to use a soothing shaving cream. It’s tempting to skip this step or to use some old shampoo you’ve found in the back of the cupboard. Using a dedicated shaving cream helps keep your skin hydrated while reducing blade friction, which is important for achieving silky smooth legs. Plus, shave cream helps you see where you have shaved, reducing the need to go over the same area.

We love our vegan, cruelty-free Shave Cream. As well as plenty of natural ingredients to hydrate your skin, it includes cationic technology to lift the hairs and encourage a close shave.

  • Use a sharp razor

Using a dull blade is the biggest barrier to a close shave. As well as not cutting the hair as effectively, a dull blade can lead to irritation, redness and ingrown hairs. We always recommend using a fresh, sharp blade when shaving your legs. It’ll help you get super-soft legs every time.

A razor subscription service is a great way to make sure you have fresh blades to hand. At ffs, you can customise your razor subscription to arrive as regularly as you want. Our precision SmoothGlide blades are German-engineered and include a lubricating vitamin E strip to keep your skin feeling silky.

  • Avoid too much pressure

With sharp, fresh blades, you don’t have to apply loads of pressure to get a close shave. Swipe the razor gently across your skin in long movements to get the best possible shave, taking extra care around your knees and ankles.

Applying too much pressure makes it more likely you’ll experience irritation, cuts and redness.

  • Shave in the direction your hair grows

Let’s be honest. You’ll get a closer shave if you go against the direction your hair grows. However, it’s a good idea to start in the direction your hair grows. This is less harsh on your skin, and you may not need to go against your hair growth at all. If you feel you need it, use plenty of shave cream before shaving against your hair growth.

If you have very sensitive skin, it’s best to always shave in the direction your hair grows to avoid irritation.

  • Take your time

We’ve all been there. Whether you’re rushing to get ready for date night or having an emergency shave before work, it’s not always practical to spend ages shaving. But if you can, try to schedule your shaves for moments when you have a bit more time. You’ll be less likely to nick your skin and more able to get a closer shave.

  • Moisturise after shaving

Don’t skip the aftercare! After your shave, always apply a hydrating post-shave balm. This will help reduce any potential irritation and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. We love our hydrating Post-Shave Balm, which features manuka honey, almond oil and cocoa butter as hero ingredients. You’ll find that your silky-smooth feeling lasts longer between shaves too!

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Sign up today to get your first box FREE (Just pay delivery!). Your box contains a metal handle of your choice, 4 premium blades and a shower holder.

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