Hairs growing back thicker, skin becoming drier, ingrown hairs... shaving is not without its skin-related inconveniences. Let's separate fact from fiction!
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Misconceptions about shaving.
Summary
- Shaving makes hair grow back faster
- Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker and coarser
- Shaving promotes ingrown hairs
- Shaving against the grain results in ingrown hairs
- Shaving dries out the skin
Published May 24, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Shaving makes hair grow back faster.
False. Shaving in no way influences the speed of hair regrowth. However, the rate of hair regrowth can vary from one individual to another.
In fact, when you shave, the hair is removed at skin level. However, this does not halt regrowth. The hair is still present and continues to grow normally. Waxing, on the other hand, pulls out the hairs beneath the skin's surface, leaving only the hair follicle which will generate a new hair.
In essence, whether it's after shaving or waxing, hair always grows back at the same rate. It just seems to grow back faster after shaving because its journey is shorter!
Shaving makes the hair grow back thicker and coarser.
True and false. It is important to distinguish between vellus hair and terminal or adult hair. Indeed, shaving vellus hair is a bad idea as it will transform into terminal hair, which is generally thicker than the initial vellus hair. However, shaving does not make terminal hair coarser. It is generally the act of cutting them cleanly that gives this "prickly" feeling to the touch.
Shaving promotes ingrown hairs.
True. When you shave, you cut the hair flush with the skin. As it regrows, it may struggle to penetrate the stratum corneum, which is composed of dead cells. Its path can then deviate and it may become ingrown under the skin.
To minimise the risk of ingrown hairs, it is recommended to exfoliate before shaving. Typology has developed three exfoliators using micro-grains derived from ground apricot kernels. The facial exfoliator is less concentrated in abrasive particles than the body exfoliators, in order to protect your skin.
The radiant facial scrub is recommended for unclogging pores and promoting cellular renewal.
Thenourishing body scrubhelps to soften and smooth the skin. It is particularly suitable for dry and uncomfortable skin.
Thetoning body scrubcontains organic green coffee macerate (draining) as well as essential oils of lemongrass and organic cedar (anti-cellulite). It is recommended for smoothing, firming and toning the skin while reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Shaving against the grain results in ingrown hairs.
True. Shaving against the grain can yield a satisfactory result but may twist the hair. When the hair is twisted, it deviates from its path and curls back on itself to become an ingrown hair. It is preferable to shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Moreover, avoid running the razor over the same area multiple times to prevent skin irritation.
Shaving dries out the skin.
True. During shaving, the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface, composed of water and fat, is disrupted. Without compensation from a moisturising product, the skin becomes dry. This is why one should never shave dry and should use a foam or gel during shaving. After shaving, don't forget to apply a moisturising and/or nourishing care product. Moreover, as the horny layer is thinner, it's the ideal time to provide the skin with active ingredients and nutrients that will be more easily absorbed, such as nourishing, firming, slimming treatments, etc...
To rehydrate your skin after hair removal, you can apply one of our body creams:
The nourishing cream Squalane 10% + Shea Butter is enriched with nourishing active ingredients. It restores the skin's lipid barrier, reduces feelings of tightness, and protects the skin from external aggressions.
The firming cream Caffeine 2% + Guarana extract contains firming active ingredients and helps to tighten the skin tissues and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The moisturising cream with 10 ingredients is a minimalist formula that allows for the hydration of all skin types, even sensitive ones. It is formulated with 99% natural origin ingredients.
On the face, following the shaving of the beard for instance, opt for the nourishing cream Hyaluronic Acid 1% + Shea Butter. Enriched with lipid-replenishing and moisturising active ingredients, it restores suppleness to the skin and reduces feelings of tightness. If you prefer a more minimalist, fragrance-free formula, the 9-ingredient moisturising cream would be more suitable. Its light and non-greasy texture is suitable for dry, normal and combination skin, even sensitive ones.
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