Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: May 2, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
How do you shave your facial hair?
Signed: How To's - Shaving My Face
Dear How To's - Shaving My Face,
Many people shave their beards and mustache area of their faces. It is routine (mostly for males) that usually begins in your teens, so this is a great question. Although this is completely cultural and not medically necessary, many teenage males see this as a part of growing up. Some males choose to shave with an electric razor while others like using a disposable safety razor. This choice is purely personal; however, it may be easier and safer to use an electric razor. For those of you who wish to shave using a safety razor, here are some basic guidelines:
- Shave at a time when you are comfortable and not rushed.
- Choose to shave in a location that is most comfortable for you. It is best done when looking at yourself in a mirror. This way you can monitor the areas that are completed and still know what you have left to shave.
- Use a safety, disposable razor - never share a razor with a friend or family member.
- Make sure that the area you are shaving is wet.
- Apply a hypoallergenic shaving cream or lotion on the areas of your face that you want to shave. Do not use soap or body wash because they can have perfume and this could irritate the area.
- Shave face in a downward motion. Some men start with above their lip and then get the sides, but it is really a personal decision. Do it in a manner that is most comfortable for you
- After you are done, apply a moisturizer to the area you have shaved (again, make sure it is not perfumed). This may help to prevent dry skin and possible ingrown hairs.
As a note, shave only areas that have hair growth that you want to remove. Do not shave your eyebrows area. If there are areas that have excessive hair that you want to remove, talk to a dermatologist about some alternative methods of hair removal like electrolysis. Do not pluck or pick at unwanted hair as this can cause infected hair follicles.
In addition to following these instructions, talk to your dad or a male relative. They can give you other useful tips in shaving and may even be able to demonstrate them to you. As always, if your skin is becoming irritated due to shaving or if you are having any health problem, stop shaving and see a doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The teen pregnancy rate in the United States is the highest of any industrialized democracy, nearly twice that of Great Britain and 10 times that of Japan. 
