Shaving can be tricky, especially if it is your first time. If not done right, shaving can leave you with scars, dry skin, and itching. To help you, here are nine tips to not only get a smooth shave but also make shaving safe.

1. Never dry shave
Never dry shave because it increases the risk of cuts and irritation. Ensure that you exfoliate your skin to soften it before shaving. Try shaving towards the end of your bath or during shower time. Soaking your skin in warm water for 10 minutes softens the skin, making shaving easier.

2. Exfoliate 
Exfoliate your skin using products such as bath scrub or a loofah before shaving. This not only helps you shave effectively but also helps avoid the razor from getting clogged with dead skin cells.

3. Do not take hot showers
If you prefer hot baths or showers, then reduce the temperature of the water before shaving. This will prevent your skin from being too soft, preventing your skin from getting easily cut by the razor.

4. Do not use bathing soap as lubricant
Most often, in a hurry, you may use bathing soap as a lubricant before shaving. However, using soap can cause your skin to feel dry and flaky. Instead, the best thing that you could do is to use a foam or gel that is specifically formulated for shaving. This will ensure that you enjoy a smooth shave and not leave your skin too sensitive and reddish after you shave.

5. Stick to your razor
Do not use a razor made for men because they are designed to be more rugged. A woman-specific razor is designed for the pattern of hair growth in women, ensuring a close and smooth shave.

6. Shave in the direction of hair growth
If you want to get a clean and close shave, then you need to shave in the direction of your hair growth.

7. Close pores after shaving
Rinse with cold water after shaving to close the pores. This will ensure that the products that you use after the shave do not seep into the pores and cause skin allergies.

8. Replace your razor periodically
There are only so many times you can reuse your razor by cleaning them, as the residue from your previous shave may not always get washed off completely. Moreover, you could be exposing yourself to infections because of a rusted blade or the presence of bacteria.

9. Practice aftershave care
This is important to maintain the health of your skin. After you have shaved, your skin is more sensitive, and exposing it to harsh conditions can damage it.

Following these tips will go a long way in not only keeping your skin smooth after a shave but also ensure the safety of your skin.