Shaving is a personal decision that should be based on your own preferences and needs. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to wet shave, including your skin type, hair growth pattern, and personal style. 

Benefits of Shaving 

There are several benefits to wet shaving, including: 

• Smoother skin. Shaving removes the hair from the surface of the skin, which can create a smoother, more polished appearance. 
• Less body odour. Shaving can help to reduce body odour by removing the hair that traps sweat and bacteria. 
• Increased confidence. Some people feel more confident when they are clean-shaven. 
• A closer shave. Wet shaving uses a single blade, which can help to get a closer shave than a cartridge razor. This is because a single blade is less likely to pull or tug on the hair, which can cause ingrown hairs and razor bumps. 
• Less irritation. Wet shaving can also help to reduce irritation, as the shaving soap and shaving brush help to create a protective layer on the skin. This layer helps to reduce friction and protect the skin from the blade. 
• A more enjoyable experience. Many people find traditional wet shaving with a safety razor to be a more enjoyable experience than using a cartridge razor. This is because it is a more relaxing and meditative process. It can also be a great way to start your day, as it can help you to feel more refreshed and invigorated. 

Disadvantages of Shaving 

There are also some drawbacks to shaving, including: 

• Ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can occur when the hair is shaved too close to the skin and grows back under the surface. This can be painful and can lead to infection. 
• Razor burn. Razor burn is a type of skin irritation that can occur when shaving. It is caused by the razor blade scraping against the skin and can cause redness, itching, and burning. 
• Time-consuming. Wet shaving can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have to shave a large area of skin. 
• Expensive: Shaving supplies can be expensive, many switch to traditional shaving methods with a safety razor which may initially cost more than a disposable razor or cartridge razor but have long term cost savings. 

What age should you start shaving? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the age at which someone should start shaving will vary depending on their individual body hair growth. However, most young men start shaving from age 14. 

If you are starting to notice body hair growth, it is important to talk to your parents or a trusted adult about shaving. They can help you choose the right shaving products and teach you how to shave safely and effectively. 

Shaving can be a great way to feel more confident and comfortable with your body. However, it is important to remember that shaving is not necessary. If you do not want to shave, that is perfectly fine. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to shave is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances. 

Here are some tips for wet shaving: 

• Use warm water. Warm water helps to soften the hair and make it easier to shave. 
• Lather up well. Apply a generous amount of shaving soap to your face and lather it up well. Using a good quality shaving brush is a great way to achieve an effective lather. This will help to create a protective layer on your skin and reduce friction. 
• Use short strokes. Use short, gentle strokes of the razor when shaving. This will help to prevent irritation. 
• Rinse your safety razor often. Rinse your razor often to remove hair and soap. This will help to prevent the blade from clogging and dulling. 
• Apply aftershave. After you are finished shaving, apply an aftershave balm or lotion to help soothe your skin. 

How to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn

If you do decide to shave, there are a few things you can do to help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn: 

• Use a sharp razor blade. A dull razor blade will be more likely to cause nicks and cuts, which can lead to ingrown hairs. 
• Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain can increase the risk of ingrown hairs. 
• Use a shaving soap or shaving cream. A shaving soap or shaving cream will help to protect your skin from the razor blade and reduce friction. 
• Moisturize after shaving. Moisturizing will help to soothe your skin and prevent dryness, which can contribute to ingrown hairs. 

If you experience ingrown hairs or razor burn, you can try using a warm compress or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to relieve the symptoms. If the symptoms are severe or do not improve, seek medial advice.