Shaving
From ArticleWorld
Shaving is the most common method of depilation, removing body hair from one’s body with a razor.
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Common uses
Shaving is commonly used by men to remove facial hair as well as, at times, chest hair, pubic hair or leg hair. Women typically shave in order to remove leg hair, arm hair, pubic hair and some other hair on their bodies. Men (and in some cases, women) may shave their heads, which can be considered a type of haircut.
History
Before razors, humans could remove their hair by means of using two seashells. In 3,000 BC, copper razors were developed to remove human hair. At this time, it is believed that shaving became an aesthetic approach to maintaining personal hygiene. Others believe that Egyptian priests began this practice earlier.
Ways of shaving
Shaving can be accomplished with either a manual razor or an electric one. When a manual razor is used, shaving cream, soap, gel, foam or a type of shaving oil is recommended in order to avoid razor burn or painful shaving bumps. It works by first lubricating the area scheduled to be shaved and allow the skin to be better moisturized.
Manual razors may be disposable or have only disposable blades. Straight razors (which must be sharpened regularly) may also be used, but typically are used by barbers.
Side effects
There is some minor danger to shaving, as it can result in cuts, abrasions and irritation. People who have very curly hair may experience pseudofolliculitus barbae, which are also known as razor bumps. They are the result of ingrown hairs. Some shavers believe that the safest way to avoid cuts and nicks is to use a razor that has only one blade or has wire wrapped around the blades (allowing the shave to occur further from the skin).
Popular urban myth states that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker than it originally is. This is a falsehood, though: The hair that grows back only feels thicker, and appears darker, because of the stubble.