First-Time Shavers: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Razor for Girls
Are you a first-time shaver, wondering where to start and what's the best razor for a girl?
If you’re embarking on your shaving journey as a first-time shaver, fear not, you've come to the right place.
Shaving for the first time can make you feel a mixture of exciting and worry, especially if you're a young women shaving for the first time.
To support your grooming journey, we’ve created this comprehensive guide tailored specifically for a girls first shave.
We'll help you navigate the process of identifying what is a good starter razor for a girl, provide useful tips on how to use a razor for ladies, as well as offer practical advice for achieving silky smooth legs, without the nicks or cuts.
Whether you're a tween or teenager exploring shaving for the first time or simply searching for ways to reduce razor bumps, read on to discover the best razor for girls to make your shaving experience safe, comfortable and super smooth.
What we’ll cover:
- When is the right time for a girls first shave
- The importance of skin type
- How to find the best razor for girls
- The benefits of additional shaving products
- Best practices for girls learning to shave for the first time
1. When is the right time for a girls first shave?
It’s super important to note that when it comes to the topic of shaving, the decision to shave your body hair is a personal choice. Us girls have soooo much to deal with in life, so know that you should never feel pressured into picking up the razor. At the same time, you should never feel pressured to keep or grow your body hair either.
Do what feels right for you. And if you’re not sure, wait. Don’t make a decision either way, until the timing and choice feel right for you.
If you are ready for your first shave, then it’s also good to note that age doesn’t matter either. Many articles suggest that the average age for teenage girls to start shaving is around 12 or 13 years old. But age can vary greatly depending on hormones, hair growth, and your personal preference. Quite simply, there’s no right or wrong age to start shaving.
2. The importance of skin type
To achieve the most comfortable, irritation-free shaving experience, it’s worth understanding your skin type. As a first-time girl shaver, knowing your skin type can help you select the best skin-friendly razors for girls.
Different skin types require different levels of hydration, exfoliation, and care, so by knowing your skin preferences, you'll be able to hone techniques that will best suit your individual needs and tailor your shaving routine to minimise redness, irritation, razor burn, and other normal side effects.
How do you find your skin type?
One of the most beautiful things about your body is that it’s entirely unique to you. When it comes to skin type, some people have dry, flaky skin while others have more balanced and problem-free skin. All skin types are equally beautiful.
Your skin type could be recognised as one or a combination of the following:
- Normal Skin: Balanced and generally problem-free skin
- Dry Skin: Prone to dryness, flakiness, and tightness
- Oily Skin: Excess sebum production, often leading to shine and potential breakouts
- Combination Skin: Combination of dry and oily areas
- Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated and reactive to certain ingredients or environmental factors
If you’re not yet sure of your skin type, simply start your shave journey with beginner-friendly razors for girls. For your first shave, try using products that are more gentle on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a razor that has features like hypoallergenic blades and aloe vera and vitamin E moisturising cushions.
If you have a pre-existing skin condition, like acne or eczema, then you may want to do a patch test on a small area before committing to a full area such as shaving your legs.
3. How to find the best razor for girls
Once you have a better understanding of your skin type, now it’s time to review which safe and effective razors for girls would be best for you. You'll want a women's razor you can trust and that can provide a closer shave without nicking the skin.
Don’t worry if you have to try out a few razors to achieve your goal of silky-smooth skin. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so when it comes to razors, it’s not a one size fits all affair.
In this girls' razor guide, we’ve identified a variety of razor options for you to choose from.
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Safety Razors:
If you’re new to the realm of girls' shaving products, then you may be wondering, what is a safety razor? In summary, a safety razor is a classic shaving instrument that generally features a double-edged blade housed in a protective razor head.
Pros: Because the blade of a safety razor cuts hair at the skin level, this type of girl's razor is known for providing a particularly close shave. While the initial investment of a safety razor may be on the pricy side, they can end up being a great cost-effective option with the price of replacement blades being more affordable. A safety razor is also considered one of the best sustainable shavers due to providing less (and sometimes zero) plastic waste.
Cons: If you’re a first-time shaver, then you may want to be a little wary of a safety razor. Because the blade doesn’t have the safety feature of a moisturising cushion, safety razors can be known for causing cuts and nicks. Getting the technique right may take some patience and practice, which can be intimidating for beginners.
Due to the need for more care, shaving with a safety razor can also take more time compared to using disposable razors or cartridge system razors.
Best Safety Razor Option: Check out Leaf Shave
Unisex razors from: $125.00
Above: example of a safety razor for girls.
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Disposable Razors:
A disposable razor is a single-use shaving tool typically made of plastic. It’s often lightweight and portable with between one to five blades per razor head.
Pros: Disposable razors can be considered beginner-friendly shaving tools for girls. They can be purchased in any supermarket around Australia and are designed as a convenient, affordable and temporary solution for body hair removal. Disposable razors are pre-equipped with a blade and don’t require much maintenance.
Cons: Despite being easy to purchase and use, disposable razors come with some major drawbacks. Firstly, disposable razors are often lower-quality compared to other types of razors. This can result in a less precise and comfortable shave. The blades can dull more quickly, leading to potential skin irritation and a less effective shave. Additionally, disposable razors are not designed for multiple uses and may need to be discarded after just a few shaves, so while they may appear cost-effective at first, topping up your razors can end up costing you more in the long run.
Then there’s the increased waste and negative environmental impact of disposable razors. It's important to consider these factors when deciding on the best razor option for a girl's first shave.
Best Disposable Razor Option: Check out Gillette Venus Razors
Girls razors from: $5.50 at Woolworths
Above: example of a disposable razor for girls.
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Electric Razors:
An electric razor or electric shaver is a grooming device that uses rapidly moving motorised blades to shave your body hair. It’s powered by electricity through a cord or a rechargeable battery.
Pros: Using an electric razor for a girl's first shave offers a few advantages. In general, electric razors are designed for simple operation, making them beginner-friendly. They often have built-in safety features that minimise the risk of nicks, cuts, and skin irritation and can provide a fast and efficient shaving experience. The multiple attachments can be used on different hair lengths and areas including shaving your legs, underarms, and bikini area.
Best Electric Razor Option: Check out Braun Flex Epilator from Shaver Shop
Girls electric razor from $499.00
Above: example of an electric shaver for girls.
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Cartridge Razor:
A cartridge razor is a type of shaving razor that consists of a handle and a replaceable razor head with multiple blades. This style of razor typically includes two or more closely spaced blades, a lubricating strip or cushion, and a pivoting head for easy manoeuvrability.
Pros: This type of shaving tool is often considered the best razor for first-time shavers, especially girls. A cartridge razor can combat a few of the challenges found with disposable razors and safety razors by providing a balance between convenience and performance. A cartridge razor is generally easy to use, convenient and has the ability to provide a close and comfortable first shave, with more precision and less fear of nicks and cuts. Its flexibility function means that it can glide easily over sensitive areas such as ankles and knees.
The replaceable cartridges (aka razor heads) make blade maintenance simple, as you can easily swap out old razor heads for new ones without the danger of having to handle sharp blades or change your razor handle.
The lubricating strip or cushion on a cartridge razor is usually infused with moisturising ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E. This soothing combination helps to lubricate the skin during shaving, reducing friction and irritation.
Overall, a cartridge razor is often considered a safe, smooth, and best razor for girls.
Cons: Like any razor, there are a few cons that come with cartridge razors. They can be more expensive compared to disposable razors. But because they are generally better quality, you may not have to change them as frequently, which can provide long-term cost-saving benefits.
Individuals with particularly sensitive skin may experience some irritation, especially if the blades are not properly maintained or replaced regularly. The reusable handle of a cartridge razor makes it more environmentally friendly than disposable razors, however, plastic waste is still caused by the casing of the razor heads. To avoid heads from ending up in landfill, look out for brands that offer a razor head recycling service.
Best Cartridge Razor Option: Check out Make My Shave for girls
Girls razor from $21.99
Above: Make My Shave - best razor for girls. Their female razor subscription is designed to make sure she never has to use dull blades, preventing the skin from nicks and cuts and promising a safe, smooth experience every time.
Regardless of the type of razor you choose, a crucial shaving tip is to look out for blade quality. Compromising your shave care and opting for cheap blades is a massive no-no! To reduce your chances of skin irritation and nasty nicks, opt for high-quality blades that are sharp, durable, and designed to minimise skin irritation.
Never use dull blades and remember to replace them regularly to maintain optimal performance and prevent any discomfort while shaving. This is especially important for first-time shavers.
4. Choose the right shaving products
Now that you have a range of the best razors for a girl's first-time shaving to choose from, you may want to consider adding a few experience-boosting shaving products into the mix.
Understanding the process of shaving and what tools to introduce to your body care routine can help improve your first shave experience, making it safer, easier and more enjoyable than you'd ever expect.
Whether you’re a female teenager shaving for the first time or looking to simply improve your results, it’s important to make the process of shaving a positive one.
Let’s start with THE BEST TIP for smooth skin… exfoliate first!
Exfoliation is the ultimate girls' shaving essential! While it isn't a totally necessary step, it can make a noticeable difference during the act of shaving, as well as leaving your legs much smoother.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells. It helps unclog pores and reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs, which can cause irritation and bumps.
You can use a natural loofah or exfoliating scrub for this step, but because your skin will be new to shaving, it’s important to go gently and exfoliate lightly. Remember to use lots of water and exfoliate before shaving. If you want to find out more about exfoliation, check out the Healthline Guide to Exfoliation.
Another top tip for achieving a safe and effective shave is to use shaving foam, gel or a shave bar. Lather a good scoop of shaving gel over your legs and across all the areas you want to shave. If you’re using a shave bar, you might want to later the bar directly onto your skin. This helps soften the hair to prevent ingrown hairs and shaving rashes and can help the razor glide.
TIP: The exfoliation set and shave bar revolutionising female shave care across Australia can be found in the SkinDetox Bundle Box by Make My Shave.
Above: SkinDetox Bundle Box by Make My Shave
5. Best practices for girls learning to shave for the first time
You’re now armed with your razor and your essential shave products, now what? Let us guide you through a few best practices for first-time shave queens!
Prepare the Skin:
Before shaving, it's important to prepare your skin properly. Start by cleansing your legs and other shave areas to remove any dirt, oil or day-to-day build-up. Consider exfoliating to remove those dead skin cells and create a smoother surface for the razor. Finally, lubricate your skin with a luscious lather of your favourite shaving foam or shave bar.
Use your women's razor of choice:
For beginners, a cartridge razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades is our recommended razor of choice as it can provide a close shave while minimising the risk of nicks or cuts. But go for whatever feels right for you, and don't be afraid to experiment with your razor until you find one you love! Shaving should never be a chore, so don’t settle for a substandard razor.
Experiment with direction:
When it comes to shaving, it's important to try shaving with and against the grain to find out what works best for you. Shaving against the grain can increase the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs, but shaving with the grain may not give you as close of a shave as you would like. Whichever way works for you, take short, gentle strokes and rinse the razor frequently to prevent clogging. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can lead to skin irritation.
Moisturise after shaving:
Another - thank me later tip - is to always moisturise after shaving. Pat the skin dry gently with a clean towel and apply a moisturiser to hydrate and nourish your freshly shaved legs and skin. Look for a moisturiser specifically formulated for sensitive skin to minimise any post-shaving irritation.
Replace your razor heads regularly:
Regularly replacing your razor heads is essential for a clean and safe shave. Dull blades can cause tugging, irritation, and cuts. As everyone’s hair growth and texture are different, there’s no set rule for replacing your blades. As a general guideline, consider replacing razor heads every 5-7 shaves, but this could be less or more depending on your personal preference and the blade quality.
Be patient:
If you’re a girl, learning to shave is a process, and it may take time to perfect your technique. Be patient with yourself and take your time during each shaving session. You don’t have to get it right the first time and rushing can increase the likelihood of accidents and skin irritation, so don’t be in a hurry. With practice, you'll become more confident and comfortable with the process.
Finally, remember, everyone's skin is unique, so it's essential to listen to your skin's needs and adjust your shaving routine based on how you feel. By following our top shaving tips and finding the best razor for smooth skin, you can discover an all-around more enjoyable experience and give your skin the shave it deserves!
Happy shaving!
Want more shaving tips? Check out our blog for 17 more ways to perfect your first shave.
