How to Get a Close Shave Before IPL or Lasers?

If you are into laser hair removal, you must know the fact that a close shave before IPL can enhance the outcomes. But how much trimming of hair is termed close shaving? Can you get ideal results with an electric razor? Is there any difference in shaving between males and females for IPL preparation? Do you have an IPL Ulike Air 10 device, an electric shaver, or a shaving blade, a good contract of hair and skin for laser, and are following the treatment frequency as guided by the company and still not getting the results? Then, it is surely the wrong technique in pre-shaving. You definitely need to look for professional guidance, and the good news is, you are at the right place. Table of Contents: Part 1: Is a Close Shave or Simple Shaving Before IPL Really Matters? Understanding the importance of a close shave before IPL treatments is crucial for achieving optimal results. Part 2: How To Get A Close Shave At Home? Professional Guidlines. Following expert-approved techniques can significantly enhance your shaving results at home. Part 3: How To Get A Close Shave With An Electric Razor? Tips And Tricks Utilizing the right techniques with an electric razor can lead to a remarkably close shave. Part 4: How Close Can An Electric Razor Shave If Everything’s Done Right? The effectiveness of an electric razor largely depends on the technique and preparation used beforehand. Does a Close Shave or Simple Shaving Before IPL Really Matter? A close shave or pre-shaving is one of the most important steps, and it is as important as IPL delivering light energy to destroy the follicles. Many individuals are getting pre-shaves, some are doing it by themself, yet many are doing it wrong. However, there is a noticeable difference between simple shaving and close shaving. Let us examine them side by side. Aspect Close Shaving Simple Shaving Definition Trim hair as close to the skin as possible, hence known as close shaving It can be defined as the Basic removal of visible hair from the body without focusing on results. Tools Sharp and multi-blade razor is used if done with an electric razor, the foils are guided with silicone bristles This can be done by any local or dull blade Results Leaves hair for about 0.1 to 0.3mm only, smooth, hairless, and stubble-free skin is the ultimate result Hair is just trimmed superficially, lacks the precision of results, and stubble is always present, resulting in less smooth skin. Suitability for IPL 100%  recommended for IPL/laser treatments for targetting the follicles ideally. Not suitable for IPL/laser treatments. It may decrease the efficacy of IPLs.  How To Get A Close Shave At Home? Professional Guidelines. You can definitely get a close shave at home with professional results. But you must follow the standard guidelines. These include:  Adhering to professional guidelines can ensure you achieve a close shave without irritation. 1. Preparation of the Skin   Preparing the skin is an important first step for getting results either with a close shave or with IPL alone. To prepare the skin and avoid any infections, you can consider using a gentle, chemical-free toner or a cleanser to remove dirt and oil from the face and for makeup removal for females. 2. Application of a Shaving Gel or Cream   Scientific studies have proved that applying shaving gel or cream decreases the friction between the razor and the skin and keeps the hair and skin soft and moisturized. Dead or dry skin is more prone to irritation, micro-injuries, and post-shaving redness. To get professional results, you need to use a high-quality shaving lotion, gel, or cream. To prevent skin irritations, always look for an alcohol-free product. Related reading Should You Shave with or Against the Grain? What Does Shaving Cream Do? Here’s Your Answer Shaving gel or cream helps to create a protective layer on the skin, reducing irritation and ensuring a smoother glide of the razor. 3. Using a New and Sharp Razor   Dull razors have decreased sharpness they cut hair inefficiently and do not provide an ideally close shave. Therefore, always use a new, sharp razor, it helps to cut off hair close to the skin and new razors also have the ability to glide over the skin smoothly. Which blade is suitable for achieving a close shave is a multi-blade razor, which ensures quality results with minimum strokes and almost no skin trauma.  Related reading How to Use a Safety Razor: Double-Edge Razor Using a new and sharp razor minimizes the risk of cuts and ensures a cleaner shave, particularly important before IPL or laser treatments. 10 Best Women’s Electric Shavers for Legs Choosing an appropriate electric shaver can enhance your shaving experience, providing a close and comfortable shave that is beneficial prior to skin treatments. 4. Shave and the Direction of Hair Growth  In order to achieve the ideal close shave before IPL, always shave in the direction of hair growth. This will not only prevent the formation of ingrown hairs but also improve skin health and shaving results and reduce shaving-induced irritation. 5. Rinse and Moisturize  When you are done shaving, rinse the shaved skin with cool water to close the opened pores. Apply a gentle, chemical, and fragrance-free, hydrating moisturizer to soothe the skin and prevent redness and post-shaving bumps. Here is an additional tip do not ever apply heavy oils or thick creams that can form a layer on the skin, it could clog the pores before your IPL treatment and will reduce the post-close shave smoothness How To Get A Close Shave With An Electric Razor? Tips And Tricks Some people consider manual shaving to be a time-consuming and troublesome task. For such people, electric razors are a good option. It is easy and safe to use and sometimes, it can give better close shave results than manual close shave. If you prefer to use an electric razor, always try to look for a foil shaver as it provides the closest shave. The following tips should be considered if you want to get a close shave with an electric razor:  1. Use a sharp and clean electric razor In order to get the best results, it is necessary to use the best tools. There are specially designed electric razors for a close shave. They are built with high quality and inbuilt features for precise shaving results. If you have a qualitative electric razor device, always check the blades are not dull. It will ensure a smooth glide over the skin, removing hair as close to the surface as possible. Other things to consider in the preparation includes:  Pre-wash with lukewarm water. Do not forget to apply shaving gel, lotion, or cream. The electric razor should be fully charged before shaving.  In order to avoid bacterial infections lubricate the foil using lubricating oils or spray. (especially made for electric razors). This also ensures the devices gliding smoothly. Lubricating the foil not only prevents bacterial infections but also enhances the efficiency of the razor, making for a smoother shaving process. 2. Electric Razor for a close shave; The Right Technique   The right technique to use a shaver in a safe and effective way is to use the shave in a small circular motion or to and fro movement, depending on the area of shaving.  Employing the correct technique is essential; it can lead to a more effective shave and prepares the skin adequately for subsequent treatments. Choose electric shavers outfitted with soft silicone bristles Soft silicone bristles can enhance comfort and reduce irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Hold the razor perpendicular to the body Holding the razor perpendicular ensures an even and effective cut, improving the overall shave quality. Stay in one spot for thirty to sixty seconds Staying in one spot for thirty to sixty seconds allows the razor to effectively capture and cut hair, resulting in a closer shave. Avoid repetitive shaving so as not to irritate the skin or develop bumps  Avoiding repetitive shaving helps to prevent skin irritation and potential bumps, leading to a smoother post-shave experience. 3. What Should be the Manual Pressure on the Razor?  You can avoid skin irritations by applying gentle and uniform pressure whether it’s a manual shaving blade or an electric razor. Applying too much pressure on the skin with an electric razor often leads to friction burns or micro-cuts, more common in people with hypersensitive skin. 4. Post- Close Shave Care Always rinse off the shaved area with cold water, this will help in retracting the pores, and apply a gentle moisturizer afterward. In order to maximize the results for a close shave, you should look for a qualitative electric razor. Choosing one greatly depends on one’s personal needs and preferences.  How Close Can An Electric Razor Shave If Everything’s Done Right?  If you have followed every guidance, how can you know that you have achieved an ideal length of hair for a close shave? Well, a close shave, results in the presence of hair strands of about 0.1 to 0.2 mm over the skin. It is considered as smooth skin, sometimes, only stubble remains after close shaving. This length of hair after shaving is ideal for IPL and laser treatments.  Is There Any Difference in Getting A Close Shave? (Male Vs. Female Aspect) You might wonder if male or female close shaving is a different thing. Yes. There is quite a difference in the technique between the two. Let’s compare: The differences in technique can affect the efficiency and results of shaving, making it essential to understand the unique needs of each gender. Aspect Males Females Hair Type Generally thicker, coarser hair, especially on the face Generally finer hair, especially on legs and arms Shaving Area Primarily facial areas (chin, neck, cheeks) Larger surface areas (legs, arms, underarms, bikini) Blade Type Sharp, fresh blades are essential to avoid irritation and pulling Multi-blade razors or those designed for larger areas to cover more ground efficiently Shaving Motion Short, precise strokes, especially around the jawline and neck to follow facial contours Long, smooth strokes to cover larger areas evenly Pressure Applied Light pressure in sensitive areas like the neck to avoid irritation Gentle, consistent pressure to avoid cuts on sensitive areas like underarms or bikini line Pre-Shave Prep Warm water to soften coarse hair, use pre-shave oils or lotions Shaving gel or foam for hydration and smoother glide, especially on sensitive skin Shaving Direction Shave with the grain first, then against for a closer shave Shaving against the grain for smoother legs, though with care on sensitive areas Post-Shave Care Use aftershave to soothe and prevent irritation or razor burn Apply moisturizers or lotions to keep skin soft and avoid dryness or irritation Common Areas of Focus Chin, neck, upper lip, jawline Legs, underarms, bikini area, arms Frequency of Shaving Daily or every other day due to fast hair regrowth Varies—usually 2-3 times a week, depending on hair growth rate Conclusion A close shave is very important for increasing IPL or laser treatment results. Using the best electric razor or manual blade, prepping the skin professionally, and shaving with right technique guarantees on how to get a close shave for smooth, stubble-free skin, allowing for better IPL effectiveness. Laura