DIY Coconut Oil Shaving Cream + 9 Tips For The Perfect Shave

[SunKat]

1. START WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS

A good razor is essential. Toss that old, dull one you’ve been using and replace it with one that has multiple blades. Grab a loofah or other scrub and your shaving cream and head to the shower or bath.

2. SOFTEN SKIN IN WARM WATER

Open pores equal a closer shave. So save the shaving for last and let the warm water soften skin and open pores while you wash your hair. You’ll get a closer shave and prevent razor burn.

3. DON’T FORGET TO EXFOLIATE

Take a few extra minutes to exfoliate before you shave. A quick scrub will get rid of dead skin and help clear away pore blockages that could lead to ingrown hairs. Use a loofah or one of these fall body scrubs to slough off dry skin.

4. USE A MOISTURIZING SHAVING CREAM

After you exfoliate, apply this shaving cream to soften the hair.

COCONUT OIL SHAVING CREAM

• 1/4 cup aloe vera (you can also use conditioner if you don’t have aloe vera)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 4-6 drops essential oil (peppermint, tea tree, lavender or a combination)

Melt the coconut oil and combine with other ingredients. Stir together and store in a plastic container. Apply a thin layer to skin and let sit a couple of minutes before shaving. The aloe will soften hair while the coconut oil moisturizes skin, helping to prevent razor burn and skin irritation. Add the essential oil of your preference. Peppermint will give a cooling sensation, lavender is soothing and tea tree is a good antiseptic if you cut yourself.

If coconut oil hardens or separates between uses, put the container under the shower stream before shaving to warm it up.

5. GO AGAINST THE GRAIN

You have a new razor (right??), your hair is soft and the pores are open – you’re read to shave! Glide the razor lightly over skin, going against the direction of hair growth. Don’t shave the same skin multiple times as it can lead to cuts and razor burn. If you’re having to shave the same area multiple times, then it’s time to replace your razor.

6. RINSE + PAT

Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft towel. Don’t rub; that will irritate skin.

7. APPLY MOISTURIZER

After you pat dry, apply moisturizer. Switch to a heavier moisturizer in winter or just slather yourself in coconut oil.

8. SOOTHE BUMPS

Aloe vera is the perfect antidote to the dreaded red bumps. Apply aloe vera to any rashes for instant cooling, soothing relief.

9. SLOW DOWN HAIR GROWTH

Continue to gently exfoliate between shaving to slow the rate of new hair growth.

P.S. Guys can use it, too!

 

 

https://helloglow.co/diy-coconut-oil-shaving-cream-9-tips-for-the-p...

[SunKat]

BANISH BUMPS WITH THIS SOOTHING DIY RAZOR BURN SPRAY

Raise your hand if you’re on board with this whole ‘no shave’ trend. While I have yet to ditch my razor entirely, things like nicks, ingrown hairs and razor burn make it look awfully appealing. But I admit that summer might not be the best time to try going au naturale (one word: bikinis). Instead, I plan to make one last ditch effort to soothe my irritated, razor burned skin before jumping ship.

This cooling razor burn spray combines some of the most common razor burn remedies in an easy to use spray. Simply spritz it on freshly shaved legs to preempt the burn. Or apply to existing bumps to help skin heal more quickly. Thanks to ingredients like aloe and chamomile, you don’t have to worry about stinging or additional irritation (a major plus). And soothing oils even give irritated skin a soft, subtle glow. Toss it in your beach bag or purse and consider it your summertime secret weapon.

When it comes to razor burn, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But in my case I’ll take both, thank you very much. This homemade cooling mist combines five of the most common pre- and post-razor burn remedies in a single spray.

• Aloe Vera – Used traditionally to heal chronic skin issues like psoriasis, acne and eczema
• Witch hazel – A natural antiseptic that helps reduce skin inflammation
• Chamomile – Known to temporarily calm occasional red, dry, and irritated skin
• Coconut oil – Provides immediate relief for pain, irritation and itching
• Tea tree oil – A natural anti-bacterial agent

Simply mist it over legs or on underarms and let the cooling ingredients sink into hair follicles. You can use it as a pre-shave oil to soften hair or as an after-shave mist to reduce swelling and prevent bumps. You can even use it to soothe infected follicles and speed up healing of irritated skin.

 

Razor Burn Spray

 

author stephanie pollard

yield 1 cup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 cup chamomile tea
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 5 drops each lavender and tea tree essential oil
• 8-ounce glass spritzer bottle

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
2. Using a funnel, transfer ingredients to an 8-ounce spray bottle.
3. Spray liberally on skin before and after shaving to prevent razor bumps and burn. If separation occurs, shake well before using. 

 

https://helloglow.co/diy-razor-burn-spray/