The Brands of Personal Shavers on the market
- Written by Allison Gray
When it comes to personal grooming, the market offers a diverse range of shavers designed to meet various needs and preferences. Here's a look at some of the prominent brands and their offerings.
Philips
Philips recently launched the OneBlade Intimate, an electric shaver designed for both men and women for intimate grooming. This shaver features a dual-sided blade and SkinProtect guard, making it suitable for sensitive areas. It is also waterproof, compact, and rechargeable, with a stainless-steel blade that can last up to four months. The Philips OneBlade Intimate is available at Chemist Warehouse.
Other Notable Brands and Related Grooming Products
While the focus is often on shavers, the broader grooming market includes various products that complement or serve as alternatives to traditional shaving:
American Crew: Offers a Beard Foam Cleanser Shave that is a leave-in, fast-absorbing dry foam for cleaning beards without water.
Bioeffect: Provides a Volcanic Exfoliator, a facial exfoliator with microcrystalline lava and ground apricot seeds, designed to smooth skin for a closer shave. They also offer BIOEFFECT Hydrating Cream, an oil-free moisturizer for dry skin.
O Cosmedics: Features a Vitamin C Hemp Oil, a potent formulation for hydration and soothing skin, and Comfort Cream, a hydrating moisturizer for skin barrier repair.
Davroe: Offers hair styling products like Murray River Sea Salt Spray for textured hair and Matte Pomade for strong hold and definition.
Hanz de Fuko: Provides Quicksand, a styling wax and dry shampoo for texture and hold with zero shine, and Natural Shampoo and Conditioner for healthier, thicker hair. They also have beard growth oils.
Jericho: Known for products like Jericho beard balm and beard oils, which can help alleviate irritations for men's skincare.
PMD Beauty: Offers devices such as the Personal Microderm Elite Pro, an at-home microdermabrasion tool to exfoliate dead skin and reduce ingrown hairs, and the PMD Beauty Clean Pro OB, a facial cleansing device. The PMD Beauty Clean Body is also available for full-body cleansing and exfoliation.
Grooming Trends
Research indicates a significant shift in grooming habits, with more than half of women purchasing shavers designed for men. A study of 1,000 Australian women revealed that 53% buy men’s razors, and 46% admit to borrowing them. Women aged 18-34 show an even higher trend, with 59% opting for men’s razors due to perceived better value, sharper blades, and a closer shave. Lack of knowledge, limited options, and insufficient skin protection are cited as barriers in the intimate grooming market for women.
There is also a growing trend towards complete hair removal, particularly in intimate areas, with advancements in laser hair removal technology offering a long-term solution to issues like shaving rash, irritation, and regrowth. Clinicians note that more women are opting for full hair removal in intimate areas, and laser hair removal is becoming a preferred method due to its effectiveness and safety.
How Can Women Look After Their Skin After an Intimate Area Shave?
Shaving intimate areas can leave the skin sensitive and prone to irritation. Proper aftercare is essential to prevent common issues like razor burn, bumps, ingrown hairs, and dryness. Here’s a guide to looking after your skin after an intimate shave.
1. Rinse Thoroughly with Cool or Lukewarm Water
After shaving, rinse the shaved area with cool or lukewarm water. This helps to remove any residual shaving cream or hair and can also help to close pores. Avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness.
2. Gently Pat Dry
Instead of rubbing, gently pat the intimate area dry with a clean, soft towel. Rubbing can cause friction and further irritate the already sensitive skin.
3. Apply a Soothing and Moisturising Product
This is a crucial step to restore moisture and calm the skin. Look for unscented moisturizers or balms designed for sensitive skin, or specifically for after-shave care in intimate areas.
Moisturizers with soothing ingredients: Products containing colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) or natural ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil are excellent choices for their soothing properties.
Protective ointments: Some products, like Deumavan Protective Ointment, create a thin layer of fat on the stressed skin surface, which can hinder the penetration of pathogens into tiny injuries and keep the skin soft and supple.
Aftershave balms: These can help the skin recover faster, prevent itching, and reduce redness. Some contain ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera to instantly restore the skin.
4. Exfoliate Gently (After a Day or Two)
While exfoliating before shaving is beneficial, gentle exfoliation a day or two after shaving can help prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin cells. Choose a mild scrub and use it every few days. Some products are specifically designed to remove bacteria and fungi, contributing to deeply cleansed skin.
5. Avoid Tight Clothing and Synthetic Materials
Immediately after shaving, opt for loose-fitting underwear made of cotton. Synthetic materials and tight clothing can trap moisture and create friction, leading to irritation and potentially yeast infections.
6. Address Irritation and Ingrown Hairs
If you experience redness, bumps, or ingrown hairs, there are steps you can take:
Hydrocortisone cream: For inflammation, a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream mixed with your moisturizer can be applied twice a day.
Treatment lotions: Some lotions are specifically developed to prevent irritation when hairs grow back, remove dead skin cells, accelerate healing of minor wounds, and quiet itching.
Antiseptic agents: If you are sore or uncomfortable, antiseptic agents bought from pharmacies can help.
By following these steps, women can significantly reduce the risk of post-shave irritation and maintain healthy, smooth skin in intimate areas. Remember, consistency in care is key for best results.
