Keep stubble at bay and avoid nasty side-effects with our six helpful hints.

1. Let your hair hydrate before shaving - it's a lot easier to cut when wet and supple. Soaking too long, however, causes the skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, making a close, clean shave more difficult to get.
2. Use shaving gel or lotion. Though soap is great for cleaning, shaving products help you get a cleaner shave and their moisturizers help hydrate the hair follicles and reduce dryness.
3. Wait half an hour before using deodorant after shaving your underarms. The chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants can sting your skin, especially if it's the least bit sensitive.
4. Sometimes it's a good idea to shave at night to help reduce redness, as it gives your skin time to recover overnight.
5. Using a moisturising shower gel to soften hairs can also help prevent redness and stinging.
6. Always shave in the opposite direction of hair growth.