Is Shave Good or Bad?

Shaving can be both good and bad, depending on the individual, the method used, and the area shaved.

The Benefits of Shaving

Smooth Skin: Shaving provides a temporary, smooth feeling to the skin. Many find this aesthetically pleasing. A close shave can also help clear away dead skin cells and debris. [Gillette]
Hygiene: Removing hair can sometimes improve hygiene in certain areas. This is particularly relevant in areas prone to sweat and bacteria buildup. [Gillette]

Irritation: Frequent shaving, particularly daily shaving, can lead to skin irritation, redness, and even burns. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin. Using a dull blade or pressing too hard exacerbates these problems. [Reference 18-Jul-2023]
Ingrown Hairs: Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, which occur when hairs curl back into the skin. This is more common in some areas than others. [Implicit in multiple sources]
Cuts: Accidental cuts are a possibility with any shaving method. [Implicit]
Technique Dependent: The quality of a shave depends heavily on technique. Shaving against the grain (upwards) can lead to more irritation than shaving with the grain. [Reddit wicked_edge] Mastering the proper technique minimizes negative effects. [Reddit wicked_edge]

Whether shaving is "good" or "bad" is subjective and depends on several factors:

Skin Sensitivity: Individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution and may need to shave less frequently or use specialized products designed for sensitive skin. [Quora, Reddit SkincareAddiction]
Shaving Technique: Proper technique, including using a sharp razor, lubricating the skin with appropriate products, and shaving in the direction of hair growth, is crucial to minimize irritation. [Reddit wicked_edge, ACOG]
Area Shaved: Different areas of the body may have different sensitivities. [Implicit in multiple sources]
Frequency: Daily shaving increases the risk of irritation for most people. [Reference 18-Jul-2023, Reddit wicked_edge]