KnowHow team explains: Lather or foam makes shaving easy because it is composed of gas bubbles separated from one another by liquid or solid sheets. Most shaving creams contain substances called surfactants, which markedly affect the surface characteristics of the skin.

Surfactants gather at the interface between different media, like foam and water or soap and water, and reduce friction.

While shaving the blade moves across the skin, cutting the hair that forms an obstruction in the way. The foam induces lower surface tension against the stress occurring between the hair and the skin as the razor shaves the hair. The razor is thus able to glide over the skin and cut the hair with minimum friction.

Most shavers experience razor burn while shaving. This occurs when the blade nicks the skin and the area is shaved before it heals. It is to avoid razor burn that shaving creams and gels are used.

Shaving creams, however, are not necessary for a smooth shave; hot water works just as well. Shaving during a shower also gives a smooth shave. Most gels lubricate the skin, hold moisture and soften the hair, but they also leave the skin dry afterwards.

The common myth is that shaving makes hair grow coarser or thicker. Initially, when the stubble emerges, it feels thicker but softens when it grows a little longer.