Dealing with a bad shave can be really irritating, but bumps and nicks don't have to be part of your routine. There's lots of information—and misinformation—out there on what shaving's all about, and sorting out myth from fact can be the hairiest part of hair removal. To help you get the closest, cleanest shave you can, here are a few shaving tips on how to keep your skin soft, silky, and hair-free.

Myth

Once you start shaving, you have to shave all the time. Even in winter.

Fact

Shaving is basically just cutting your body hair very close to the skin. With shaving, you're not changing the hair follicles or the way it grows from underneath your skin. So go ahead and shave your legs for shorts and bikini season, and keep your fuzz under wraps in winter, if that's what floats your boat.

Myth

Shaving every day will make your hair grow back thicker and darker.

Fact

When you shave, you're just cutting the surface of the hair, and leaving everything under your skin alone. When hair first grows back, the hair may feel different, because shaving cuts it at an angle, but it will soon feel just as soft and silky as it did before you shaved.

Myth

Shaving with soap or just water is just as good as using shave cream.

Fact

Soap and water is not a good choice for a close shave. Soap is meant to cleanse skin and remove oils along with the dirt, leaving your skin dry and vulnerable. Water on its own does soften skin and hair, but it evaporates too quickly to help your shave.

Shaving gel provides a protective blanket that keeps hair soft during the shave. It also lubricates, allowing your razor to glide more easily over your skin. Another bonus: shaving gel won't clog your razor the way ordinary soap can.

Myth

Dry shaving is okay if you're on the go or in a hurry.

Fact

Ouch! Not true! If you're heading out in a cute mini or on a last-minute trip to the pool, take the extra few minutes to do it right. Two minutes soaking in warm water and a couple of extra minutes to apply shave cream will save you some serious razor burn and unnecessary nicks and cuts. A quick, dry shave, on the other hand, will land you in long pants for the next week, or more, while those uncomfortable and embarrassing scabs and scrapes heal.

Myth

You only need to shave your underarms when you're wearing something sleeveless.

Fact

Removing underarm hair does more than just give you clean-looking, silky pits. In addition to making you feel fresh, removing underarm hair reduces the potential for a build-up of bacteria, which is the main cause of underarm odor. Bottom line: a clean shave helps keep underarm odor away!

Myth

Shaving with a fresh razor gives you more nicks and cuts. You have to break the razor in first.

Fact

It's actually just the opposite. Shaving with a dull blade can cause nicks and cuts. A sharp, fresh razor with three or more blades will give you a cleaner, closer shave and you'll be less likely to cut yourself shaving. Try Venus Embrace...with five blades!

Myth

Shaving makes your skin dry and flaky.

Fact

No way. Shaving with a razor actually helps skin look and feel smoother by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, especially if you use shave cream or gel and shave after a shower. Moisturize afterward for even silkier skin.

Myth

Pressing harder will give you a closer, better shave.

Fact

A light touch with a clean, sharp, fresh razor is the best tool for silky smooth skin. Be extra careful, and use an extra-light hand, on tricky areas like ankles, knees, and your bikini area.

Myth

Shaving can make your tan fade faster.

Fact

You simply can't shave off your tan. Tanning is a function of melanin production within your skin. In fact, shaving actually enhances your tan by removing flaky outer layers of skin that can hide its glow.

Myth

Shaving sensitive areas, like the bikini line, always makes you itchy and gives you bumps.

Fact

Shaving your bikini line doesn't have to leave your most sensitive spots itchy and bumpy. To get a silky smooth shave every time, condition your skin and hair before shaving with a shower or bath, and use a moisturizing shaving gel.

When you shave, pull the skin back to make the area you're shaving firm and flat. Shave with a light touch and gentle strokes in the direction that feels most comfortable to you. A fresh blade and plenty of shave gel will allow you to exert less pressure. If you have to go over an area twice, apply more shave gel first.

After shaving, rinse with cool water to close the pores. Pat dry and apply a light dusting of powder for a cool, fresh feeling.