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 mis-information -- 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's the 411 on how 2 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 UR 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: shave gel won’t clog your razor the way ordinary soap can.  

Myth: Dry shaving is ok 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 3 or more blades, will give you a cleaner, closer shave and you’ll be less likely to cut yourself shaving.  Try Venus Embrace...with 5 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 crème 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 you feel most comfortable for 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.