Which step reduces the risk of cuts during shaving?

Which step reduces the risk of cuts during shaving?

• A. Apply lotion before shaving
• B. Keep the skin taut
• C. Shave quickly over dry skin
• D. Press blade firmly downward

Answer: (B)

Keeping the skin taut reduces the risk of cuts by creating a smooth, flat surface for the blade to glide over. When the skin is stretched, the blade has better control and can cut hair cleanly without catching on loose skin or pulling, which often leads to nicks. The razor moves more predictably across a taut surface, lowering the chance of slipping into the skin. Other options don’t target that steady surface as effectively. Applying lotion adds lubrication, which helps reduce irritation and friction, but it doesn’t provide the same control and safety as stretching the skin. Shaving over dry skin increases friction and makes the blade more likely to grab and nick the skin. Pressing the blade firmly downward increases the risk of deep cuts by forcing the blade into skin rather than guiding it along a taut, controlled path.

Keeping the skin taut reduces the risk of cuts by creating a smooth, flat surface for the blade to glide over. When the skin is stretched, the blade has better control and can cut hair cleanly without catching on loose skin or pulling, which often leads to nicks. The razor moves more predictably across a taut surface, lowering the chance of slipping into the skin.

Other options don’t target that steady surface as effectively. Applying lotion adds lubrication, which helps reduce irritation and friction, but it doesn’t provide the same control and safety as stretching the skin. Shaving over dry skin increases friction and makes the blade more likely to grab and nick the skin. Pressing the blade firmly downward increases the risk of deep cuts by forcing the blade into skin rather than guiding it along a taut, controlled path.