In close proximity to flame, hair will burn / crinkle up / disappear much quicker than the heat receptors in the skin will register the warmth. With practice, shaving with fire should never result in the skin getting more than slightly warm.



(Note to the anal-retentives out there: I realize that this whole process is technically not "shaving", but I am calling it that for simplicity purposes)



This procedure is pretty much the same regardless of what part of your body you are removing hair from.



Ignite the lighter. With the 2" flame the lighter should be held about 1" from the skin. With the flame aimed directly at the skin, quickly move the lighter around the hairy area. You should hear a crackling as the hair burns and shrivels up, and smell the nasty stench of burning hair.



If your skin feels to hot to be comfortable then you are holding the flame in the same place for too long. If the hair is not burning then you are not holding the flame in the same place long enough. There is a very small window where the hair will burn but the skin will not, and achieving that balance takes practice.



Tips for facial hair only:



- The chin is the easiest area to "shave" since the lighter can be held vertically, and all of the flame will be focused directly at the hair intended to be removed.



- Sideburns are harder because they require the lighter to be held at a range of different angles. Care must also be taken so no unintended "top of the head" hair gets burnt.



- The mustache region is the hardest. The nose must be pinched closed so no nostril hair gets burnt. The upper lip area is also one of the most heat-sensitive parts of the body, so be very careful about how long the flame is kept on it.





Occasionally wipe the burnt hairs off with a damp paper towel.