Shave
The Perfect Shave
Love it or hate it, shaving is a part of every man’s life. But it doesn’t have to be a burden if we allow a good 15 minutes and follow some simple shaving techniques.
Most of us dread the daily routine of scraping our skin, not to mention the sting and irritation that comes along with it. Shaving doesn’t have to be a burden if we allow a good 15 minutes and follow some simple shaving techniques. Make shaving a more enjoyable experience with our step by step guide below.
Pre Shave
- Give your face a good wash before shaving. Use a cleanser or gentle scrub to remove dirt and dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
- Wet your beard with warm water or better still shower before you shave. The warm water will help to open up your pores and soften the beard. Never use hot water as it will dry out the skin.
- Next, apply your preferred shaving medium whether it be a cream, gel, oil or foam. You only need a thin even layer as too much will clog your razor and simply be a waste. Massage it into your beard and, time permitting, leave it for 1-2 minutes before shaving to really soften up the beard and lift up the hairs.
Shave
- Use a sharp razor to shave in the same direction as the hair growth. It might not be as quick and as close as shaving against the grain but will prevent ingrown hairs and provide you with the least amount of skin irritation and razor burn.
- Shave with short strokes and use your free hand to gently stretch the skin to create an even surface for the blade. You’ll cut yourself less this way and will give a more precise shave. Try not to press too hard on the razor. If you find yourself doing this, then maybe its time for a change of blades.
- Start with the hairs on the cheek and neck before progressing onto the chin and upper lip area. This gives your shaving medium more time to further soften the tougher and heavier hairs.
- Rinse the blade frequently under hot running water to unclog the razor and improve the performance of the blade.
"Shave in the same direction as the hair growth to prevent ingrown hairs."
Post Shave
- Splash your face with cold water and rinse off any excess shaving residue. The cold water will help close up the pores and reduce razor burn.
- Pat the face dry with a clean towel and don’t rub.
- If you’ve cut yourself, dab a styptic match to the affected area to stop the bleed and heal the cut.
- Apply a moisturising aftershave balm to the shaved area to calm and relieve the skin of irritation and razor burn. Steer clear of alcohol-based aftershave which will only serve to sting and dry out the skin.
Handy Tips
- The best time to shave is 20-30 minutes after waking up in the morning. The skin is relaxed, thanks to a nights rest, and by now the early-morning puffiness has subsided.
- A wet shave is more skin-friendly and delivers a closer shave than with an electric razor. Though it is quick and easy to use, electric razors tend to pull at the hair.
- Invest some time in checking which direction your beard grows. The hairs on your face generally tend to grow downwards towards the neck. The hair on the neck however, can grow in multiple directions making it susceptible to razor bumps if you don’t shave with the grain. Take some time to know your beard well.
- Replace your blade every 3-5 shaves to ensure it delivers a sharp performance. The more heavier the beard, the more often you should change the blade.
- Which shaving medium to use is really a matter of personal preference and skin type.
- Shave creams provide a moisture barrier between the skin and razor. It doesn’t dry out the skin and gives added protection against nicks and irritations. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
- Shave oils are great for dry skin but also for thick, heavy beards. It works in deep to soften the toughest hair and provides great lubrication. It is transparent allowing you to see where you’re shaving but can easily clog the razor so it’s important to rinse the blade frequently under hot water. Shave oils can be applied underneath shave creams and gels for an even closer shave.
- Shave gels are recommended for oily skin types and being translucent you can see where you’re shaving.
- Shave foams are good at generating lather but tend to dry out the skin. Make sure you apply a soothing aftershave balm when you’ve finished shaving.
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