With so many grooming products available today, shaving isn’t as time-consuming as it has been in the past. With proper shaving techniques, quality products and post-shaving skin care can help us look and feel the best and likewise help us prevent razor burn, razor bumps, and irritation. To achieve the best results, I follow this guide to get the best shave:
Getting the best shave
- Wash face with soap and warm water to remove oils from the hair and skin. Or better yet, shave after a shower so that the moisture and warmth from the shower will pre-soften the skin and hair, making it easier to get a close shave.
- After washing, apply a thick layer of quality shaving cream or gel on skin approximately three minutes so that the beard is as soft and wet as possible.
- Use a Quality Razor and Change the Blades. Always use a good quality sharp razor blade. Be sure the blade is sharp to avoid razor burn and shaving rash. Most importantly, rinse the blade under hot water before shaving and after every few swipes. This removes the accumulated shaving cream, whiskers, and skin gunk.
- Remember to shave in the proper direction. Always shave with the grain which usually means shaving downward, but not always. For a closer but safer shave, on the second time around, try moving the blade across the grain in a kind of sideways swipe. If the hair grows down, shave from left to right or right to left. This will give us a closer shave without as much irritation as shaving against the grain. Make sure to take time and shave carefully over sensitive areas.
- After shaving, when the skin is most vulnerable, immediately rinse with cold water and or ice cubes to remove any traces of soap or lather and pat dry with clean towel, don’t rub just pat.
- Finish off with an aftershave lotion or balm. Using an aftershave lotion and shave balm in one is the ideal way to replace lost moisture and soothe the skin. Bear in mind that, use one made just for men because these formulas designed not greasy, absorb quickly and dry with a matte finish so that face doesn’t look shiny.