7 SHAVING SECRETS EVERY MAN NEEDS TO KNOW
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A lot of men don't know how to shave. It is possible that they might have picked up some poor shaving habits when they first started as a teenager, but these bad habits can be unlearned, which is the focus of this blog post.
#1 Develop A Routine
Do some research. Learn about the different types of razors, creams, aftershave and brushes.
Once you've been shaving for a while, you can vary it and try a different approach. Your routine should resemble the following sequence:
- Prepare your face for a shave: Shave after a shower or use warm water.
- Apply a pre-shave oil: It acts as a lubricant and ensures a smooth shave.
- Use a quality shaving cream: Avoid using shaving creams and foams that are packaged in aerosol cans.
- Use a brush: Apply the shaving cream in a circular motion and then with upward strokes to lift the hair up and away from the face.
- Go with the grain: Start from the top of the face to the bottom – from your ear and work your way to your mouth. Shave gently with a perpendicular blade against the grain after shaving with the grain, for a smoother finish.
- Don’t Rush It: Use slow, gentle and smooth razor strokes with even, light pressure.
- Rinse the blade: After every one or two strokes, remove the hair lodged in between the blades.
- Keep the skin taut: Pull and stretch the skin for a better shave.
- Rinse your face with cold water: And pat dry with a towel at the end of the shave.
- Apply a moisturizing lotion: The lotion rehydrates your skin and reduce irritation.
#2 – Properly Prepare Your Face For A Shave
Preparation is key for a great shave.
Short on time and getting ready in the morning? Shave right after your shower. The warm water softens your skin, making it easier to pass the razor over your skin.
If you are relaxed for time, soak your face using a towel dipped in warm water for up to three minutes.
Apply shaving cream using a brush and work it into your skin, working up a lather.
Wet the razor in warm water before you start shaving and after every couple of passes over your beard.
6 blades razors? You're more likely shaving portions of your skin along with your beard.
Don't fall for gimmicks. When it comes to razors, there's no need to use multiblade razors.
A single blade will work fine.
- 3 Blades: If you are rushed for time and want the quickest shave with the least amount of fuss, a razor with 3 blades can give you just that. Be prepared for the higher cost of replacement blades.
- Straight Razor: A straight razor offers an amazing shave. It takes time and patience to master the art of using one without cutting your throat. A quality straight razor will last you a lifetime without the hassle of changing blades.
- Safety razor: Cheaper over the long run due to the low cost of replacement blades. The single blade provides a clean cut of the hair, saving the hassle of having unnecessary multiple blades on the razor.
A dull razor is the most common cause of irritation. It's not the number of blades, but the sharpness that counts. Keep your razor sharp and the hairs will yield readily to the blade with no irritation to your skin.
Pre-shave oils are a great way to ensure the smooth glide of a razor across your face. A few drops of shaving oil is all you need for a perfect shave.
The oil acts as a lubricant and ensures the blades glide smoothly over your skin, resulting in less irritation and a closer shave.
Shave oils soften the hair on your face and add an extra layer of lubrication by creating a thin layer of oil on top of your skin.
The oil comes off easily with water and face wash after your shave.
Using a pre-shave oil, as it adds a layer of protection to your skin and moisturizes the skin, preventing razor burn.
#5 – Not All Creams Are Created Equal
Use a shaving cream to make the skin’s surface as smooth as possible before the shave. Shaving soaps offer a rich and stable lather against the skin.
STOP using shaving creams that are packaged in aerosol cans. They are made from combustible petrochemical by-products which strip the skin off natural oils and cause dry skin.
Use a cream that squeezes out of a tube or is stored in a container.
How do you use oils and creams together?
Oil + Water-based cream = 2 layers of lubricant.
Apply the pre-shave oil, followed by a coating of shave cream. Allow the cream to set into the hair for two minutes before commencing your shaving routine.
Using a pre-shave oil in combination with a shaving cream provides 2 layers of lubrication. The result is a smoother glide for the razor and a closer shave in the first razor pass.
#6 – Use a Brush
Don't apply shaving cream with your fingers. Use a brush!
A good shaving brush distributes the cream into the hair follicles and makes it much easier to shave.
A brush helps raise the hair for the closest cut possible. It also helps create a rich creamy lather with the shaving cream.
Additionally, a shaving brush acts as an exfoliator which helps remove dead skin cells and is more effective at drawing out the hair on your face than your hands.
Avoid using cheap brushes. They are commonly set with rosin, glue or cement, which are poor adhesive agents. As a result, the bristles fall out easily.
A badger hair brush is one of the best shaving tools that will help you avoid razor burn.
#7 – Never Shave The Same Spot Twice
Never shave the same area without reapplying lotion.
Avoid multiple back-and-forth passes with the razor. Shave once, lather the face as before and shave again for problem spots.
Shaving the same spot multiple times results in cuts and razor burn. Avoid embarrassing red spots on your face by restricting the contact between blade and skin. Using a pre-shave oil and a quality shaving cream with a brush ensures that your hair follicles are lifted away from the skin and easier to cut on the first pass.
If you have to address problem spots, first clean your face and then reapply shaving lotion before making another pass with a razor.
Don't apply shaving cream with your fingers. Use a brush!
A good shaving brush distributes the cream into the hair follicles and makes it much easier to shave.
A brush helps raise the hair for the closest cut possible. It also helps create a rich creamy lather with the shaving cream.
Additionally, a shaving brush acts as an exfoliator which helps remove dead skin cells and is more effective at drawing out the hair on your face than your hands.
Avoid using cheap brushes. They are commonly set with rosin, glue or cement, which are poor adhesive agents. As a result, the bristles fall out easily.
A badger hair brush is one of the best shaving tools that will help you avoid razor burn.
#7 – Never Shave The Same Spot Twice
Never shave the same area without reapplying lotion.
Avoid multiple back-and-forth passes with the razor. Shave once, lather the face as before and shave again for problem spots.
Shaving the same spot multiple times results in cuts and razor burn. Avoid embarrassing red spots on your face by restricting the contact between blade and skin. Using a pre-shave oil and a quality shaving cream with a brush ensures that your hair follicles are lifted away from the skin and easier to cut on the first pass.
If you have to address problem spots, first clean your face and then reapply shaving lotion before making another pass with a razor.
Shaving removes up to two layers of your skin. A simple way to soothe and protect your skin after shaving is to apply a shaving balm.
The best aftershave moisturizers replace lost moisture and refresh the skin by reducing the burning sensation at the end of a shave.
Look for a formula that is fragrance-free and designed to be absorbed quickly. Avoid heavy creams that leave your face greasy and shiny. Avoid using alcohol-based aftershaves because they tend to aggravate the skin even more.
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