How to Shave Properly

Shaving is an essential part of every man’s bathroom routine. Although beards have become increasingly popular over the last few years, you will eventually have to shave it off. However, this can be a lot trickier than it looks. So, if you’re ready to get rid of your face fuzz, here’s our complete guide on how to get a close shave every time.

How To Shave a Beard

How to Shave with a Razor

Wash: Clean your face with some warm water and soap to get rid of any grease. Then place a hot cloth on your face for about a minute.
Prepare: Apply a pre-shave oil to soften the skin, then apply shaving cream with a doubloon brush to get an even spread and raise the hairs.
Shave: Use a manual razor to shave your face, making sure you shave with the grain. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.
Rinse: Wash your face with cold water to clean any excess cream and close your pores to avoid them becoming blocked.
Care: Apply some after-shave balm or moisturiser to keep your skin from drying out.

Wet Shave vs Dry Shave

The question of the dry shaver vs wet shaver has been around for years. For some men, a traditional shaving cream and razor technique is the only proper way. In spite of this, as technology has become increasingly efficient, electric razors have made it easier than ever to dry shave. Whether you prefer a wet or dry shave, there are certain techniques you should follow for both.

Electric Shaver vs Razor

When it comes to the question of whether you should use an electric shaver or razor, the answer depends on what you want from a shave. On the one hand, using an electric razor allows you to dry shave, making it a quicker and easier process. However, dry shaving can cause irritation and razor bumps. On the other hand, using a manual razor is the best way to wet shave, as you can get a closer, smoother cut. But, it also requires more preparation and time.

How to Dry Shave

First things first, you should only ever dry shave with an electric razor. If you start scraping your skin with a manual razor you’re going to get more than just a close shave. Although it’s a lot simpler, there are still things to take into account when using an electric razor on dry skin.

Preparation: Wondering whether to exfoliate before or after shaving? Washing your face with warm water and a face cleanser is perfect for removing dirt and dead layers of skin before you shave.
Shave: By using your electric razor, begin evenly shaving around your face. Unlike a manual shaver, it is a good idea to shave against the grain in this situation.
Care: After you have finished, apply some after-shave oil or moisturiser to avoid irritation.

Shaving Tips

Shave Before or After Shower?

You may be asking yourself ‘should I shave my face before or after I shower’? The answer to this question is mostly down to personal preference. On the one hand, shaving after a shower is a great way to open your pores and give yourself a smoother shave. The hot water and steam are perfect for opening your pores and preparing your skin.

On the other hand, shaving before you shower means that you can clean any excess shaving foam or hair from your face. However, if you want the best of both worlds then why not try shaving in the shower? This may be tricky if you’re using cream and a manual razor as the water would just run off. The beauty is that you can use an electric shaver wet or dry, so you can use this whilst in the shower. Above anything else, this a great way to save time and water.

Shaving with Acne

Getting a smooth shave can be hard enough for any man, but if you suffer from acne then you will know more than anyone the struggles of trying to shave without any hassle. However, before you decide to get the full hipster look and grow a beard, there are still ways you can shave relatively painlessly.

Soften: Moisten your skin by having a warm shower. If you don’t have time then wash your face with warm water and place a warm cloth on your face for a minute.
Clean: Use a sensitive cleanser whilst in the shower to help wash away bacteria. Be careful that you don’t scrub too hard.
Prepare: Apply some pre-shave oil to moisturise the hair and help you have a smoother shave. Next, apply a good quality, alcohol-free shaving cream.
Shave: Using a razor with one blade, carefully shave with the grain of your hair. Razors with multiple blades are often worse for men with acne and can cause irritation.
Care: After shaving sensitive skin, it’s important to rinse your face with cold water to clean away any leftover cream and oil. Apply a sensitive after-shave moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

It’s best to shave after a shower or a hot towel treatment so your pores will be open, decreasing irritation and ingrown hairs.
Exfoliating prepares the skin and removes dead skin cells, so do this a couple of times a week.
Apply a pre-shave oil to moisturise, this will prepare your skin perfectly for a shave.
Apply shaving cream with a brush so as to get the right amount and to apply it evenly.
Always shave with the grain, shaving with the grain will prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Use an electric razor for dry shaving or if you want to shower and shave.
Use a post-shave balm to soothe the skin and keep it soft.

On That Note

Although shaving is a daily ritual for most men, it comes with its fair share of pitfalls when not approached correctly. To avoid a bad shave, it needs a high level of detail, care and attention. Whether you prefer a dry shave or wet shave, if you follow the correct steps you’ll have the perfect shave in no time.

Feature image from Pinterest