Best Shaving Techniques That All Men Should Know.
Whether you have whiskers or a full stubble, a basic shave isn't hard at all to accomplish. Just drag a razor over your skin until all the stubble is gone. A great shave, however, will take a bit more effort on your part. Even those of you who have been shaving for years might find a lot of value in this article which outlines the 10 tips and techniques on the best way to shave your face. Other than looking your best, there are lots of benefits to learning how to shave the right way including less suffering from ingrown hairs and razor burns as well as fewer nicks and cuts. Also, you don't have to pay twenty bucks every time you want a world-class shave!
Here are some of the best shaving techniques to help you get the smoothest, closest shave of your life:
1. Don’t Skip the Prepping
It's understandable how hard it can be to make the time to shave the right way given the fast-paced lifestyles of the modern world, but it's vital that you take the time to prepare your face. If you just go straight to the shave without putting a layer of protection on the face, there will be a lot of friction which can lead to irritation, cuts, and razor burns. The first step in preparing your face for a shave is to wash it with warm water. This helps to remove the dead skin cells and excess oil that can cause the blades to clog up. Shaving after a hot shower is a more convenient way to get this first step out of the way. The heat opens up the pores, moistens the facial hair and makes it softer and therefore easier to cut.
2. Applying a Good Shaving Cream
Now that step one is done, it's on to the next step: applying a good shaving cream (or gel) to your face. Shaving cream creates a layer of lubrication that serves to shield your skin from the blade. But what constitutes a good shaving cream? According to experts, a good shaving cream is not foamy, but rather it's rich and creamy in texture. Such creams provide more lubrication and ensure that there is less cream wasted as you will be using much less to achieve the desired result. Avoid shaving creams that come in aerosol cans as they contain a lot of harsh chemicals that will dry out your skin. Remember that applying shaving cream or gel to a dry face is something that you should avoid as this will likely cause razor burn or rash.
3. Get a Badger Hair Brush
When it comes to shaving cream application, a badger hair brush is the gold standard. There's a very good reason why using your hands isn't recommended when applying the shaving cream on your face and that's because a good brush will get the shaving cream more effectively around the base of every strand of hair on your face. It will be able to lift the hairs and push the cream into the hairs, coating them and making it easier to get a close shave. A good brush also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells resulting in less irritation and reducing the risk of razor bumps and blemishes. You can see why a good shaving brush is an essential tool in your shaving kit if you want to experience the smoothest shave possible.
4. Take the Time To Do it Right
It's never a good idea to rush through a shave if you want to get the best results. After putting the shaving cream on your face, leave it on for a minute or two before you start shaving. This gives the cream time to moisturize and soften the facial hair making it easier to get a smooth shave. Use those couple of minutes to brush your teeth or do something else instead, and then get back to shaving when your facial hair is nice and soft. This way you will more likely be able to achieve a one-pass shave.
5. The Razor's Edge: A sharp razor will make all the difference
No matter what kind of razor you use, disposable or safety, make sure that it's sharp. Using a dull blade on your skin will only lead to irritation, itchiness, and razor burn. For those who shave on a daily basis, a general rule of thumb is to replace the blade every four to eight shaves if you're using disposables. It's also important to note that there isn't any need to use multi-blade razors when a single blade will work just fine if it's sharp and you know what you're doing. Besides, more blades usually equate to more irritation. Having said that, the number of blades that you use is more a matter of personal preference and as long as you follow the rest of the techniques in this article, you will always achieve the smoothest, closest shave possible no matter how many blades you're using.
6. The Actual Shave: Take it Easy and Go with the Grain
Now we come to the actual shave. If you've followed all the steps so far, you don't have to use a lot of pressure or force to get the job done. Use long intentional strokes, letting the razor glide over your face and make sure that you completely rinse the razor between strokes so that it doesn't clog up. When shaving, the best way to shave your face is to go with the grain. By shaving in the direction which your hair grows you lessen the risk of ingrown hairs or razor burn. It's possible to get a closer shave by going against the grain if you're experienced enough, but it's not necessary since you will get the closest shave anyway by following the tips and tricks outlined in this article. It's even more important to go with the grain if you have thick, coarse hair.
7. Shave the Lip Area with Care
Knowing the proper technique for shaving the lip area is vital as this is one of the most sensitive parts of the face. Even the tiniest cut in this area will lead to excessive bleeding which is why it's important to take extra care. One technique that you can use to avoid cuts is to push your tongue between the gum and lip area, stretching the skin and making it easier to shave. Another mens shave technique to prevent nicks and cuts is to fill your cheeks with air, expanding the skin around the mouth area so that the blade can safely glide over that part of your face.
8. If You Want To Re-Shave, Use more cream
There is a huge misconception that you only need one pass to get a perfect shave. While it's possible to get the closest shave in just one pass, sometimes your technique may not be as perfect as it should be and you may require a second pass to get the best results. This is totally fine, as long as you follow the same steps and reapply the shaving cream as you did the first time. If you don't, you run the risk of your skin getting irritated. Again, stick to the grain, but this time use short deliberate strokes as a fine-tuning method to get the hair that was left behind during the first pass. Just remember, there's such a thing as too much of a good thing even in shaving, so don't over shave. Your skin has its limits and shaving too much can cause irritation, razor burn or rash.
9. Use Cold Water to Rinse
Always follow your shave with a cold water rinse as this closes the pores, reduces inflammation, and rejuvenates the skin after it's had a razor dragged over it. It works in much the same way as putting a cold compress on an injury. After rinsing your face, pat it dry with a soft towel. Take care not to rub. If you have sensitive skin and want to soothe it after shaving, first rinse with warm water and then use a facial wash that contains tea tree oil and witch hazel to soothe your skin and avoid developing a rash. Finish off with a cold rinse.
10. Apply Aftershave Products to Rehydrate the Skin
Rehydrate your skin after shaving by applying a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for aftershave use. Whether you use a lotion or balm, make sure that it's a good quality one that will soothe and rehydrate your skin, giving it a layer of protection and helping it to retain moisture throughout the day. Shaving removes up to two layers of skin, and that's why it's important to choose an aftershave product that is effective in restoring your skin. Don't go for products that contain alcohol as these will dry your skin causing your already exposed skin to become itchy and irritated. Rather opt for an aftershave that has revitalizing properties that will not only soothe your skin and replenish lost moisture, but will also refresh and cool your skin.
Best Shaving Techniques Final Words
Your face is one of the first things people notice about you, and it's worth taking the extra time to ensure that you're always looking your best. Shaving is a sort of rite of passage that most men must go through, but not all men do it right. Use these tips and tricks to ensure that you get a barbershop quality shave in the comfort of your home every single time. You will not only look great, but your skin will feel great, too.