Shaving is an essential part of every man’s grooming regime. Basic shaving can be quick and easy. Just pick up a razor, and drag it across your face until the stubble’s gone. However, if you want a really close shave, you need to put in a little more effort.
Follow the tips and techniques below to get one of your best shaves yet.
Time is of the Essence- Never rush through the shave. Spend adequate time in preparing your skin for the razor. “Start by washing your face. Facial cleansers work best because they help soften the protein in hair”, says Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a San Diego dermatologist. “Next, lather up with shaving cream or gel. Then let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. You can comb your hair or brush your teeth to pass the time”.
Brush Up- Lather up your shaving cream using a brush. Benabio recommends using a badger hair brush for its ability to lift the hair and really coat them with cream. “A good brush really pushes the cream into the hair and makes it much easier to shave,” says dermatologist Adam Penstein. When it comes to razors, both Benabio and Penstein say “there’s no need to fool with multi-blade razors. A single blade will work fine. The important thing to keep mind, is that the blade you use must be sharp.”
Hot and Cold- Keeping the skin hot and moist is the key to a good shave. Penstein adds, “A great way to do this is to shave in the shower or just after you get out.” The warm water opens the pores and softens the facial hair, making shaving easy and smooth. Next, follow your shave with a cold-water rinse. “Cold water reduces inflammation. It’s like putting a cold compress onto an injury,” Penstein says.
Go with the Grain- Penstein and Benabio both recommend shaving with the grain — that is, in the direction your hair is growing. Though you may get a closer shave if you go against it, you also make razor burn or ingrown hair more likely. Softening the hair first, as described above, should allow you a close, comfortable shave in one with-the-grain pass. That’s ideal, according to Penstein. “The more time you go over an area, the more irritation you’ll get,” he says. Benabio adds that if you have thick hair, it’s particularly important to go with the grain.
Incorporating these tips in your shaving routine will help you get a close, smooth shave.