Shaving Basics for Men – Things to Keep in Mind for a Good Shave

Basic shaving might seem like a quick and easy task, but it requires skills. It is not just about picking up a razor and dragging it across the face. A really good shave requires a little more effort and know-how. Dermatologists and barbers spill the secrets to a really good shave.

Time is of the essence!

Rushing through a shave is as good as abusing your face. Sufficient time should be spent on preparing your skin for the razor. Start by washing your face with a good facial cleanser. They work by softening the protein in the hair. Harsh soaps, on the other hand, deplete the skin of the hair-softening oils. Leave the cleanser on the skin for a minute before washing it off to get complete benefit.

Next, lather up with the help of a shaving cream or gel. Choose the cream or gel according to your skin type. Let the lather sit for 2 to 3 minutes as it helps soften the hair follicles and makes the process a one-pass shaving process. The longer the sitting time, the better it is for your skin.

A good shaving brush is essential. Don’t rely on your fingers to lather your shaving cream. A badger hair brush helps lift hair and effectively coat them with the cream. The razors come in various types and kinds. From single blade to multi-blade razors, there are a multitude of options. The blades that you use must be changed on a regular basis. The important point to bear in mind is that the blade should be sharp. The blade should immediately be discarded if there are any nicks in it. If you’re a person who shaves every day, make sure you change the blade every week or two.

While shaving, it is helpful to go with the grain, i.e. shave in the direction of hair growth. A close and clean shave is possible when the above points are followed. Going against the hair growth and shaving can lead to the increased likelihood of razor burns and ingrown hair. Going over the same area more than once can also lead to skin irritation. Especially in the case of thick hair, you must go with the grain.

The key to a good shave is keeping the skin hot and moist. A good way to ensure this is by shaving immediately after a shower or using moisturized towels to prep the skin every now and then during a shave.

The shave should be followed with a cold water rinse as it reduces inflammation. More and more men are opting for professional shaves every now and then. This helps them even out their shave, while sitting back and enjoying in a professional environment.