Man Glamour

If you suffer from ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burn, or constant nicks, then you’re probably not shaving properly.

Utilizing proper shaving techniques are a must in order to achieve a clean, fresh look and healthy glowing skin.

There are 5 basic steps to a proper shave.

Step 1 – Cleanse & Heat

Before you do anything, you need to clean and heat your face. The best time to shave is right after a hot shower since the steam has already softened your whiskers.

• Cleanse your face with face cleanser; not a bar of soap
• Heat your face with a wet, warm wash cloth for 30 seconds to help open the pores and loosen the beard

Step 2 – Pre-Shave

A pre-shave treatment preps the skin for a close shave and helps soften the beard.

• Apply a pre-shave treatment
• Do not rinse off

You’ll notice with a pre-shave treatment your razor blade will glide across the skin with less friction and irritation. If you’re a quick shaver, then this is a step you don’t want to miss.

Pre-shave treatments are usually oil- or cream-based. If you’re looking to save a few dollars, then use jojoba oil.

Step 3 – Shave

Now it’s time to put your shaving skills to the test.

• Lather your face with your favorite shave cream or gel (be sure to rub against the beard growth to loosen the hairs)
• Take a fresh razor and shave in the direction of the beard growth with short, even strokes (keep in mind the direction of the hair growth changes in different areas of your face and neck)
• Rinse the razor blade often with hot water to prevent clogging

If you nick yourself, use a styptic pen to stop the bleeding–it works fast.

Many guys think they need to shave against the grain to achieve a close shave. This is not true. Shaving against the grain results in skin irritations like razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs.

Step 4 – Cool Down

The process of shaving naturally exfoliates the skin, so it’s important to calm and soothe your face and neck right after you shave.

• Rinse your face clean with cold water
• Apply witch hazel or after shave to calm and tone the skin

Step 5 – Moisturize

This is the most important step of a shave and often the most forgotten.

• Apply face moisturizer

Your skin needs to be protected and nourished, so it’s important to apply face moisturizer to give your skin a healthy glow.

If you have oily skin, be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer.

Photo by: Jeff Karpala