How to get the Perfect Shave (5 Easy Tips for a Great Result)
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This outline for how to get the perfect shave works for shaving with a straight razor and also for shaving with a classic DE safety razor – some of the points will actually also help you get a perfect shave if you are using disposable razors as well.
There is no point in having the best men’s razor – if you don’t know how to use it properly, right?
Here Are 5 Easy Tips to Follow for the Perfect Shaving Result:
1. Preparation
A key ingredient for a perfect classic shaving result is warm water. When hair absorbs hot water they get softer and become easier to shave. It is therefore recommended to shave after taking a hot shower or bath. Alternatively, you can dip a towel in hot water and put it on your face skin for a minute or so before a shave.
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To further soften the skin and hair, it is recommended to use a shaving oil before applying shaving cream, foam or shave gel. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin, dead skin, ingrown hairs or very strong hair growth. For everyone else, oil is not a must, but it makes shaving smoother and better. We also recommend cleaning your face before shaving. Try to avoid the common hand soap, since it can dry out the skin. Instead, use a cleanser as it will do the same job as a soap without drying out the skin.
2. Use a Good Shaving Cream
To achieve a great shaving result it is recommended to use a shaving cream or shaving soap of good quality along with a shaving brush. When you apply cream or soap with a shaving brush, this lifts the hairs and prevent ingrown hairs, moisturizes the beard and removes dead skin cells that lie on the skin. Using a men’s classic shaving cream or a good quality shaving soap and brush will not only achieve a better shave, but you can also save money in the long run. This is because it requires small amounts of shaving cream or soap per shave since a quality shaving brush will create a good and rich lather from a small amount of shaving cream. Products from the grocery store will usually be cheaper but are not even close to having the same quality.
The more expensive shave products often contain aloe vera, vitamin E and other ingredients that nourish the skin, and they do not contain harmful ingredients that cheaper shave products may contain.
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3. The Right Tool for a Close Shave
Even the best shaving cream will not give you a close shave if you use a dull razor. We, therefore, recommend replacing the razor blade with a sharp blade after 5-10 times of use or when you notice that the razor blade begins to become dull. This will vary from person to person, depending on the beard and what kind of shave products being used. As mentioned earlier, it is also recommended to use a shaving brush. These vary widely in price and quality. You get what you pay for, but if you are completely new to wet shaving, a cheaper shave brush like one from boar bristle will do the job until you become more experienced.
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4. Shaving – Direction of Hair Growth
Rinse your razor in hot water before shaving. Begin with your cheeks first, this allows time for the shaving cream to work longer on more difficult areas such as the chin and under the nose. Shave in the direction with the hair in short strokes. This avoids razor burn and irritation. Shaving against the grain will cause them to grow inward and form razor burn (pseudofolliculitis barbae). To further prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, use a post-shave treatment after shaving. Avoid pressing the razor too hard against the skin, it should just slide smoothly over. When you have finished shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close pores and dry it with a soft towel.
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5. Moisturizing
After shaving it is important to use a moisturizing cream that soothes and calms the skin. Shaving wears on the skin and dries it out. For men that have sensitive skin, it is important that the aftershave does not contain alcohol.
How to Shave Using Straight Edge Razor
Here is the thing. Using a straight razor is a little more complex. It needs an entire article to explain it in detail and comprehensively how to get a close shave. For this, here is our shave guide to straight edge razor for beginners – an article on how you can shave with straight razors for a comfortable shave. There are also many straight razor starter kits available.
Get some quality time for yourself, find the time to shave with your quality razor. Let your mind flow where it wants when you are preparing for shaving, lather up or nourishing your skin. It will for sure do you lots of good.
