The Perfect Shave Guide

The Perfect Shave

Shaving can be a chore or a pleasant start to the day that makes you feel awake and ready to face the world – to ensure the latter, a simple routine can make all the difference.

Step One :- Preparation.

1. To start preparing for your shave your beard needs to be soaked with hot water and as the hair softens as it absorbs the water and the heat relaxes muscles of the face, making shaving easier. Using a wet, hot face flannel and leaving on the face for 20 or so seconds will achieve the desired effect. Or shave directly after a hot shower or bath.
2. You may wish to use a pre shave treatment before shaving, particularly if you have sensitive skin and suffer from shaving rash. There are many brands of pre shave oils and when massaged into the beard these help lift the hair ready for shaving and also lubricates the skin and allows the blade of the razor to glide smoothly.

Step Two:- Shaving.

1. There is a wide range of branded shaving creams and using a good quality cream is essential to a good shave. Shaving cream can be applied using fingers and massaged into the beard prior to shaving. However, we would recommend using a good quality badger shaving brush (see article on different types of shaving brushes). Place a small amount of shaving cream either on a shaving bowl or pot, dip the brush into hot water and then use the brush to work up a thick creamy lather on the brush, if using shaving soap work up the lather directly from the soap. Now apply to your beard, ensuring that the facial preparation has been done and your face is wet, apply using circular motions working the lather into the beard and using the brush to make the hairs stand up. Use a little more water or shaving cream/soap to thoroughly lather your beard. Practice will soon allow you to automatically achieve the perfect lather
2. Your choice of razor will be a personal one but always use a good sharp blade and warm in hot water from the sink to maintain the temperature as you shave to clean the blade between shaving strokes. You will be able to tell when a blade has become dull and requires renewing, as it will start to ‘tug’ the hair slightly and some shaving stokes will become less clean in cutting the hair.
3. Shave the face in the direction of beard growth and shave ‘with the grain of the beard’, the way in which it is lying. Shaving against the grain can pull and graze the skin causing small cuts and the grazes known as shaving rash or razor burn. In awkward areas such as under the nose use the razor sideways against the grain to avoid razor burn. Many of the multi blade razors are now equipped with a single straight blade to assist in shaving the awkward areas.

Step Three:- Post Shave

1. When finished thoroughly rinse the face with cooler water and pat dry with a towel, don’t rub hard but allow the skin to relax and recover
2. Your wet shave will have exfoliated the skin and left it smooth with a clean and healthy appearance and feel. It is a good idea to protect the skin post shaving by using an after shave moisturising treatment or post shaving balm that will leave the skin feeling and looking great.
3. Avoid using alcohol based products which can cause the skin redden and also cause dryness. If you use cologne or an after shave fragrance, apply these behind the ear lobes or the side of the neck but not directly to the shaved area of the face.

Click the picture to find the perfect shaving brush for your perfect shave.

Click the picture to find the perfect razor for your perfect shave.