art of shaving

For most men, shaving is a daily routine and one that can be a chore! It is something that actually requires skill to do well. There is a ‘proper’ way to shave and although this takes longer, it can make for a more relaxing and pleasurable experience. Instead of being a chore, the daily shave becomes a time of Zen and focus!

For those who have the time and inclination to shave properly, here are some great tips to get you off.

1) You should always shave after you have had a hot shower. This helps to soften your skin and clean the face in preparation for the actual shave. The heat of the shower will also serve to soften the hairs to make it easier to remove.

2) The next step is to help open up the pores of your skin by using an exfoliating scrub. Washing with warm water can aid this and help to open your pores more for an even closer shave.

3) Afterwards, you need to moisturize your skin using shaving cream to reduce friction so the blade can glide smoothly across your face. Nowadays you can get a variety of products from shaving oils to shaving gel. Traditionally in times of olde, shaving cream was used and this is probably the best option.

4) For the application of the shaving cream, you should certainly consider investing in a decent badger hair brush. It may seem over the top but this I guarantee will make a huge difference! The badger-hair brushes holds water and when you dip it in a tub of shaving cream and apply it to your face, it generates a rich thick lather. They creams can come in a variety of scents and really makes for the ultimate shave!

5) A decent badger hair brush also helps to gently exfoliate your skin and lifts up the hairs for an easy and close shave. You can get synthetic hair brushes but nothing really comes close to the qualities of a good badger hair brush.

6) Next is down to the choice of razor that you will actually shave with. It is very important to use a clean and sharp blade for the best effect. The disposable throw-away type razors are not what you are looking for if you want the ultimate shave. You really need to look at getting a ‘real’ razor. One that is double edge blade. These are the classic razors that your dad or grandad probably shaved with. The blades are sharp and they give the best shave. They require less pressure and are less likely to cause in-growing hairs. These classic instruments are making a comeback in popularity and when you experience one, you will understand why.

7) Next for the shave.

Lather the shaving cream with a badge hair brush on your face and then you’re set for the shave. Holding the razor use slow downwards strokes, going WITH the grain. If you are using a quality double-edge razor fm the time of olde, then you DO NOT need to apply any pressure! The weight of the razor will do the work for you. If you press down at all, then you are likely to get cuts. This is a departure from the terrible Gilette Mach 3 type razors most men use. Remember, no pressure required, let the razor do the work! Work downwards and slowly.

After you have shaved, pat your face dry and apply some nice moisturizer. This will leave you feeling great and a perfect start to the day.

Get the right equipment, follow the simple guide and you will look forwards to every shave from now on, guaranteed!