If you find yourself having difficulty shaving, whether it’s nicking yourself or suffering from rough skin, you need some simple tips that will give you a better shave while protecting your skin. After all, if you’re one of the 75% of men that shave their face every day, you probably spend around four months of your life shaving (or around 3,000 hours)- anything that you can do to save time and get a closer shave is worth it. Not only will you be able to achieve a closer shave but you can have less irritation as well. Here’s what you need to know.
First, before you even lather up, make sure that you have the best tools for a close shave. These include:
- Exfoliator
- Styptic pencil or alum block
- Aftershave (one that’s low in alcohol)
- Shaving cream (or olive oil or hair conditioner if you’re in a pinch) with a high concentration of lubricants and moisturizers
Next, make sure that your razor is up for the job. Safety razors give you the closest shave for the best value, or you could also subscribe to a mail-order razor subscription service, they are cheap and come right to your home. Sharpen your razor on a pair of old jeans by swiping 10-15 times with the sharp end of the blades facing away. While shaving, clean the razor using a small brush or running it under a faucet with high water pressure; afterwards, store your razor somewhere it will completely dry.
The shaving cream you pick is really your preference, and natural oils are preferred by some. It really depends on what you feel comfortable with. The key is to give enough lubrication to shave smoothly. Moisturizers in your cream can help your skin stay healthy afterwards by retaining the moisture you gained from your shower.
Finally, you’re ready to shave. Wait until after your shower to lather up; the hot water and steam will open your follicles and soften hair for a closer shave. This can really help cut down on irritation and shave bumps. While shaving, shave with the grain of your facial hair, and get the hard-to-reach neck spots on your neck by leaning forward and tilting your head back slightly to flatten the area. Afterwards, rinse your face with cold water to avoid skin irritation. Aftershave lotion and moisturizers are also a good idea to help protect your skin as well.
