There’s no better feeling than a freshly shaved face, unless of course you want to rock the lumberjack look. But, getting a close shave down pat is easier than it sounds. There are tons of intricacies that you’ll want to know to ensure your face looks and feels its best. Otherwise you may be stuck with red, bumpy irritated skin or even worse, an uneven shave that makes it look like you never shaved at all.
Keep reading for 7 tips to achieve that elusive perfect shave.
1. Swap Out That Razor
We all know that razors aren’t the cheapest product, especially when you have to replace them so often, but having a sharp blade is well worth the lack of razor burn and skin irritation. As a rule of thumb, swap out your blade after 10 shaves if you shave every day. This way you can ensure the blade is sharp.
Before shaving, it’s also important to check the cleanliness of your blade. Hair, dirt, and other debris can get caught between the blades. Remember when you shave, not only are you getting rid of hair, you’re also scraping off the top layer of your skin.
Using a dull blade typically means irritated skin and an uneven shave. Put your best face forward by regularly replacing your razor.
2. Check Your Technique
The golden rule to shaving is to shave with the grain, thereby following the natural way your facial hair grows. Going against the grain can cause ingrown hair and razor bumps. You also want to avoid pressing too hard. If your blade is sharp enough, very little pressure needs to be applied.
Unlike on other parts of the body, facial hair doesn’t grow in the same direction and it doesn’t have the same thickness throughout. Unsure of how your hair grows? Take the plunge and don’t shave for two days to get a good idea of the direction that your facial hair grows. What you’ll immediately notice is that the hair on your chin is thickest which means that this area needs the most time to soak in water and shaving cream.
3. The Wetter The Better
Tired of razor burn or irritated skin after shaving? Do you find that even after you shave, you still have a hint of a 5 o’clock shadow? The trick of the trade is to wet your facial hair before shaving. Hair is able to absorb a lot of moisture, and the more moisture that hair has absorbed, the weaker it is. This makes it much easier to shave. So, before picking up the razor, take the time to put lukewarm water on your face. Otherwise, expect the side effects of dry shaving.
4. Try a Natural Shaving Cream
For most men, store bought shaving cream is the most convenient option. But, most of these shaving creams have harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin and even cause serious health conditions. Common toxic ingredients found in shaving cream include:
- Fragrance
- Isopentane
- Triethanolamine
- Palmitic acid
- Sulfates
Most people don’t even know about these ingredients, let alone their side effects! For a 100% safe shaving experience, you’ll want to go with a natural shaving cream. The best shaving cream for men should be free of harmful ingredients and leave your skin feeling soft, moisturized, and fresh.
5. Use a Shaving Brush
For an optimal shave, not only will you need a solid razor, but you’ll also want to have a shaving brush handy. This nifty little tool raises the hair so that you can get the closest shave possible. The brush is also great to use after applying shaving cream to your skin as it helps to create a thick creamy lather. Using a shaving brush is a one-two punch for skin care. The bristles will exfoliate your skin, to remove the dead top layer, exposing a soft youthful layer, but with the right shaving cream, these aren’t entirely necessary.
6. Cleanse After Shaving
After you’ve flawlessly shaved your face, the process isn’t over just yet! Because shaving removes the top layer of skin, your face is extremely vulnerable. Once you’ve achieved your perfect shave, the next step is to rinse your face with warm water and to use a mild facial wash. For an all-natural option, try diluted tea tree oil, which has proven to remove dirt and debris and is also antiseptic.
Once your face is clean, pat cool water on your face to close your pores. This helps to protect your newly exposed layer of skin.
7. Moisturize
Moisturizing may not be the most manly thing on the planet but it works wonders for skin. After shaving and washing your face, be sure to apply a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple. One of the easiest moisturizers to use is a mix of coconut and sunflower oil. This combination is full of vitamin E, which gives your skin a youthful look. The oil also won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.
Which tip are you most willing to try? How do you achieve the perfect shave? Let us know below in the comments.
