A simple guide to help you achieve ‘The World’s Best Shave’ along with some FAQs and common shaving solutions
So here goes….
Top Shaving Tips
1. Forget everything you know! Lots of lather does not equal a good shave. Foam sitting on top your skin does nothing so move on!
2. Don’t shave as soon as you get up. Have breakfast first. Give your skin a chance to wake up!
3. Ideally, shave in the shower or bath as the steamy environment will help to soften the bristles, making shaving easier. If you prefer the old fashioned water in a bowl method, ensure you wash your face first with hot water to ensure those bristles are soft.
4. Spend time preparing your skin. Use a deep cleansing non-soapy face wash. Apply Shave Crème (or Shave Gel) Spend a little time massaging your chosen shaving preparation into your face as this again will help to soften and lift the bristles.
5. Ensure you have a clean sharp blade and shave using short strokes. It’s key to shave in the direction of your hairs' growth – generally speaking this is down on the cheeks and chin and upwards on the neck. If you are at all unsure, run your finger across your stubble to see which direction the hair is growing. Shaving against the direction of hair growth is the primary cause of razor burn, redness and rashes.
6. Rinse the blade regularly as you shave and don’t press to hard against the skin.
7. If using a shaving gel or foam, rinse your face thoroughly with cool water and pat dry (don't rub). If using shaving oil, simply pat your face dry.
8. Apply a post shave product (Hydrating Gel or After Shave Balm) to leave your skin feeling smooth, supple and soft - not tight and dry!
You have completed the perfect shave!
Some Key 'Dos and Don'ts...
Ø Don’t wash your face with soap. Soaps are usually very drying on the skin and coupled with shaving (which also can be drying), you will make your skin dry, tight and uncomfortable. To effectively (and kindly) cleanse your skin, use a soap free face wash.
Ø Don’t wash your face in cold water prior to a shave. Cold water will close your pores, making the hair harder to cut. Do wash your face and neck thoroughly in warm / hot water prior to shaving.
Ø Don’t apply aftershave to your face. The days of ‘splash it all over’ are long gone. Aftershave is primarily made from alcohol and alcohol, like soap, has a drying effect on your skin. To wear aftershave or a fragrance, simply apply it to the back of your neck or your wrists.
Ø Do read the instructions. To get the full benefit of shaving products, take a moment to read the instructions on pack. With the products we stock, we are not asking you to forget everything you ever learned about shaving, but these are great products that work best if you use them as suggested.
Ø Do use an exfoliator at least twice a week, but don't use it daily unless it is specifically designed as a daily use product. By over exfoliating, you may actually make your skin greasier as it tries to cope with the loss of moisture caused by the scrub.
Ø Do use a moisturiser. Shaving can be drying on the skin so you need to help repair this. Moisturiser should be applied as soon as possible after shaving or washing (certainly within 10 minutes).
Ø Do uses a moisturiser with a sun protection factor (SPF - like sun cream) built in. Sun and wind can be very damaging on your skin so you need to protect your skin from UV rays now. SPF is not only for when you hit the beach!
Avoiding Razor Burn
Avoiding razor burn is all about preparation, preparation, and preparation. Razor burn is the general redness and irritation of the skin that tends to follow after shaving. It results from the friction of the razor on the skin and is made worse by shaving against the grain of the hair.
Prevent razor burn by
Making sure your face is warm and wet prior to shaving so that the hairs are swollen and easier to shave off – try using a scrub as an exfoliator to help the beard stand erect from the face .
Ø Try placing a warm steamed towel on your face for 30 seconds.
Ø Apply a good quality shave cream to reduce the friction on the skin
Ø Shave crème is always best applied with a traditional shaving brush.
Shaving brushes have multiple benefits, they work firstly as an exfoliator removing dead skin cells beneath the surface of your beard, applying you crème with your brush in small circular motions always finishing with an upstroke ensures that your beard is erect from the surface of your skin meaning you need to apply less pressure in your pass taking away the need to dig deep into your face with your razor.
Ø Always shave in the direction of the hairs natural growth.
Ø Making sure not to press too hard on the razor
Ø Applying a soothing aftershave balm immediately after shaving
Ø A good quality shave should be a pleasure not a chore.
