Shaving is essential for most adult men, especially in today’s metrosexual male-dominated world, and as such many ask the question, ‘how to shave properly?’ Today most men above 20 shave almost daily. With the plethora of different instruments available and loads of creams and lotions to choose from, it’s quite an art. So the question arises, how to shave properly?
If you shave daily or on alternate days, it’s just the removal of early morning stubble. This can be accomplished with a simple traditional wet shave with either a straight or safety razor, or a dry shave with an electric razor. If you’re shaving a well-grown beard after a long time, you’ll need a good manual or electric trim first. It is important to choose the right implements to learn how to shave properly.
Besides the actual shaving, there’s the work before and after applying the razor. It’s good to clean your skin before the ritual; it removes dead skin, dirt and sweat. Next is application of a lathering or lubricating agent, mostly cream, gel, soap, etc. This softens hair, facilitating easy cutting. It also moisturizes and lubricates the skin, so as to prevent any harmful friction causing razor burn.
After shaving, applying aftershave helps. It’s usually an alcohol solution, a lotion or balm, etc. Antiseptic agents such as alcohol prevent infection, because shaving usually leaves minute cuts. It possibly closes pores in the skin, preventing razor-burn. Moisturizer and perfume present in the aftershave enhance the aesthetic effect.There are many things to choose from depending on many parameters. Thus you need to learn how to shave properly.
How to shave properly Solution 1: (Daily stubble)
This is preferably done during morning ablutions. Wash your face thoroughly, rubbing cheeks, chin, mustache and under cheeks. Apply shaving cream, work it up into a lather. Shave once, in downward strokes. Wash off the residual lather, dry skin and apply aftershave.
How to shave properly Solution 2: (Stubble, close shave)
Very similar to solution 1, but here after the downward stroke, perform an upward stroke for a close shave. This is best done infrequently, only for special occasions, since it increases chances of ingrown hair, rashes etc.
How to shave properly Solution 3: (Ingrown hair)
Curly hair increases chances of getting ingrown hair. Here hair grows within the skin, or curls back, causing irritation and sometimes even infection of the hair follicle.Cosmetic products exist in the market for countering this action. Otherwise, one can even get a depilatory cream, but be careful for allergies, and it stinks.
How to shave properly Solution 4: (Old age)
In old age skin tends to become softer, wrinkled, and more prone to cuts while shaving. It may be advisable to work a patch of soft, taut skin at a time, taking care never to press too hard.
How to shave properly Solution 5: (Caveman beard)
If you’re sporting a caveman look and suddenly decide to return to the 21st century, hit the saloon. Get a close trim first, and then proceed with a razor of any kind, at home, or at the saloon. While shaving, be careful, the hair tends to be rather coarse.
How to shave properly Solution 6: (Electric razor)
If you want something hassle-free, go for the electric razor. But it can be used only on a mere stubble. No water needed, and fewer cuts. However, it is noticed that the shave is not quite as close as with a manual razor, and is more expensive.
How to shave properly: Straight or safety razor?
Straight razors require some skill to use, and not so common today. However, they are simpler to use and cheaper.
Safety users are commonplace and include disposable and cartridge razors.
How to shave properly Tips
- Never move the razor in the direction of the blade’s edge, it’ll cause a gash.
- Never press too hard, may cause irritation.
- Never use a blunt razor, it causes irritation.
- Don’t apply too much aftershave or shaving cream.
- Never directly shave a beard more than a few days old; it will leave painful rashes and burns, and drastically blunt your blade.