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Learning to shave is one of the few coming-of-age rituals that all men must endure. From the very first time that cold, hard metal takes a swipe at your facial hair, it instantly becomes an integral part of your routine until the day you die. And while the trends in beards and the technology in razor blades will change, the basics of getting a great shave never do.
But ask yourself: Are you shaving the right way? The nicks around your chin and endless inflammation lead us to believe no. No shade being thrown here. Odds are you’re just missing one or two key steps in your shaving regimen. Or you’re doing everything completely wrong from start to finish. Whatever the case is, we got you covered. So allow us to familiarize you with the fool-proof way of executing your shaving routine.
First things first, get the hot water running. Pores need to be wide open for close, clean shaves that minimize skin irritation, and there is no better way to loosen things up than jumping into the shower. The steam causes pores to relax and skin to soften, allowing the blade to move seamlessly across your face. Invest in a fog-less shower mirror for the all-inclusive experience or take the task sink-side for some after-shower action. Bear in mind to never splash cold water on your face because it causes pores to close up and makes shaving more difficult. Now let’s move on!
The Pre-Shave Process
Taming the mane requires more than a rinse and a razor. Practicing the proper pre-shave etiquette requires a few essentials. For starters, a facial scrub to cleanse and soften facial fur. Next comes a pre-shave oil to lift the whiskers for sleeker razor glide. And, of course, a shaving cream or gel that easily lathers and protects sensitive skin when doing the deed.
Cremo Cooling Shave Cream
Amazing protection, moisturizing oils, and a cooling sensation that instantly calms skin – Cremo offers all the virtues of an elite shaving cream at a budget price. A “thin, foam-free layer” forms on the face that when mixed with water delivers slick glide action for the blade, while cushioning it to prevent any lacerations. Its unique blend of menthol, peppermint, and tea tree oil offers the right amount of hydration to soothe and keep skin from drying out during shaves. Cleaning up is just as rewarding as cream residue rinses off easily. $5.96 at Amazon.com
Every Man Jack Charcoal Face Scrub
Where water and steam can help soften hair, a facial scrub works to exfoliate skin before the blades even come into play. EMJ's offering doesn't just cleanse your mug of grime – it completely purges it of all toxins with a strong charcoal composition that improves clarity and texture. Salicylic Acid penetrates clogged pores and reduces breakouts and blackheads. $5.39 at Amazon.com
The Art Of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil Sandalwood
Loaded in castor and essential oils, this anoint hosts some of the most skin-nurturing ingredients to prepare skin for a comfortable shave. Consistency is great as the mix holds moisture long enough to lubricate and relax every hair follicle. The sandalwood scent also aids in calming the face with a clean and subtle smell that's pleasant to breathe in as you anticipate the next step. Texture is very thick, so just use about 2-3 drops to get the job done. $25.00 at Amazon.com
Don’t Ever: Soap up
Bar soaps are barely acceptable for washing your hands, let alone your face. They tend to leave residue and dry skin in their wake, and the moisturizing ones that claim to do just the opposite can’t compete with advancements in liquid face washes and scrubs. A multi-action lathering gel, on the other hand, will dissolve excess oil and unclog pores effectively for a stress-free shave.
Get Your Shave On
The beauty of a razor is that it’s designed to do all the leg work, effortlessly at that. So you shouldn’t feel the need to apply any extra pressure when running it across your face. Cartridge, double-edge or straight razor – grip your weapon of choice and begin to shave using short, even strokes as you move with the grain. That’s in the direction of hair growth.
Short strokes provide a more precise shave that reduces the amount of pressure placed on the blade handle. Finish by re-lathering the face with some extra shaving cream/gel gently shaving against the grain. This entire technique should translate into the closest shave possible without suffering any cuts.
Harry’s The Truman
The Truman remains the quintessential beginner’s razor due to its affordable pricing, high performance, and user-friendly ergonomics. A rubberized matte exterior with textured grip gives users solid control to easily navigate across difficult areas like the cleft or back of the neck. Then comes the German-engineered five-blade system with lubricated strip that swiftly sheers across the facial landscape like a lawnmower across grass. And Harry’s makes restocking blades super-feasible by sending new ones directly to your front step every month via subscription. Read our full Harry's Review to see what other goodness the autopilot grooming service offers. $9.00 at Harrys.com
Intermediate types seeking a bit of heft to better balance out shaves can find what they need in this double-edge razor, which shaves like a disposable, yet carries the traits of a more premium option. Each side of the razor offers well-enough space for the blade to pick up a good chunk of hair each pass-through. The textured hand grip gives users confidence and solidifies a steady hand when moving with the grain. A coated-alloy exterior with chrome finish also guarantees near-lifelong use. $25.97 at Amazon.com
Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor
Experts need only apply when it comes to straight razors and the Feather SS is considered the samurai sword of the product category. Beautifully crafted from materials impervious to chemicals and heat, the device is designed for instant use boasting a singular folding mechanism that allows for replacement blades to be swapped out fast without the need of honing or stropping them. The rounded shaving head features a tip that “disperses pressure at the blade” to cause less damage on the skin, creating a hairless surface for one of the smoothest finishes ever felt. $64.45 at Amazon.com
Don't Ever: Dry-Shave
Dry-shaving is right up there with never-ending shaving strokes in that old-school father-son handbook. And as strange as it may sound to those fluent in the most basic how-tos of shaving, there is still a segment of the male population that goes bare. It’s a strategy typically employed by electric-razor lovers, but everyone, including follically challenged men, must use some sort of shaving cream. It helps create a buffer to protect the skin from the blade’s harshness, which knows no bounds.
Razor Maintenance
One popular method to cleaning your razor is rinsing it off with high pressure and hot water, so to cleanse the back side of any gunk. Do it for about 10 seconds. But if your blade is completely shot to sh*t, stock up on replacement blades. If you're that adamant on using the same blade, or strapped for cash, use a blade oil to get at least two extra uses out of it. Place a cover on the cartridge blade (if used) and consider a stand for the razor to minimize any exposure to foreign irritants.
Harry’s Blades
Reusing the same blade is freaking gross. Quit being a cheapo and just stock up on extra cartridges. Harry’s auto-piloting sends them right to your house every month, which is the ideal time frame to re-up. Each pack comes bundled in a convenient blade box to keep them in optimal condition and instantly attach to the handle. Start with a pack of six or go for 16. $8.00 at Harrys.com
Pacific Shaving Company Blade Oil
Many think the concept of oiling blades only applies to electric shavers. That’s not entirely true. You can do the same with cartridge blades, though experts label it more of a shaving hack than anything. Pacific Shaving Co. lubrication comes with all-natural ingredients to salvage the quality of blades for longer user, providing smoother execution and saving you money in the process. Get up to 160 applications out of each bottle. $7.99 at Amazon.com
Harry’s Razor Stand
Razor: Check. Extra blades: Check. Might as well complete the full package with a stand. Harry’s signature holder allows the head on your shaving tool to fully dry, protecting it for any harboring germs that might be lingering in your dopp kit or shower. The aluminum design with built-in grip at the base is sturdy to keep the razor intact and lets you display it nicely as on any countertop. $15.00 at Amazon.com
Don’t Ever: Shave With Dull Blades
Nothing is worse for your skin than shaving with a rusty razor. Although it may not quite get to the point of full-on corrosion, quality cartridges have a handy indicator strip for determining razor-readiness. When it begins fading to white, it’s time for a change.
The Post-Shave Routine
Shaving causes severe wear and tear on the skin. So to rejuvenate torn-up flesh, use an aftershave balm with skin-friendly ingredients to replace some of the moisture the shaving process naturally strips away. Any cuts or nicks can use the aid of a styptic pencil. Lastly, follow up with an ingrown hair serum. Boom. Mission Complete.
Baxter’s formulated its salve with no alcohol or preservatives to ensure fast and effective absorption without drying skin out. The healing power of aloe vera and tea tree oil combined with relieving elements like allantoin treat razor burn faster than most other aftershaves on the market. Sensitive types will love its cooling texture and lemony aroma. $19.00 at Nordstrom.com
Pacific Shaving Company Nick Stick
Accidents will happen. Learn to heal cuts faster with this skin-saving applicator that contains aloe and vitamin E to cover up and repair wounds. What makes the product even more special is that you can use it on all types of lacerations, not just shaving nicks. Not to mention it’s super-easy to apply with a roll-on mechanism that easily glides across cuts to desensitize them. $4.99 at Amazon.com
Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment
Depending on your skin sensitivity, or how dull you keep the blades, razor bumps can instantly develop around the neck and jawline unless properly treated. This special gel complex relies on skin conditioners (glycolic, phytic, and salicylic acid) to remove dead skin, fight bacteria, and release trapped hairs. Save as much as possible by spreading sparingly across the face to make the most of the miracle elixir. $32.00 at Amazon.com
Don’t Ever: Apply Fragrance-Heavy Products
Colognes, deodorants, and/or heavy-scented lotions – keep anything that uses fragrances or has strong scents away from recently shaven spots. You’ll just inflict further damage and pain on the skin. Read the ingredients list first on all your skincare products to avoid any mishaps.
