AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR MEN'S SHAVE

Shaving is a daily ritual for many men. It is a harsh process by all accounts and can sometimes cause skin irritation. But it doesn't have to be that way. Advance preparation and a bit of know-how can alleviate problems and make this part of a natural men’s skincare routine.

Choosing the right shaving tool and shaving product is key to getting the best shave that is irritation free with minimal razor irritation, bumps or ingrown hairs.  We’ll breakdown the razors. types of shave lubricants and post shave soothers to make the shaving ritual something you look forward to.

Types of Razors to Choose for A Close Shave

The types of razors you choose can make a big difference in the quality of your shave. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a razor:

Disposable Razors 

Disposable razors are the most affordable type of razor. They are also the easiest to use, as they do not require any assembly. However, they are not as durable as other types of razors and may need to be replaced more often. Disposable razors sometimes lack the quality of a good quality razor.  It's a great option when traveling but not a  terrific choice for people who wet shave at least 2-3 times weekly. 

Cartridge Razors

Cartridge razors are a more expensive type of razor, but they are also more durable and higher quality. They come with a replaceable cartridge that contains multiple blades. This can help to cut through thick hair more easily and provide a closer shave. The blades will last longer when properly rinsed, sanitized and stored in a dry place after each shave

Safety Razors

Safety razors are a traditional type of razor that has been around for centuries. They are made with a single blade that is attached to a handle. Safety razors are more expensive than disposable or cartridge razors, but they are also more durable and can be used for many years. 

Straight Razor

A straight razor is a long blade set in a handle that folds open and closed. Straight razors were invented in 17th-century England and were the primary tool for manual (as opposed to electric) shaving until the rise of the “safety razor” in the mid 20th century. 

The world’s best barbers always keep a straight razor in their arsenal in order to maintain the detailed lines along a gent’s neck and beard. As beards have grown in popularity over recent years, so too have straight razors.

No matter what type of razor you choose, it's important to keep it clean and check for sharpness before each shave. A dull or unclean razor can pull your facial hairs and cause nicks, razor irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. Wipe razor with rubbing alcohol to sanitize the blades before you shave  and always rinse your razor frequently with hot water while shaving to make sure the blade is not clogged. 

Rinse razor clean after you shave and wipe again with rubbing alcohol to sanitize and dry before storing it in a dry place so it is ready for your next shave. 

Choose the Right Shaving Products 

Shaving is one of the oldest form of daily selfcare for men and there are many shaving product options to elevate the ritual.

Pre Shave Oil 

As the name suggests a pre shave oil is an oil that is applied to the face before the application of any shaving soap, shaving cream or shaving gel before you start to shave.

Most leading pre shave oils contain natural oils, which are low on the grease factor, such as coconut, sunflower, olive or other oils drawn from plants may be considered the best oils to use. Such oils will not clog the skin pores. Grape seed oil, safflower oil, vitamin A and E, and castor oil can be suspended in a lush base of sweet almond oil and peanut oil. The oils are carefully blended to ensure the effectiveness of their properties and the richness of their aromas. A good pre-shave oil will provide additional glide and hydration to those who shave frequently.

Shaving Cream 

Shaving cream is a type of ‘lubricant’ which makes wet shave ritual more comfortable. Aside from acting as a lubricant and providing a cushion between the blade and the skin, a good shaving cream can also moisturize facial skin, softening facial hair and providing an invigorating scent to elevate the shaving experience.

Shaving Foam 

The benefit of shaving foam is its light and airy texture, allowing it to spread easily over the skin, ensuring that every hair is covered. Shaving Foam's airy texture, instant lather and easy application make it a great on-the-go option. 

Shaving Gel 

While shave creams and shave gels both can help with achieving a smoother, softer shave, there are a few differences between the two—mainly, the consistency. Shaving creams have an airy texture that lathers up, while shaving gels are clear and lightweight. At the end of the day, choosing between the two product types all comes down to personal preference. If you're a shaving newbie, a shaving gel may be easier to work with. These transparent formulas don't lather, so you can clearly see what you're shaving for a more precise finish especially if you're growing a beard or mustache. On the other hand, if you enjoy classic, lathering formulas, a shaving cream is likely to be a better fit.

Shaving Soap

A hard soap that is used to produce lather with a shaving brush. The lather it produces is used to coat the face during shaving, softening the hair in preparation for shaving. Shaving soap differs from regular soap primarily because it is specifically formulated to create a thick, stable, and lubricating lather that minimizes razor friction on the skin during shaving, whereas regular soap is designed to cleanse the body and may not provide the same level of slickness and protection needed for a close shave.

The type of shave products you choose is really dependent on preference and less on other variables like skin type or type of shaving razor. 

Here's How to Shave Your Face Correctly

Not sure how to shave properly? Don't worry, you're not alone. Cleaning yourself up with a razor seems like a lost art these days. Most guys have grown cozy with beards or perma-stubble and while that's actually a rather positive development—a little scruff looks good!—few things feel as good as a close shave. When you do need to be fresh faced—for an important event or when you just want to feel extra polished—you'll need a proper shaving regimen. 

Trim Down to a Stubble

Don't pull out that razor just yet: If you've got anything longer than a few days' worth of growth, you'll need to trim it down first. Yes, the best razors can mow through a week or two of stubble, but you’ll experience a lot of razor drag in the process, risking irritation and inconsistent smoothness. Instead, pull out your handy beard trimmer and buzz your fuzz down to a “1” on your guard's head setting—or a “2” at most, if you need a little more of a visual aid while shaving.  

Gently Cleanse with Warm Water

Now that you've trimmed down the longer facial hairs your shave needs to start with a fresh canvas. Cleanse your face with a best face wash for men that will rinse away any excess oil, sweat, and grime that may have accumulated, as well as any men's skincare products you’re currently sporting. Choose a gentle men's face wash without any harsh active ingredients, so that you don’t agitate the skin before the shaving even begins. The warm water opens your pores and allows them to breathe more easily and expunge anything trapped inside. It also softens the skin and stubbles to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs. 

Use A Best Face Scrub for Men to Smooth the Skin

The best men's face scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells away from the face, preventing razor drag and clogged pores. You’ll get a smoother, closer shave as a result. Don't apply too much pressure when scrubbing the face though, since you are about to drag a sharp razor over your skin. Better yet, if you already exfoliate regularly with scrubs or chemical exfoliants, you can consider skipping this step when it comes to shave day.

Use a Pre-Shave Oil to Prep Skin and Hair

A pre-shave oil creates a thin, virtually invisible protective layer over top the skin. It helps the razor glide smoothly over skin to improve the shave. The pre-shave oil also helps soften whiskers and nourish the skin to minimize irritation and bumps.  Apply it to dried skin, after cleansing and exfoliating.

Apply Shaving Cream in an Upward Motion

When you applying the men's shave cream, do it in an upward motion to help lift the hairs up and away from the face. It'll make it easier to catch in the blade, resulting in a smoother, more precise shave overall. The type of shaving cream or oil you use is up to you. Choose a formula that feels good to you and a scent that is uplifting and invigorating for those morning shave rituals. 

Shave with the Grain, Using a Clean and Sharp Razor

The type of razor you use is also entirely up to you. While most of us grew up on cartridge razors with multiple blades, it’s worth exploring safety razors as a possible option, too, especially if you are prone to ingrown hairs, have thick or coarse facial hair, or are particularly sensitive to blades.

When you shave with the grain, you reduce your chances of ingrown hairs and red bumps due to trapped hairs furled under the surface of the skin. Technically, shaving against the grain provides a slightly closer shave, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you're certain you won’t get ingrowns. 

Rinse the blade with warm water between strokes to minimize friction and drag. Lather back up and go in for a second pass to make sure you got all the stubbles. Finally, take care of your razor. Too many guys neglect proper razor hygiene. You need to replace your cartridge head or safety razor blades every 3-4 shaves or so. You need a sharp, clean blades every time you shave. To keep them sharp as long as possible, rinse your blade with hot water, wipe dry with towel and give it a quick swipe with rubbing alcohol to sanitize and then store it upright in a cool, dry place so it is ready for your next shave 

Rinse with Cold Water

After the shave, you want to rinse away the shave cream residue and do a final splash with cold water. This helps close the pores, tighten and refresh the skin.

Apply Aftershave for Men

Lastly, apply a toning and soothing aftershave with salicylic acid. Many face balms and men's face moisturizers can double as an aftershave for men, since they can prevent moisture loss and nourish the skin. Just make sure they have some soothing ingredient, like aloe, calendula and chamomile to calm the skin after shaving. Personally, we endorse using a proper aftershave for men if you’ve got one. This step helps keep pores clean, soothe the skin and minimize bumps and ingrown hairs. Avoid anything drying—namely those alcohol-tinged aftershave for men.