Shaving Tips
                                       
For many men, shaving is more of a hazardous ordeal than a pleasurable experience. Cuts, razor burn, flaky skin, and ingrown hairs are the outcome to many a morning shave. Who wants to go to work or to the gym with those telltale bits of tissue on his face? Systemizing your shaving routine into a few simple steps will keep your face baby soft and intact.

Shaving Equipment

Choosing the correct shaver for your needs is of utmost importance. A single-bladed razor causes less irritation than a double-bladed one, but the double-bladed razor usually gives a closer shave (if you use a manual blade, change the blade often). A pivoting head can help you reach odd angles and bony places on your face. Shaving cream is usually easier to use than shaving cake or soap, which requires a little more experimentation. Most shaving brushes that are available are made of natural bristles and some even come in kits with shaving soap and a lather mug. Always make sure that your shaving equipment is clean, warm, and wet before you shave.

Shaving:

• Prepare your skin by rinsing your face and neck with warm water for at least 1 minute. Do not use soap, which will leave a residue on your face.
  
  
• Dry Shave: As you rinse your face, massage your skin against the growth pattern of your facial hair. Pat your skin dry, splash on toner, and then dust with cornstarch or powder. Your face should be completely dry before using an electric shaver. When you shave, go against the grain. Move on to next step.
  
  
• Wet Shave: On still-damp skin, lather your face using a firm but gentle touch. Move the lather against the direction of your hair growth to force your hairs up and off your skin and rinse with cool water. Pulling your skin taut with your free hand, shave over the taut area. This pulls the whiskers away from your skin and makes it easier for the razor to remove them. For a closer, smoother shave, shave with the grain. Try to avoid moving the razor against your skin horizontally since that will increase the likelihood of cuts.
  
  
• After you're shaved and shorn, rinse your face with warm water, neither hot nor cold, and pat the skin. This will close the pores. Apply aftershave and/or moisturizer (see our aftershave recipes for some easy do-it-yourself aftershaves).
  
  
• Always finish your shaving routine with an application of SPF 15 moisturizer.
  
  
  

Shaving Mishaps

Tear off a tiny piece of tissue paper and apply it to a bleeding cut. Leave it on for at least five minutes and tug off. The wound should dry up nicely, leaving only a small red dot.

Tips

Beard Removal

If you have a tough beard, soak a washcloth in very warm water and place the cloth directly on your face, covering your beard. Leave it there for at least a few minutes. This moist heat will soften your whiskers and your skin, and reduce to eliminate razor burn.

Environmentally Sound Shaving

An eco-friendly option for shavers are double-edged razors that fit inside larger metal casings; these razors are very inexpensive and the only part you discard is the thin piece of metal that will rust and biodegrade faster than blades set in synthetic materials.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin with a loofah once or twice a week can smooth your skin and make your daily shave much more comfortable.

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