Shaving 101

I'll be adding a lot more in the next few days, but just in case you're searching for tips on a nice clean shave, here are the basics:

·       The most important first step to any good shave is have a good quality razor ready to go. It doesn't matter what you're using, cartridge, safety, or straight razor... make sure it's SHARP!  I personally use Harry's razors. Gillette Mach 3 works well too, but Harry's are just as good and cheaper.   

·        Wash the area you intend to shave thoroughly. Soap and water works although some soaps will dry out your skin so pick one with a moisturizer (like Dove) and work it in there.  The key is to wash off all the dirt and get your skin moist.

·       Trim the area you're going to shave. It's much, much, much, easier for that razor to glide through a bunch of short hairs than a bunch of long hairs. And it'll help prevent clumping in the razor. 

·       Use shaving cream! Shaving oil works as well, but if you're new to shaving or you're shaving your head for the first time, a nice thick lather of shaving cream is the way to go. You want to shoot for smooth and creamy so the razor glides through the hairs. I've also found that water is your friend when it comes to shaving cream. A creamy lather is good, and a wet creamy lather is better. You'll find the right mix the more you shave. but don't be afraid to get wet (and possibly messy) for your first (or first few shaves) until you realize how a smooth shave should feel.

·       Go slow! Most of the times that I knick myself, I'm usually shaving too fast. Take this to heart and just don’t rush… trust me on this one.

·       Don't put too much (or any) pressure on the razor. The razor will glide over the hair and usually just the weight of you pulling the razor over the hair is enough, especially on your head. This is where the wetter the better advice comes into play. It'll also keep your razor from taking bits and pieces (and possibly chunks) of skin as you shave.  I don't want to get too graphic, but I've done it before, and it’s not fun.  Again, trust me on this on as well.

·       Always shave with the grain first, or shave in the disruption the hair grows. And then shave across or against the grain if you want a closer shave.  

·       Make your skin "tight" in the area where you’re shaving. Especially when shaving your head, the path of least resistance always works best. For example, tilt your head to the right when shaving the left side of your neck to tighten the skin. Or looking down when shaving the back of your neck for the same effect.

·       Rinse thoroughly and then apply a good aftershave.  There are a ton of products out there and everyone is different.  You will want an aftershave that won't irritate your skin, especially after shaving, so it'll be trail and error for a while. I'll write about my experiences with aftershave in another blog, but until then, I'd say go with Every Man Jack (Fragrance free) Aftershave.  It's a light, non-greasy aftershave that I've found work best with my sensitive skin.  Barberry Coast and Baxter of California work well for me too.  

And those are the basics to a good shave! Good luck and let me know how it goes!!

Dan