Shaving; a time-consuming chore or one of life’s little pleasures? If you chose the former, follow us back to basics for a shaving 101 that will speed up the process and introduce a sense of indulgence to the ritual that starts your day. Not only will you feel refreshed in the morning, but it might even delay your 5 o’clock shadow.
STEP 1: SET THE STAGE
Gather your tools. You’ll need: pre-shave face scrub, shave gel or cream, a razor with sharp blades, post-shave balm and a soft towel. Depending on how wild your stubble has grown, you might consider clipping or using an electric trimmer before diving into a full wet shave for smoother and closer results.
STEP 2: PREP YOUR SKIN
Our best advice? Shower first. The warm water and steam will soften stubble and open your pores. If you don’t have time, use a hot towel for a similar effect. A few times a week, exfoliate. You want to use a face scrub that doesn’t contain any plastic microbeads and instead uses natural ingredients, such as volcanic sand or grounded nutshells. It might seem like an extra step, but it will help release in-grown hairs, lift off dead skin cells and unblock pores — meaning smoother, clearer skin.
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STEP 3: LATHER UP
Avoid dry shaving. Instead, apply a protective layer between your blade and skin to prevent nasty razor burn. There are plenty of alternatives out there, from gels to lathers to foams – pick your preferred texture and get ready for action. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a shave gel or cream that is alcohol- and parabens-free. A small dollop of your preferred product should do. Lather in a circular motion until your face and neck are evenly covered.
STEP 4: SHAVE PROPERLY
Your razor is the most important piece of kit. Nothing but the best will do so make sure your blades are fresh and sharp before you start the ritual. Make small strokes, shaving in the direction your stubble grows, never against the grain as this is sure to leave you with those pesky in-grown hairs. Rinse your blades under hot running water regularly and gently pat your skin dry in between strokes. Make sure you splash your face with cold water to close your pores and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel when you finish.
Tip: Make sure to keep your blades dry in between shaves a this reduces micro-corrosion of the blade edge, helping to keep them sharper for longer.
STEP 5: MOISTURISE
Always restore the natural moisture balance of your skin with a cooling post-shave balm (different from perfumed aftershave). Try using one without alcohol to better soothe and condition your skin.
STEP 6: CONQUER THE DAY
We’ll leave this one open to your imagination!
Do you follow any other steps in your grooming routine? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!