Face shaving guide for men

Men and shaving are two terms that are often related to each other. Shaving is sometimes considered as part of the milestones of growing up since this is the time that males grow facial hair that is long enough to need trimming or shaving. Shaving is part of a man’s proper grooming. Some opt to do it a home and some at a barber shop. Either way, here are some steps and shaving tips on how to shave a beard properly and get a clean shave every time.

1. Prepare your beard and the surrounding area for shaving. Clean the area with warm water to open the pores and soften the beard. A hot towel may also be used. Or shaving at the end or after a hot shower is always recommended.

2. Use shaving cream. Sometimes, men and shaving cream don’t mix since they usually prefer using only water. However, using a shaving cream can help achieve a smoother shave. A glycerin-based shaving cream is suggested as those with menthol may close the pores and make the beard stiff. Pre-shaving oil may also be used for more sensitive skin and tougher beards. Apply the shave cream using a brush, going in a circular motion. This is to produce more lather as well as exfoliate the skin and position the beard hairs for an easier and closer shave.

3. Don’t use old, dull razor. The razor to be used for shaving should also be sharp and clean, preferably new. This will easily cut through the beard, and avoid razor burn. Rinse the razor with hot water before using it.

4. While shaving, keep the skin area to be shaved taut. This makes it easy and cleaner to shave since it is level. Avoid pressing the razor on the skin to prevent nicks.

5. Shaving should also be done with the grain or the direction of the hair. Going against the grain is said to give a closer shave although this increases the risk of getting nicks and razor burns.

6. Employ short strokes while shaving. Also, when you get a nick, use a styptic pencil or alum block to stop the bleeding.

7. Rinse the blade often, at least after every third stroke made.

8. After shaving, rinse face with cool water. This closes the pores of the skin, protecting dirt from entering it.

9. Pat the face dry.

10. Apply a liberal amount of aftershave balm or moisturizer on your face, including your neck area. The aftershave used should preferably be one that is alcohol-free to prevent it from drying. This will keep the skin moisturized as well as heal the wounds quickly.

Men and shaving are sometimes at par that they often do without each other. These are men who take pride in their beards and do not want to shave it. But whatever their preferences, these shaving tips are meant to help the male population in making that shave as clean and as painless as possible.