Shaving facial hair is a timeless ritual shared by men young and old, around the world, and all throughout time. Ninety percent of American men (approx. 94 million) over the age of fifteen shave their facial hair on a regular basis. Fifteen to twenty-year-olds shave an average of 275 times a year, and men ages twenty to sixty-five take a razor to it almost daily. It is a rite of passage that can be pulled off smoothly each time if the proper techniques are carefully followed. Here are a few timeless do’s and don’ts of the shaving ritual:
Do Get a Routine Down
An established and practiced routine will make the process of shaving flow more easily from step to step. First, use a high-quality facial scrub for men to soften the whiskers. They are more easily removed when prepped like this. Sensitive skin needs a specific formula, such as a fragrance-free scrub based in a lotion or gel created specifically for that skin type. Use an aftershave balm when you are finished. This provides a final layer of protective softness and can reduce post-shave irritation, not to mention, leave you smelling nice.
Do Shave After the Shower
After being in a hot and steamy shower, the pores in the face will be expanded and relaxed. This allows for close razor contact and helps produce a very clean and close shave. Since the steam has softened the pores, the razor will glide easily across the skin. It is worth it to invest in a good fogless mirror and mount it in the shower for a more convenient and efficient shaving experience. Or just take your task to the bathroom sink mirror immediately after you get out of the shower.
Do Shave in Short Strokes
It is a common misconception that the razor should be drawn from cheek to cheek in long, stretched-out strokes This is not a clean, safe, or very effective method. Short strokes give a more precise shave and employ reduced pressure on the blade handle. You will get more closeness and less damage to the skin this way.
Do Change Razor Blades Often
Using a rusty or corroded razor is one of the worst things you can do to your skin. Some brands of razors provide an indicator strip to tell when a blade has run it’s course. If the strip has turned white it is time to change the blade. Drying the razor blade after shaving has also been shown to dramatically increase blade life, even up to 122%.
Don’t Splash on the Cold
Splashing on cold water has the exact opposite affect from what the shaver really needs: warm, relaxed skin and expanded pores. Instead of helping, this method will hinder the shaving experience by shocking skin and causing it to tighten and contract. Pores will shrink and cause the skin to become more rigid and less smooth under the razor blade. Wet the face with plain, warm water before starting.
Don’t Put the Pressure On
Added pressure is not necessary to achieve a good shave. Applying more pressure on the razor will not provide a smoother shave, but could leave your face irritated and chafed. Glide the blade gently and naturally across the skin for best results.
Don’t Dry Shave
This is a terrible shaving no-no that can leave your face looking a lot like a battlefield. A good shaving cream or gel is necessary to protect the skin from cuts, nicks, and razor burn. The cream or gel provides a buffer between delicate skin and the blade, protecting you and giving a cleaner shave as well.