The Art of Shaving: How to get an Amazing Shave

There seems to be numerous opinions on how best to prepare yourself for a shave. I believe it really depends on whether you are male or female, and whether you're having to shave the face and or other body parts including your pubic areas. With that in mind I’ll try and condense as best possible the information I have compiled and you will need to make up your own judgment as to which method is likely going to generate the best results for your particular needs. Often it really boils down to a trial and error process.

Most importantly, before starting your shave, make sure you are using a sharp blade. If necessary, replace worn out parts on any electric shavers you plan to use. With straight or blade razors, dull blades will pull the hair and increase the risk of you getting ingrown hairs. Your electric or rechargeable shavers should come with maintenance instructions on how often to replace parts. A general good rule of thumb is for disposable razors is that you shouldn’t need to use any added pressure, if you do then it’s time to replace it. In addition, never shave with cold water or a bone dry face, since it’s like running sand paper down the side of your skin.

If the hair you plan to remove is fairly long consider first trimming it with scissors or some kind of clipper to get it down to a manageable level of stubble for your razor to handle. Don’t forget to also exfoliate your skin before shaving. Guys, using a gentle exfoliate such as a facial cleanser or scrub will help to remove dead skin cells and it will help open up your skin pores and keep the beard hairs above the top of the skin surface. This makes it easier for the razor blade to remove all the hairs when you shave.

Many professionals and experts in the area of hair removal including long time barbers and dermatologists recommend that you should first always soak the body part in question in warm water for at least 3 minutes. This is especially important for those with coarser pubic or underarm hair. Warm water will always soften those hairs and open up your hair follicles. It also relaxes the top layer of skin making it easier for the razor blade or electric shaver to cut the hair. Some electric razors work better if a shaving gel of some sort is applied at least 5 minutes prior to shaving. A high quality glycerin based shaving gel is recommended as it helps reduce the friction on the skin itself and locks in moisture within the hair follicle prepping for easy cutting. A foamy or vitamin, aloe Vera based shave cream is also recommended as it will help prevent razor burn or those dreaded razor bumps.

Fans of wet shaving swear they get a superior shave by using a badger shaving brush to help lather up and prepare the face prior to shaving. It helps raise the facial hair to get a much closer cut, and creates a creamy lather that stays close to your skin and exfoliates you face, thus reducing the chance of razor burn or unsightly blemishes. Also don’t shave in the morning “yes you heard it”. Experts say that shaving after you first get up in the morning is bad because most people experience morning puffiness which in fact inhibits the razors ability to glide smoothly over the skin as the hair shafts are a lot less exposed.

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To get a really close shave, some people swear to shave with the direction of hair growth while others recommend shaving against it. I think it really comes down to a number of key factors.

1. The type of razor you are using, meaning is it an electric razor or blade, single, double, triple blade and so on

2. Making sure that what ever you plan to use is sharp and is combined with a lubricant of some kind

3. The kind of preparation you plan on doing, whether you plan on exfoliating, soaking your face or soaking the particular body part in warm water for a specified period of time

4. Your racial background is important since African Americans tend to suffer from razor bumps more often than people of other racial backgrounds due to their curly hair having a tendency to grow back into the face

5. Finally the angle and speed at which you are shaving, different tools require and perform differently depending upon the angle you attack the whiskers and whether you are in a rush to get it done or not. Take your time and don’t rush

When shaving, pull the skin taut and with one hand, then shave using the other hand. If you have to apply too much pressure to get the razor to cut means that it’s likely too dull. Manufacturers of disposable razors recommend you shave with the direction of hair growth, however, some people feel they get a better shave by doing the opposite, the choice is really yours, you’ll need to find out what works best for you. Obviously you need to make sure you really soak the skin and apply a lubricant to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs or razor burn.

Recommendation for legs is long upward and smooth strokes are best. For underarms where hair typically grows in a variety of directions, you’ll want to use shorter side to side and up and down strokes. For the pubic areas shave upwards.

Constantly rinse and clean your shaving tools in warm water, eliminating any debris from the foils or blades. For those tough to reach ingrown hairs use tweezers to pull them out, and the electric razors pop up trimmers are great for any longer errant strands that you may miss.

Pretty much, go slowly (it’s not a race) take your time, especially with straight or blade razors. A good angle between a disposable razor and your face or skin is estimated to be about 30 degrees. Electric razors tend to be around 45 degrees, depending upon whether you are using a foil (Remington) or rotating cutter based shavers (Braun).

Avoid applying Deodorants, antiperspirants or perfumes to the skin right after shaving it’ll likely sting like hell. After shaving you should apply an oil-free high quality moisturizer to soothe and protect your skin, this will help reduce irritation, itching and soften the skin and hair follicles. Ladies, many of your shave products tend to be very greasy perfumed based combos that don’t do a good job of absorbing as quickly, so it is likely better to stick to an aloe based unscented product. Guys if you feel you must use after shave, check the label for alcohol. Dryness and stinging are the trademarks of most after shave products which contain alcohol. Avoid mentholated products as the “cool” feeling comes at a price as it too is irritating to the skin. For general nicks and cuts dermatologists recommend vitamin E oil or cream. Application of over the counter cortisone or anti itch cream may also help with severe razor burn and bumps. Splashing the skin with cold water some say is the best way to help tone ones skin, reduce wrinkles and remove soap and lather residue. In addition it’s one of the quickest ways to stop bleeding from any minor cuts that may have incurred through out this whole process. For additional great tips and videos on shaving visit: www.acleanshave.com