Top 5 Shaving Tips

Below are 5 simple tips that everyone should follow for a better and more comfortable shave.

1. Prepare your skin and beard before shaving

One of the most effective things for reducing irritation is preparation. Moisten your skin for at least a couple of minutes with hot water before shaving. A shower before shaving can have the same effect. This will soften the beard ready for shaving. A pre-shave oil or gel can help to soften the beard even further.

2. Use a quality shaving cream or soap

A traditional shaving soap or shaving cream lather offers much more protection for your skin than a modern foam or gel in a can. Applying a shaving soap or cream also helps with step 1 as it contains water. Using a badger shaving brush will help as it will lift the hair from the skin and coat it with lather.

3. Shave 'with the grain'

Feel your stubble in different directions on your skin. The direction that feels the least rough is 'with the grain'. Do this all around your face as your growth direction changes on different parts of your face. Shaving with the grain will reduce irritation and ingrowing hairs.

4. Use a sharp blade

Regardless of the type of razor you use to shave it should be as sharp as possible. If you use plastic cartridge razors or safety razors then make sure you change the blade frequently (at least once a week). If you use a straight razor make sure it is honed regularly and stropped before each shave. A dull blade will scrape across the skin and pull and tug at the beard instead of slicing through it.

5. Use an aftershave product

After you have shaved your skin is left exposed. Use an aftershave balm to replenish your skin and leave it ready for the next day.