Editor’s Note: Does your man hate to shave? I know mine does. With his sensitive skin, a razor blade only leaves redness, bumps and ingrown hairs. But his sensitive skin isn’t the only reason for his shaving discomfort, he needs to be using the right skin care and shaving products to help protect his skin from this daily chore. Gents, a cruelty-free skin care line dedicated to men, is making sure no man has to needlessly suffer from shaving.
Here, Gents founder, esthetician Nicole Sommers, shares her tips on taking the burn out of the razor. Read on, then go make the man in your life read it too. –Lea
When is the best time to shave?
The best time to shave is in or immediately following a shower or washing your face. Wash your face with a natural cleanser like Osea Ocean Cleanser. A warm moist face equals easier hair removal. Alternatively, you can apply a warm moist towel to the face for 2 to 3 minutes prior to shaving in order to soften the skin. The warmth of the towel swells the hair shaft, allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin. Never shave cold or with a dry face!
What is the best type of shaving cream to use?
Massage a quality shave cream, like Earth Science Shave Cream into the skin with upward motions. The best products will lock moisture into your whiskers and do not foam up – foam is merely soap filled water. Work that shave cream into your beard well to make sure your whiskers are softened into submission. Dry, rough beard hair can easily get entangled into your razor. Leave on one to three minutes before starting to shave.
How often should a man change his razor blades?
No matter how much you believe your razor is good enough for 1 or 2 more runs, any sight of rust is a bad sight. Always use a sharp blade. A dull blade is responsible for many shaving cuts as it drags over the face and catches the skin along with the hairs of the beard. Replace the blade every three to seven shaves.
In what direction should you shave?
Shave with the grain of your hair growth – this can be in different directions on your face versus the neck area. Shaving against the grain causes ingrown hairs (razor bumps) and is advised only as a way to donate blood. Using short strokes, and using your free hand to pull your skin taut and flat. Start your shave with the sideburns then move to the cheeks and neck. Finish with upper lip and chin last, since whiskers are heaviest in this area. Do not apply too much pressure – razor burn is no one’s friend.
What is the best post-shave care for your skin?
Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry with a towel. Never rub. Shaving can remove up to two layers of skin which is why it’s important to use a quality after-shave moisturizer. The best products like Lev8 replace lost moisture and soothe, cool and refresh the skin. Forget alcohol heavy concoctions – they’re all pain, no gain.
Guest blogger Nicole Sommers is founder of Gents, a company which provides esthetician-endorsed shaving and skincare products for men. Practical solutions in the way of grooming packages are offered to enhance what is truly a man’s business card – his face. Her dynamic personality and proficiency in skin care has garnered a dedicated clientele of professional athletes as well as captains of industry.
Always try to avoid alcohol-based aftershaves lotions as they tend to dry the skin.
Loved the post! Very informative, It has inspired me to write my own tips for first time shavers, the do's and the dont's. I have quoted you in my blog at http://dougackerman.wordpress.com
Thanks Douglas! Great article! 🙂
I used to be one of those guys that would use a razor several times before discarding. However, as I get older, it seems my facial hair is coming in more frequent and thicker. I now use a razor once and then discard. If I don’t, I get horrible razor burn. Another thing I’ve been doing is using an electric shaver. I switch back and forth as the electric shaver doesn’t quite get close enough, but it’s good for weekend shaves.
I believe this is the first lesson I have ever had in how to properly shave and why it’s important to use aftershave. I clicked on some of the product links, but they site is no longer live. Is there a new site somewhere else? Thanks for the tips.
I shave once or twice a week. Any tips for shaving on a 3/4 day scruff?
I use Dr Bronner’s shaving gel/cream, and coconut oil… Sounds like I might allow my face to warm up more than simply splashing warm water on my face.
Great article. The guideline is very easy to follow and makes shaving very comfortable. Really helpful tips!
I myself don’t have any problem with the sensitive skin issue so I have no problem shaving everyday. However a friend of mind has a sensitive skin and he always afraid to shave clean that is why he always have beard on his face. Thanks for the informative article, those tips could really help him to shave clean.
Excellent…. I read your post and I like so much few months back my brother he had a cut on his while shaving he have used defense soap, believe me it work wanders for time and my brother had also skin problems he used best natural body soap its really work because men skin are also important like women and thanks for post and great information. For information you can visit this site http://www.defensesoap.com/
Great post, so many people are lazy with their shaving and trimming and end up with irritation or other issues.
Wooh ! Awesome article with the perfect blend of words
I always get hurt while shaving , So I think its really gonna help me alot
Thanks for such a informative share
Have a nice day
Cheers 🙂
Short, but pretty much spot on.
I would recommend that for most men, it’s best to take a shower FIRST, then shave. This way your facial hair is already softened up and ready for your shaving soap (or gel). Ditto on the razor blades. Get a decent safety razor and change them out every week or two.
The ONLY bit of advice that I would say needs to go along with this is to EXFOLIATE after shaving. I would go as far as to say that it is NECESSARY. Exfoliating was the one thing that helped me to not have any razor bumps or burn anymore.
Finally, someone who actually know the ins and outs of shaving. Thank you ChiefBunny, what a fun read!
There is no doubt that shaving is an art and should not be taken lightly. Whether you’re a man, woman, or animal, your skin needs your attention and thorough care. Men: take pride in how you shave and remember, you only get one set of skin.
P.S. – Guys, if you’re looking for the shave of a lifetime, find a local barber that gives hot towel shaves!
I love my husband but he is absolutely clueless when it comes to shaving. He either let’s it grow out or he cuts himself up trying to shave it off. Thanks for these men’s shaving tips. It’s good to know that he should shave after a shower or washing his face. I’ll tell him to replace the blade every three to seven shaves as well.
I didn’t know that shaving can remove up to two layers of skin. Well I’ve definitely learned something new while having a nice read. This post was spot on, great job! Cheers, Nicholas
Great post! Thank for sharing this!