First off, make sure you have the necessary tools. Most men just slap on shaving cream with their hands. That works, but once you use a shaving brush, you’ll never go back. Many swear by badger hair as being the best brush a man can get. The Vulfix Pure Badger Shaving Brush is a high quality brush at a relatively low price. The brush will produce a rich lather far superior to just using your hands. Now, you’ll need a shaving cream that complements the brush. Gillette Fusion Hydra Gel is a good shaving cream, although probably not the best. MSNBC had a story about the perfect shave a few years back. The contributor, Corey Greenberg recommended Trumper’s Violet Soft Shaving Cream along with Trumper’s Limes Skin Food after-shave. I haven’t tried these creams yet myself, but I assure you, I will. I planned on asking for these as gifts for Christmas. Wouldn’t you guess, the first time a man knows what he wants for Christmas, is the moment everyone decides that it will be the first year they don’t ask you what you want!

Most importantly, find a good razor that fits your needs. If you’re still using a Gillette Sensor, it’s really time to move on. I recommend the Gillette Fusion Power if you’re going to be using a multi-blade razor. It will make a world of difference. For a similar shave at a lower cost, try the Gillette Mach 3. However, if you’re interested in experimenting, and finding a long lost secret of man (so they say), try the Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor. Then let me know how it went . Shaving gurus insist that if you take the time to learn how to shave with this razor, you’ll have the smoothest, cleanest, least-irritating shave that you’ve ever experienced. There’s a reason for the learning curve. If you’re use to the multi-blade razors of today, you’re probably use to quick strokes that glide with the curves of your face. The ease-of-use of these razors has led men to push the blade against the skin, hoping for the closest shave. DE razors on the other hand, require technique. You’ll need to learn how to gently swivel the blade across your face, and break the habit of pushing the blade against your skin. This should come naturally after a dozen or so shaves with the razor. DE safety razors are especially good for men that can’t seem to get rid of shaving bumps. Although the Merkur razor is more expensive than a Gillette Fusion, the blades are actually cheaper. Since a Merkur is one that will last a life-time, eventually it pays for itself. After you’ve found what products work best for you, there’s still the actual technique of shaving:

Shower & Cleanse: Cleaning your hands and face will help to prevent infections. Steam from a hot shower will open your pores, causing whiskers to rise. Try shaving while in the shower. If you shave after your shower, be sure to keep your face wet at all times.

Apply a Quality Cream With a Quality Brush: Aim for a nice even lather. Using a brush will provide a whole new experience in the world of shaving. Shaving cream is just as important. Don’t use too much though. An excessive amount of foam will actually cause more irritation. The blade glides easier on a thin layer of cream. A good brush and cream will help to control the lather.

Shave Smart:

1. Minimize strokes; try not to shave repeatedly with short strokes in the same area.

2. Shave with the grain; even though shaving against the grain can sometimes give you a closer shave, it can also cause razor burn, and ingrown hairs. If you choose to shave against the grain, shave a second time, after you’ve removed most of the hair going with the grain. In certain areas on your face, especially the curves, you may need to pull, and tighten the skin carefully, to get a closer shave.

3. Rinse the razor after each stroke to prevent clogging.

4. If you missed a spot, re-apply cream before going back over it with the razor.

Rinse: Use cold water to close pores and soothe the skin.

Dry Face: Pat (don’t rub) your face dry with a soft towel.

Apply After-Shave: Use a toner without alcohol and/or a moisturizer.

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Put the Barber Out of Work