Put the Barber Out of Work
Not that I have anything against barber shops, but why not learn how to shave facial hair like a pro, right at home? A perfect shave for men doesn’t have to be complicated. Shaving use to be considered a relaxing tradition for most men. A technique that was passed down from father to son over the years. However, modern day products have turned shaving into a quick, do-it-as-fast-as-you-can morning hassle. I suppose that fits the description of the typical lifestyle these days. Try changing your shaving habits; you might end up feeling satisfied, rather than looking like Edward Scissorhands just finished creating artwork from your face.
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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I love to shave fast I actually hate to shave.
nice post!!
clint
Another tip is to change blades whenever they get dull.
Shaving in the shower is a good one. It keeps everything clean which is needed throughout the shaving session.
Real men use power tools, like the rear wheel of a YFZ450 ATV to skin the stubble down to bare skin!
Seriously though, doesn’t most everyone use an electric razor these days? If not hit me up, I’ve gotten one for my birthday every year for a decade now. Think my kids are hinting that they don’t like the smell of burnt rubber on warm flesh anymore?
disclaimer: back away from the power tools, i’m kidding!
I don’t shave of course but my brothers do. They shave almost everyday. They are not using electronic razors and I remembered asking them the reason why they prefer to use non-electronic razor. They replied that they enjoy shaving manually!!
I bought a electronic razor few days ago from my friend’s shop. After shaving for a few days using this new razor, I am getting use to it by now. I even shave without applying cream cause I feel it’s much more easier,faster and cleaner than using non-auto one.
Some good tips but I think you’ll also get some real value by going “old school” with the Trumpers cream, brush, and a single blade (the Futur may be “too much” for a newbie). Check out the traditional shaving sub-culture at web forums like http://www.shavemyface.com and http://www.badgerandblade.com, and my youtube shaving channel at http://www.youtube.com/shavetutor.
Nice YouTube videos Mark!
Some of you guys may hate the process, but you look so nice when your face is neatly shaved, mustache trimmed and you have on a great smelling after shave. It’s very attractive.
I use a Wilkinson Sword manual multiple blade recently changing from a Gillette Nitro. The WS is a far better razor, it achieves a closer shave and leaves my face less irritated. I have sensitive skin.
Great advice to pat dry the face as rubbing causes unnecessary irritation. I also use a moisturiser afterwards to protect my face from the elements.
Cheers Jason.
p.s. @Look 4 dreams girls are you sure you don’t shave somewhere other than your face? Arm pits maybe?
I don’t shave with a razor blade (it’s just too troublesome applying the shaving cream, etc)
My hair grows rapidly, so I go with tan electric razor. It doesn’t give the closeness as good as a razor blade though
I hate shaving, but I love getting shaved at the barber’s shop.
I should just go purchase my own straight razor…it does the best job, in my opinion.
And no pesky replacement blades!
@Shelia- Hear hear! My wife *adores* stroking my face right after I shave.
@Wes- You may find that you can get a pleasant and just as close a shave yourself with the right tools and techniques (though getting a barber shave can be a nice “pampering” experience if the barber knows what he’s doing).
I like to match my razor with my Dopp kit, but sometimes I think I’m crazy.
[...] there is plenty to keep you busy if you are a first time visitor. Myself I enjoyed the article on shaving, it really hit home when it talked about shaving being more of a chore to be done as fast as [...]
I shave with an electric razer and I fly through it in the mornings so that I can get to work on time so I never thought about it being relaxing. When I get a haircut ity is a different story, I have always enjoyed having the sides of my head shaved. It is a very relaxing thing especially when you can find a place that will still do it with a straight razer.
Nice post! I’m the guy with that “Edward Scissorhands artwork” face
I don’t like to pass through all that shaving hassle but I do like the “after shave” feeling. My wife gifted me an electric razor 20 years ago which I liked because I could stay a couple of more minutes in bed then rush to job. But once it stopped working about 5-6 years later I started to shave manually and never turn back. I had to wake up earlier but the shaving was much better and I felt my face much fresh and clean. Now that I’m retired I shave myself every 2-3 days.
I just grab the razor and start shaving. Any stubble that is left just has to remain. Am I the only guy that shaves like this?
I enjoy wet/dry function. It’s and so easy along with very efficiency.