I’m so happy with this shaving technique that I had to share it.
I have sensitive skin and a thick beard, so it’s never been easy to figure out just how to shave. Through trial and error, as well as the help of a dermatologist, I found a novel shaving system (with shaving oil!) that lets me get a very close shave without cutting myself or drying out my skin. Here’s how it works:
- Shave in the shower. Showers are hot, steamy, and relaxing, which is ideal for softening your beard in advance of a calm, unrushed shave. Wait five minutes before starting to shave if practical. To watch your technique and be thorough, it is very helpful to have a non-fogging mirror.
- Shampoo first. Shampooing does two things. First, it gets your face wet, which starts the process of softening your stubble. Second, you can pat some of the foam on your beard, which gently cleanses your skin. Rinse the foam off or use a small exfoliating brush
and you’re ready for what’s next.
- Apply shaving oil. This is an unusual step with amazing results. Take a dab of shaving oil and rub it all over the area to be shaved. Shave oils adhere to your skin and lubricate it, greatly reducing razor drag, as well as the risk of nicks and cuts. You can try an expensive oil like the Art of Shaving’s Pre-Shave Oil
, or you can just use much less expensive olive oil (easy to find but thin) or castor oil
(super thick and lubricating, but a little funny smelling).
- Apply shaving cream. Massage the shaving cream onto your face right on top of the shaving oil. Hypoallergenic, gel-based shaving creams like Nivea for Men Sensitive Shaving Gel
provide the best experience, in my opinion. A shaving brush may be helpful for lifting the hair but I don’t use one. Never use soap to shave: it will dry out your skin and remove the oil.
- Use a sharp multi-blade razor. A good razor with at three to four blades is essential. (Too many blades and many razors make it hard to get under your nose.) If the razor feels like it is pulling on your hair, discard it (or replace the razor head) and get another.
- Shave with the grain, then against. To reduce irritation and the risk of cutting yourself, your want to shave over your skin as little as possible while getting as close as possible. So shave first in the direction of your beard (usually down on your face), which takes away most stubble, and then shave against that direction to take care of the remainder. Keep your skin taut and don’t press too hard. Rinse your blade thoroughly once finished.
- Use a non-drying cleanser. While still in the shower, remove any remaining shave oil that might clog your pores by using a moisturizing cleanser like Cetaphil
, CeraVe
, or their generic equivalents.
- Moisturize your face. Once out of the shower, pat your face dry and apply a moisturizer. I shave in the morning, so I like a hypoallergenic moisturizer with sunscreen like Neutrogena Healthy Defense
. Remember, everybody should use sunscreen.
And that’s it! If you do cut yourself, the most effective way to stop bleeding is to press and hold a little bit of toilet paper against your face. Good luck!
P.S. What does this have to do with marketing? Well, I loaded the page with Amazon affiliate links. Isn’t that good enough?