While shaving is a regular task for most men, it often gets less attention than it deserves. Also, despite the many tools and products offered in the market, not every man is aware of the exact steps that need to be followed during a shaving session.
Poor shaving skills can cause an unkempt look along with cuts and wounds. Paving the way for a perfect shave, this article provides useful tips and techniques.
Highlights:
How To Shave Your Face?
1. Prepare Your Face
For a perfect shave, your skin needs to be prepared for the razor. Also, your facial hair needs to soften. A hot shower can get you this desired result. It will also clean off the dirt and oil from your skin pores. Using a pre shave oil with natural ingredients will further help to soften your beard hair.
2. Choose A Shaving Cream
Shaving cream is a must for a healthy and perfect shaving session. Go for a shaving cream that has natural ingredients and suits your skin type. Avoid chemical-based creams as they may irritate your skin. Never try to dry shave on your face. It will cause itching and redness. Apply the shaving cream evenly on your beard with a brush and then remove the beard using a razor. You can use a shaving gel as well.[1]
3. Choose A Razor
You can choose between a single-blade, twin-blade or a multi-blade razor. Ensure that you are comfortable using the tool and that it has a sharp blade. You can also go for an electric razor or a disposable one, depending on your preferences.
4. Razor Strokes
Use the razor in the direction of your hair growth. It will not just make your shaving easier but also prevent cuts and wounds. Do not apply much pressure while taking the strokes. Hold the razor lightly and glide it over your skin to remove the facial hair. Make sure your razor is clean before you use it. Wash your razor with warm water after usage.
5. Repeat Shaving
After the first razor usage, rinse your face with water. Now repeat shaving on the already clean skin to get a smoother skin. Glide the razor in the opposite direction of your hair growth. If you are using a disposable razor, then do not use it for more than three times. Alternatively, you can change your regular razor’s blade after every 6-7 shaves.
6.Use After Shave
Once you are done cleaning your face with cold water, use an aftershave to soothe your skin. Aftershave lotion or gel will protect your skin from bacterial infection, skin irritation, itchiness and redness.
Easy Shaving Tips For Men
1. Exfoliate your face before shaving. It will remove all the dirt and dead skin cells from your skin pores and give you a better shaving experience.
2. Check your razor blade before using it. If the razor’s blade is dull and old, discard it. Using such a blade may cause skin issues like warts and folliculitis.[2]
3. Use a soft bristle brush to apply the shaving cream to your face. Do not use a hard bristle brush, as it can cause cuts.
4. Do not forget to apply sunscreen when you go out after saving. Skin tends to become more sensitive after shaving.[3] Applying sunscreen can help avoid skin rashes caused by exposure to sun.
5. As skin becomes dry after shaving, apply a moisturizer after shaving your face.
6. Do not apply alcohol or chemical-based aftershave on your face as these can make your skin dry.
7. Take time to shave your face. A hurried shave may lead you to injure yourself while shaving.
8. Store your razor in a dry place between shaving sessions. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria on the razor.
What Are The Side Effects Of Shaving Facial Hair?
1. Ingrown Hair Formation
Many men get ingrown hair after shaving. Usually, the terminal hair of your face is thicker than the rest of your face. Shaving the terminal hair leads to higher chances of ingrown hair formation. Ingrown hair follicles, later on, lead to painful bumps.[4]
2. Skin Damage
Shaving makes your skin sensitive in general. You may feel tenderness after shaving. Also, during a shaving session, you can get cuts and wounds which may damage your skin. [5] If not done properly, shaving can also worsen your acne.
3. Dryness
If you do not moisturize your skin after a shaving session, your skin will become extremely dry and dull. This may lead to itchiness as well.
How To Take Care Of Your Facial Hair?
1. Cleanse Your Beard
Wash your beard on a regular basis to get rid of the dirt, dust and dead skin cells from your skin and beard. Use a shampoo to clean your beard. It would be just like a regular hair wash.
2. Use Conditioner
Apply conditioner right after washing your beard. It will hydrate your facial hair and keep it moisturized.
3. Beard Oil
Use beard oil to boost beard growth. Beard oil will moisturize your beard and soften the stubble.
4. Use non-comedogenic products
Choose your skincare products wisely. Whatever skincare product you use for your skin, it also touches your beard. Hence choose products that suit your skin type. Also choose products that are non-comedogenic to avoid any kind of allergic reactions.
5. Trim Your Beard
While you would not want a clean-shaven look all the time, opting for a trim can give you a well-groomed look.
How Often Should You Shave Your Face?
If you are rooting for a clean-shaven look, shave your face every two to three days. Otherwise, you can wait for three to five days for shaving. To grow a full-grown beard, skip shaving for a month or two.
When Is The Best Time To Shave Your Face?
The best time to shave your face is after a warm shower. The shower will make your hair soft and you will find it easier to shave the softened hair. You can also shave your face during the shower.
Should Men Shave Their Faces Up Or Down? And Why?
Facial skin is sensitive. Shaving facial hair often causes razor burn, ingrown hair, skin irritation and a lot of other skin issues. Therefore, experts recommend shaving in the downwards direction to avoid any such issues.
Wrapping Up
Perfect shaving is not really a huge task. All you need is the knowledge and attention. Team up the best-suited products for your shaving and begin to give that beard of yours an awesome look. Good Luck!
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