How to Get The Perfect Shave

A safety razor with a single blade will give you the really close shave you have been looking for without causing any irritation to your face. If you have shaving products that work for you and that you enjoy using then stick with them. For those seeking the classic wet shave and want to appreciate the art of shaving like your grandfather did then read on.

Best ensure that your face is clean and relaxed. Never attempt to shave without first having a hot shower or bath. Hot water and soap softens the beard, opens pores and cleanses the skin. Did you know that;

• facial hair is some of the toughest hair on the entire body
• a dirty face can be the cause of infections and razor rash

Before you start to shave your face massage soap or facial scrub into your beard and leave it there for a few minutes to soften the hair follicles. I do this whilst in the shower. If you haven't the time for a shower use a hot, wet face cloth and leave it on your face for a minute or two. The more you can soften your beard and relax your skin the more pleasurable the experience will be. There are some preshave products on the market and the ones I have tried tend not to work.

Now fill a sink with hot water, dip your shaving brush into the water, shake off excess then swirl lightly into your favorite shaving product. Apply the loaded brush to the face in a circular motion. This will whip up a thick moist lather lifting each hair of your beard whilst protecting and lubricating the skin.

How to get the best shave

Take your time as you shave and always with the grain of your hair, this is the direction the hairs grow so check your neck to see if it grows in the same direction as you face. The simplest method is to run your fingertip down your cheek, does it run smoothly? Now run your fingertip in the opposite direction, does it feel like sandpaper and make a scratchy sound? Shave in the direction that's smoothest, there is no need to press on just let the your razor's blade do the work.

Hold the razor like you would a fountain pen or table knife, The razor will feel weighty and balance nicely so that the blade is about 45 degrees to your face. Use your spare hand and facial muscles to hold your face gently taut creating a flat surface for the blade to glide over. Take slow, short strokes first to build confidence, rinsing your razor in the sink after each stroke. Once you feel confident and you want that smooth as baby's bum close shave then re-lather and shave lightly across or against the grain. You simply won't get smoother softer skin by any other method.

If you suffer from irritation during or after then check out the shaving with sensitive skin page.