How to Shave a Beard

If you're sporting a long straggling beard, then it's possibly because you are going for a spiritual transcendentalist hermit look, or simply because you do not know how to shave a beard. It's a skill that every man must acquire in his lifetime, but the best way to shave a beard can be learnt only through constant practice. If you fail to follow fundamental beard shaving tips, you will end up with not just cuts on your face, but also with irritated skin, resulting in rashes and excessive itchiness. The point when a man starts shaving usually corresponds with the point of adolescent indifference, so any advice on the best way to shave a beard is promptly disregarded.

You may be led to believe that sporting a wisdom displaying beard, or other such beard styles works wonders for the image you portray, but more often than not, you just end up looking like a civilization deprived prehistoric primate. Trim your beard regularly to avoid being on the receiving end of a staunch look of dismissal from your friends, family and colleagues. Read more on beard grooming and beard trimming.

How to shave a beard properly is not a tough task at all, but if you're developing nerves because it's your first time, just stay calm and read on to understand the best way to shave a beard.

1. The first thing you need to do when removing facial hair, is figure out which razor is best for you. There are a multitude of choices available in the market, and going for a 3 blade razor is the safest option. Also, ensure that every time you shave, the blade is not too old or worn out. Using a new razor will help prevent razor burns, which tend to be quite troublesome.
2. Now, you need to moisten your beard and skin in order to avoid any unwanted cuts. Use warm water to do so, or you can even place a wet cloth on your face for a minute. When learning how to shave a beard, do not fall for the commercials you see on TV, as they make the whole act of how to shave a beard look much simpler than it actually is.
3. The next step is applying your choice of shaving foam, shaving gel, or shaving powder. Spread it evenly all across your face, and be generous. Depending on the thickness of your beard, you can decide how much you will require to apply.
4. Now comes the actual removal of the hair. Start under your sideburns and use gentle but firm strokes in a downward motion towards your chin. Do not constantly stroke your razor around a fixed patch. The more you tighten and stretch your skin, the closer will be the shave.
5. For your throat, you need to change the angle of your strokes. Now you will be shaving beard in upward strokes, that again move towards your chin. This is the trickiest part as more often than not, you may end up cutting yourself, so be very careful. Its best not to rush yourself, but do not apply too many rough strokes.
6. Now, carefully shave off the hair on your chin, and make sure that there is no trace of hair left on or around it.
7. Pull down your upper lip, and shave downwards, away from your nose. Leave this portion unshaven at your own peril.
8. Now, check your face for any hair that you may have missed in the process. Places where this is a likely occurrence, are near your ears, your upper cheek bones,, and the lower side of your jaw.
9. Rinse your face to get rid of the remaining cream, and apply after-shave or other facial skin care products if you choose to.
10. During the entire procedure, remember to constantly rinse your razor after every 2-3 strokes. Either do this in a tumbler of water, or you can even choose to fill up the water in your washbasin, as this will prevent wastage of water.

Now, you have effectively finished your shave, and are good to go. Make a note of the difference in appearance between your old shaggy self, and your new groomed look. Also, watch how people begin to change their behavior towards you, once you have taught yourself how to shave a beard.