Shaving Tips

Though men have been shaving their beards since time immemorial, some of them just can't seem to get it right. No matter how hard they try, they seem to end up with a cut here or there, ingrown hair, and uneven hair removal, not to mention the high levels of skin irritation after shaving. All this for something that does not even serve its purpose properly. If you can identify with any of these problems mentioned here, then you probably are in need of some good shaving tips.

Shaving Tips for Men

An important thing to remember when you shave is that, the best time to do it is after a shower. Do not, under any circumstance, do it immediately after you get up. Give your skin some time to wake up too, and then start the process. Take a look at these tips that will help you get it right.

• Before you begin shaving, ensure that you have allowed the hair on the face to soften. Dampen your face with water, using a face cloth. This way you will be able to get a closer shave.
• Apply a pre-shave oil or lotion for the purpose of keeping the skin moisturized and to avoid a razor burn. Choose from emu oil, or a lotion that has a high amount of aloe in it. Following a regular exfoliation routine to eliminate dead cells is also essential for a good shave.
• Whatever shaving gel or cream you use, apply it with the help of a shaving brush. A small amount on the center of the brush will help you work up a good lather and give you a clean shave.
• Start the process by running your shaving brush around your face in a circular motion. Ensure you have covered all the areas. Wet the brush a little and continue rubbing it in a circular motion, if you run out of lather.
• Always use a sharp razor blade, as a dull one will require more pressure to get rid of facial hair, and ultimately may result in cuts and burns.
• Now, use the razor to remove all the hair, in slow motions, and run the razor in the direction of the hair growth and not against it. If you go against it, it can result in ingrown hair, razor bumps, and cuts.
• However, a second round of shaving, with the razor going against the hair growth can really help reduce the necessity to shave everyday. Just reapply the lather with the shaving brush, and shave so that the razor goes against the direction of hair growth. If possible, use a new blade for this round.
• After every stroke of the razor, keep rinsing it to remove the collected lather and hair. This ensures that the hair on your face is evenly removed.
• Wash all the excess lather from your face, and wipe it clean. Then, apply some moisturizer to soothe the skin. Usually shaving creams have a lot of alcohol content that can irritate the skin. Using a moisturizer will reduce this irritation.

Using an Electric Shaver

Using an electric shaver is not rocket science. In fact it is much simpler, and definitely less messier than the other processes involved in manual shaving. Take a look at these tips to help you get a clean shave with the use of an electric shaver.

• Even when using an electric shaver, you have to dampen your face to start with. Doing so will render the shaving process much simpler.
• An electric shaver usually has a pivoting head, to enable a clean shave. Even so, the amount of pressure and its application will have to be controlled by you. The best way to use an electric shaver is begin with the neck. Then slowly move upwards.
• Like a shaving brush, even an electric shaver should be rotated in a circular motion, but unlike a razor blade, the strokes when using an electric shaver should be quicker.
• The pressure that you apply should be enough to effectively remove the hair. Do not apply too much pressure as it will begin to hurt.
• Hold your skin firmly, so that you attain a clean shave, and get rid of every strand of hair on your face.
• Also, follow the shave with the use of a moisturizer.

Always store the electric shaver after you have emptied it of all the collected hair. Remember to change the blade on the shaver every month, for a smooth shave.

Shaving Tips for Sensitive Skin

Men with sensitive skin can have a hard time dealing with the effects of shaving gel or cream, and razor burn and cuts that are all part of a normal shaving procedure. However, shaving is ultimately essential, and here are some tips that will help.

• A daily routine of moisturizing the face is essential for those with sensitive skin. Moreover, the use of a lotion that contains aloe, or almond oil before a shave can help reduce the irritation caused by the shaving process. Not only that, the razor also smoothly glides over the skin and reduces the possibility of cuts.
• Using a shaving cream that is particularly meant for sensitive skin is helpful. Avoid the use of those that have a high menthol content, as it is known to cause irritation. Also do not use soap instead of shaving cream, as this dries the skin out completely.
• Even though your skin is sensitive, using a sharp razor will definitely reduce the chances of razor burns. As mentioned before, using a blunt razor is more likely to cause this problem.
• Change your razor or the blade after every three shaves, for a clean and smooth shave.
• Again, follow up the shaving procedure with the use of a good quality moisturizer or oil for sensitive skin.

Use these tips effectively, and you will be guaranteed a smooth, clean shave for sure. If you really adhere to these measures, chances are, over time you will have to shave less often, and not have to undergo the agony of a daily shaving routine.