While 75% of men shave their face every day- a task that takes around four months of a man’s life- many men are still in the rough when it comes to getting a close shave. Read our tips and tricks for getting the best shave while protecting your skin.
To begin, make sure that you have the best products for a high-quality shave. Use an exfoliator regularly and before shaving to prevent razor burn, and avoid aftershaves with too much alcohol, which can dry your skin out. Use a styptic pencil or alum block to treat nicks, and look for shaving cream with a high number of lubricants and moisturizers. If you choose to keep a little bit of stubble or are in the process of growing a beard, invest in a stiff-bristled boar’s hair brush to cut back on itchiness.
To save money on razors and shaving, consider using safety razors, which give you the closest shave at the best value; you could also join a mail order razor company to get discounted razors. When it comes to shaving cream, you can save a few cents by using olive oil or hair conditioner, as long as you wash your face thoroughly afterwards.
Shave after your shower so that your follicles can open, and go with the grain of your facial hair. Shave your neck by leaning forward and tilting your head back slightly to flatten the area. Don’t clean your razor by banging it on the edge of the sink; instead, use a small brush or a faucet with high water pressure. If your razor could use a little sharpening, sharpen it on an old pair of jeans by swiping upwards along the leg with the sharp end of the blades facing away.
When you’re finished, splash your face with cold water to avoid skin irritation. Hang your razor somewhere where it can dry completely and use a few drops of an anti-corrosive agent for razors to keep your blade sharp so it lasts longer.
With these tips, you’re a mere 150 strokes of the razor or so (the average amount it takes a man to fully shave) away from a clean-shaven face!
