3 Essential Parts of a Great Shave

 ​Did you know that the average guy is likely to shave over 10,000 times in his life? It's crazy, right? Since shaving is so popular, we wanted to talk about the three main parts of shaving and how important they are for a bump-free shave.  As explained by Curtis Smith of Xotics in his informational blog,  proper shaving technique is the best way to ensure a smooth shave!

SKIN PREP

​Prepping the skin for a shave is the most important step!  Before you start shaving, you should wash your face with warm water and a mild, moisturizing cleanser. This will gently cleanse your skin, loosen any dirt and oils, and open your pores, leaving you a blank canvas for pre-shave products.

​Pre-shave oils or conditioners work wonders in keeping your skin and hair hydrated. They soften the hair all the way down the follicle and help form a protective layer for your razor to glide smoothly. This minimizes stokes needed, with light pressure, which reduces any irritation or bumps.  Pair it with a hot towel for the ultimate skin prep experience!

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THE SHAVE

When you begin shaving, the first pass should be with the grain. This means to shave in the direction the hair grows.  Doing this will help prevent razor bumps and irritation.  With proper skin prep, you shouldn’t need hard pressure as the razor should glide smoothly.

Going for the second pass, you should go across the grain. This means to shave with horizontal strokes instead of vertical ones.  This is great to get a little bit closer of a shave, and to get those sensitive areas like your neck and under your nose.

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Depending on your skin and how sensitive you might be, you may choose to do a third pass. If so, this time you should go against the grain, opposite direction of how the hair grows. Be careful on this one, shaving in this direction pulls the hair up, which increases the risk for irritation.

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AFTER SHAVE CARE

  Using an aftershave product can be really beneficial for your skin. It acts like a disinfectant, so it will prevent any dirt and bacteria from entering your pores after shaving. And if you rinse your face with cool water, it can help soothe your skin and close your pores, which can reduce the likelihood of irritation and prevent things like ingrown hairs and folliculitis.   To fully close your pores, use a cold towel!
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Shaving dries out your skin, and most aftershave products contain alcohol. It’s important to use a facial moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. This will keep your skin smooth and healthy, and prevent razor burns and wrinkles!  

Make sure to take good care of your skin before, during, and after shaving. Start by giving enough attention to the most important step: Skin Prep-opening your pores and softening your hair. Then, use the right strokes when you shave. With, across, and against the grain.  Once you're done, don't forget to close your pores and moisturize your skin.  

Knowledge makes you Sharp on the Inside.  Applying it makes you Sharp on the Outside!