Shaving: Secrets Dad Never Told You
By Greg Melville
Maybe you and Pa never had “the talk.” Or maybe you did, and still your face suffers from razor bumps and irritation. Here’s the shaving primer you never had.
It’s that subject you and your dad never mentioned. He felt too awkward to talk about it, and you -- fearful he’d go into graphic details on how it’s done properly and (ugh) tell the story of his first time -- didn’t even know how to bring it up. Yes, we’re talking about shaving.
As a result, you haven’t enjoyed the benefits of a baby-clean face since before your voice dropped an octave. And if you don’t have the sharpest shaving IQ, don’t worry: You’re not alone. Dr. Lisa Kellett, a dermatologist, says about 50 percent of her patients don’t shave properly. “It’s a time-consuming ritual, and the other problem is educating men about their skin,” she says. “The trend of men’s skin care is a new one.”
Your dad will agree with that last point, although you and he will probably never talk about it. Here are some pointers on how to shave the right way so you and the old man can talk about more comfortable subjects, like women.
Step 1: Shower first
Hot water opens the pores and softens the skin and hair. Ideally, you should also use an exfoliator, which will remove the dead outer layer of skin and keep the pores clean, recommends Kellett.
Step 2: Lather up
Use a thick, nondrying shave gel and apply it in a circular motion. “If you have one, use a badger-hair shaving brush, which helps lift the hairs, allowing the razor to cut them more cleanly and minimizing the stubborn few that escape the blade,” says Dr. Jeffrey Benabio, a dermatologist and skin care expert.
Step 3: Use a sharp, multiblade razor
If you don’t have an effective, multiblade razor, you’re undermining all your other efforts. Rinse after every pass to remove hair and shave cream, and don’t press hard when shaving or you’ll be removing a layer of skin too. “Men don’t have to sacrifice their skin for a closer shave,” says Kellett. Just let the blade glide over your face and replace the cartridge after four or five uses.
Step 4: Shave in the direction the hair grows
Shave in the wrong direction and you’ll scrape away a layer of skin. And keep in mind: Hair doesn’t always point downward -- especially on the sideburns, chin and neck, notes Benabio.
Step 5: Wash your face
Splash with cold water to close the pores. Pat dry.
Step 6: Moisturize
Lotion or aftershave will regenerate the skin. “A gel-based one is better for acne-prone skin,” advises Kellett.
Greg Melville is a former Men’s Journal editor who has written about grooming for several publications, including Men’s Health. Melville sports a mean noontime shadow.
Comments
girls can learn alot from this article..! thanks
Can you shave me, jess?
ew, i just noticed waht John B. said. ... i'll shave you if you shave me.
What home solution or over the counter gel or cream could I use?
Where do I find my answer to my question
I am an African American male and I noticed my skin is getting dark in the shaved areas. How can I clear this up?
I have suggested to my partner who is also an Africam American male to shave after showering. He shaves before showering; as a stylist I educating him a proper sskin care.
There's an even better method. Use an electric.
Get yourself a double edge safety razor, blades, a brush and some good quality shave cream or soap. (Leave the multiple blade throw-away razors behind.) You will get a closer shave and a less irritating shave...imagine that! Rinse with cold water and apply a good quality mosturizer. Your face will be free of irritation and bumps after about a week. That was my experience after I left the disposable razors behind.
I have a thick, course beard and am prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Only the last 3 tips in this article work for me. If I do # 1) the hair will be cut below the surface and cause bumps. For no 2) the only thing that will leave me with no irritation is a fragrence/color free shaving Lotion. For number 3) multi blades shave the area too many times and are all around bad news (for me). If I followed 1-3 I'd be suffering for days! Everyone's different. Find what works best for your face and stick with it.
underwood: gross
I suggest soaking your face in invigorating balmy water prior to shaving for at least 4 minutes... this might kill you, but it will also make you realize how petty it is having shaving lessons and you'll be able to live a long carefree life if you survive.
FOR THE BEST SHAVE BUY A FOG-FREE MIRROR AND SHAVE IN THE HOT STEAMY SHOWER!!!
good one Ernesto... TheRaptor is right, just get a good electric shaver and you will have a better shave in half the time.
Shave the whales!
#4 is absurd. shaving "with" the hair allows some hair to slide under the blade instead of being cut. shaving into the hair allows the end of each hair to slip between the blades and it gets cut at the very base for a close shave. besides,your skin does not have a "grain" or direction, so why would shaving in one direction "scrape away a layer of skin", while the other direction won't?!? i recently discovered gillette fusion power razors. wow! the vibrating razor helps power through my coarse beard and head hair. i was never able to shave with a blade 2 days in a row until i tried this razor. i also use a store brand knockoff of nivea oatmeal shave gel. of course, shaving in the shower is A MUST! you don't need a fog free mirror either. simply wipe the mirror with soapy hand or cloth after you wash your face. the suds will run off in a minute and it will stay fog free for the rest of your shower. i usually use the fusion monday mornings, then electric for a day or 2 (or 3 if i'm lazy). then the fusion for the weekend when i want a really close shave. anybody that says electric is anywhere near as close a shave as a blade is delusional.
The best tips ever: let your razors soak in rubbing alcohol when not in use. They last 10 times longer and shave much more closer. I use the dollar store 2blades, I have a heavy beard and my razors last 10 days or more. 3-4 blade razors clog up to easily, worthlesss.Use shaving soap if you can, closer shave.Electric razors are worthless. rinse with cold water. If you shave in the shower....rub a little saliva/spit on the mirror prior to showering, it will remain fog-free. You're welcome
wash my face with hot water and soap for a few minutes b4 i shave. i also always shave the night b4.
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