Summary
– Step 1: Shave in the morning
– Step 2: Wash your face and apply pre-shave oil
– Step 3: Apply shaving cream
– Step 4: Shave slowly in the direction of the hair
– Step 5: Check the shave
– Step 6: Rinse with cold water
– Step 7: Apply aftershave
Shaving the face is a daily ritual for many men. However, most men don’t have complete control over their shaving, leading to irritation and unsightly bumps.
Here’s how to shave your face correctly.
1. Shave in the morning
– Shave your face in the morning and before breakfast because chewing or drinking brings blood flow to the face, which promotes irritation.
– Splash your face with warm water, either in the shower or just before shaving, to moisturize your skin, open your pores and soften your hair for a more effortless shave.
– Be ready to shave within 15 minutes of getting up.
2. Wash your face and apply pre-shave oil
– After wetting your face with warm water, wash it with a neutral, natural soap to:
◦ remove the film of sebum that has formed on your skin after the night;
◦ remove bacteria and impurities that could cause inflammation after shaving.
– Before putting on the shaving foam, pour a drop of pre-shave oil and warm it by rubbing your hands together.
– Apply it to the neck and then to the entire face while still wet.
– Do not rinse.
Note: the choice of the soap is important; take a hypoallergenic soap preferably, in particular, if you have sensitive skin.
3. Apply shaving foam
The choice of a shaving product is essential:
– For a foam, apply it as is; it saves time.
– If you prefer gel, apply it to the skin and massage it into a lather.
– Apply shaving cream with a shaving brush, if possible, made of natural hair:
◦ Wet the shaving brush with warm water.
◦ Coat it with cream (not too much, though).
◦ Spread it over the area to be shaved in circular motions.
Note: this last method is the best of the three because the cream cleans the skin by exfoliating it and the shaving brush straightens the hair, which is then easier to cut.
Note: This last method is the best of the three because the cream cleans the skin by exfoliating it and the shaving brush straightens the hair, making it easier to cut.
– Don’t hesitate to choose products specially designed for sensitive skin.
– Spread the lather evenly over your face (over the pre-shave oil) and wait a minute or so to soak your hair in.
4. Shave slowly in the direction of the hair
– Take your razor (three blades are enough) and shave in the direction of the hair, using smooth, even, long and controlled strokes.
– Proceed first from top to bottom:
◦ at the level of the legs;
◦ at the level of the jaws;
◦ from the cheeks;
◦ under the chin (at Adam’s apple, shift the skin to the side by pulling on it).
– Then, from bottom to top:
◦ laterally, on the neck, under the jaws;
◦ on the rest of the neck (taking care to pull the skin with the fingers of your free hand to make the surface shaved flat and smooth).
– Finally, from top to bottom at the mustache.
– Rinse the razor regularly under hot water to remove any cut hairs.
– After this first pass, pass the razor again, this time against the grain. If you have susceptible skin, apply a new layer of lather before the second pass.
– Use new blades or blades that are sharp enough so that you don’t have to go over the same spot several times, which inevitably leads to irritation and cuts.
Note: In terms of razors, you’ll need to find the one that suits you best. Several trials are often necessary. You should also take the price into account. Don’t forget that blades can be expensive, but disposable razors are very polluting…
5. Check the shave
Make sure you’ve shaved the entire face:
– On the one hand, look in the mirror to see if you’re clean-shaven all over. Check it by running your hand over the whole face to detect any remaining hair.
– Also, don’t forget to check the area under the ears and the sides of the neck.
Note: it is recommended to have good lighting in your bathroom.
6. Rinse with cold water
– Rinse your face thoroughly with cold water to tighten pores and limit micro-bleeding.
– Also, rinse your razor to remove as much hair as possible.
– Wet an alum stone and pass it over your face for its hemostatic action. Be careful; it will sting a little if you cut yourself.
– Dry yourself by dabbing with a clean towel. Above all, avoid rubbing.
7. Apply aftershave
Once you’ve finished shaving, avoid alcoholic products that will aggress your skin rather than rehydrate it as it needs it.
– If you have dry skin, use a soothing aftershave balm to moisturize and purify the skin. Apply the balm by massaging it until it is completely absorbed.
– If you have oily skin: it is better to opt for an alcohol-free lotion. Apply it in small quantities by dabbing the face.
– For normal skin, both solutions are suitable.
You should then feel a pleasant sensation of freshness.
Equipment you need to shave your face.
| Aftershave balm | From $9 per 75 ml |
| Shaving brush | Starting at $30 |
| Shaving cream | Starting at $5 |
| Pre-shave oil | $20 |
| Natural alum stone | $10 |
| Razor | About $10 |
| Soap | $2 approx |
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