A Useful Guide for the Ideal Shaving Routine

You might be thinking: “Do I even need a guide for a shaving routine?” Shaving may not seem like rocket science, but your skin is more complicated than it seems. Plus, it won’t hurt to learn a proper shaving routine. In fact, it very likely will hurt if you don’t learn these tips, because then your skin will almost certainly suffer from dryness and irritation. But do not fret, a clean and carefree shaving routine is just around the corner! All you have to do is follow this 4-step guide, and shaving will no longer be a hassle. 

Do I even need a guide for my shaving routine?

Step 1:  Be gentle and Take it Slow

Prep your skin. One of the most common mistakes is skipping the preparation, and just having at it. But you should remember to treat your skin gently and take it slow. The skin needs preparation and proper moisturization before it can properly respond to the razor with minimal drag and maximum glide. You might want to start with a light scrub to remove or smooth any rough patches and some of the dead skin cells, to allow the razor blades to travel nick-free across the surface. Next, apply warm (not hot) water or a warm towel. Use a mild yet effective cleanser specially designed for men’s facial skin, and you’re ready for the next step.

Allow the razor blades to travel nick-free across the surface.

Step 2: Slow and Intentional Strokes

Here, too, it’s best not to be rash (pun intended). Rushing the razor, you will apply too much pressure and your movements will be abrupt and less coordinated. The razor will snag and drag and pull on your skin. If you don’t want to cut yourself, take your time. Shave with slow, intentional strokes. Be gentle and apply only light pressure. Try to feel the weight of the razor and let it tell you how hard you need to press. Shave in the direction of your hair growth first, then follow each swipe with a counter swipe for baby-butt-smooth skin. Make sure your blade is clean by rinsing it under running water after each stroke. Keep your shaving equipment clean for a safer shaving routine. 

Keep your shaving equipment clean for a safer shaving routine.

Step 3: Post-Shaving Care

The end is important in all things, some Japanese wise man said once (we think). What happens after is just as important as the act itself. This is the time to cool things down. Rinse off with cool water and dry yourself with a soft, warm towel. Don’t rub – gentle patting is better at this stage in your shaving routine. Massage in some moisturizer to hydrate the skin and make it soft and comfortable. Be sure to clean the razor well and make sure that it dries well after rinsing. To prevent bacteria from appearing on the blades, don’t leave it in the shower or in a puddle on a wet sink. Replace razors often.

Be sure to clean the razor well and make sure that it dries well after rinsing.

Step 4: Not Shaving for a Shaving Routine

A good shaving routine should include non-shaving time. The way you don’t shave is just as important as the way you shave. It builds up to the act and defines it. You need to give yourself and your skin time to rest. Shaving every single day can get tiresome and make you impatient, reducing the quality of the shave. The skin, too, needs rest to feel less irritated and allow a smoother, closer shave. Your weekly shaving routine should include one or more days off from shaving.

If you’ve decided to give up shaving for some time and grow a glorious beard, shaving again would be a little trickier. You should sustain your beard’s health and hydration. Both of which you can achieve by nourishing your beard with Beard Oil. We recommend massaging your beard with Beard Oil to prevent itchy, irritated skin and make the shaving when it comes, a less painful experience.

You should sustain your beard’s health and hydration.

Conclusion – Know Your Skin

To please your skin, you need to know its character. A good shaving routine starts with knowing your skin. The measures you take before, during, and after the shave vary according to how dry, oily and sensitive your skin is. Be an attentive shaver and prepare accordingly. Furthermore, the condition of your skin depends on other things besides moisturizers and lathering. How much and how well you sleep, what you do and what you eat – all affect your skin and the quality of your shave. The ideal shaving routine is the result of a mindful, skin-aware lifestyle.