Crafting a Smooth Shave

DO’s:

1. Prep Before Shaving: Soften your beard with lukewarm water or a pre-shave soap for a smoother shave.
2. Take It Slow: Shave slowly with short strokes, overlapping by 1.5 inches to avoid going over the same area multiple times.
3. Let the Razor Work: Use a heavier single-blade razor; it does the work for you, giving a more efficient shave with less irritation.
4. Embrace the Beard: Beards are in! If it gets too much, use a beard trimmer to keep things in check.
5. Choose the Right Tools: Use a single-edge disposable razor with recommended cleansers or a sanitized non-rotary electric shaver.
6. Moisturize: Apply a post-shave moisturizer like Hydrating Emulsion or Cranberry Creams for hydration and reduced irritation.
7. Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Opt for products that won’t clog pores.
8. Keep Blades Sharp: Change razor blades regularly and replace clipper or T-edger blades every 3-4 months.
9. Pat, Don’t Rub: Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel, especially if you use a scrub in your skincare routine.

DON’Ts:

1. Avoid Rubbing: Don’t rub or scrub your face after shaving; it can cause irritation and redness.
2. Say No to Rotary Shavers: Rotary shavers can lead to ingrown hairs due to cutting in all directions.
3. Skip Multiple Blades: Razors that cut beneath the skin’s surface can cause ingrown hairs; stick to single blades.
4. Dispose of Blades Carefully: Don’t use disposable blades more than twice; soak them in alcohol before the next shave.
5. Clean Your Tools: Always clean razors, clippers, or T-edger blades before and after shaving to maintain hygiene.
6. No Sharing: Don’t share your shaving tools with others to prevent the spread of bacteria.
7. Leave Ingrown Hairs Alone: Tweezing them can make them come back stronger, so resist the urge.
8. Shave Smart: Avoid shaving upward, against the grain, or over the same area multiple times for a closer shave.