What Is The Best Way To Shave My Face?

What a question! Everyone wonders at some stage and even if your dad has passed down his shaving ritual, one still wants to know what the best approach to shaving is. From shaving techniques to creams and brushes, razors and post-shaving skin care, we’re here to help you find the best way to shave your face and become a true gentleman of class.

What Is The Best Way To Shave My Face?

The thought put into your personal routine of shaving can go a long way in achieving that perfect, classy shave! To sum it up for you, the best way to shave your face is:

  1. Choose a shaving mechanism that works for you: Consider your type of skin, your budget and your shaving preferences and choose a razor – be it a cut-throat blade, double edge razor, disposable cartridge razor or even electric razor – that suits your style.
  2. Select a proper shaving cream, gel or soap according to the type of razor you have selected: Shaving creams work best with double edged or straight razors while a gel or foam is suited for disposable cartridge blades. A shaving soap is suited for both electric razors and safety or cut-throat razors.
  3. Invest in a good brush: It will help lift your hairs prior to shaving, therewith allowing for a closer and cleaner shave.
  4. Use proper aftershave: Apply an aftershave to moisturise the skin after shaving and ensure that it is a quality aftershave with nourishing properties.

Firstly, what are the differences in shaving with the various razor types available?

Choose A Quality Razor

 

 

Electric razors are ideal for the individual who wants to be able to choose between various settings that only the new technology can bring – think rotating and vibrating razor blades and adjustable heads. Depending on the model they allow for different shaving speeds, have an adjustable head and usually have a built-in cleaning system that can clean, lubricate and dry your razor.

When purchasing an electric razor, be sure to distinguish between the two main types available: rotary shavers with revolving motions that get closer shaves and foil shavers with oscillating blades that allow for quicker and more efficient shaving. Be sure to understand the growth direction of your facial hair and approach shaving accordingly.

Most electric shavers are used for dry shaving, requiring the face to be well washed with hot water beforehand. Dry shaving is to be combined with the use of an alcohol based pre-shave to ensure that the facial hair is standing up for a closer shave. Are you a bit lazy or rushed in the mornings? Then this is the razor for you, best suited for quick shaves on a daily basis.

Straight razors are the old-school style that still prove efficient and reign supreme in getting the closest shave possible, especially if the blade has been properly sharpened and maintained. The straight razors consist of a single sharp blade and are often used in conjunction with a shaving balm or lotion to reduce skin irritation after shaving.

Double-edged razors, or safety razors, are an older practice that has seen some comeback due to their success in obtaining a true close shave.

How does it work? Soak your shaving brush in steaming water, which helps to lift hairs for a closer shave. Lather on plenty of shave soap and angle the razor at about 30 degrees. Pull the razor straight down without applying pressure and repeat this until you achieve that beautiful smooth face.

Although it will take a while to master this form of shaving, the reward will be the well-earned satisfaction of your effortless, smooth-shaven results. These razors are best paired with a routine of regular shaving and won’t hold up well against a longer beard with tough hair – sorry for the men who like their beards long! Requiring a bit more effort and time, this form of shaving is slow-paced but offers quality results.

Cartridge razors are the typical multi-blade disposable razors commonly found in supermarkets and offer safe and easy use, ideal for younger men who are just starting to shave and excellent for young boys who are eager to play around with the first few whiskers sprouting from their chins.

Cartridge razors can have as many as 5 blades and are usually made from an inferior quality steel, making them cheaper and convenient for travel or a quick shave when you’re pressed for time. Cartridge razors are also available in slightly costlier but better performing versions, offering closer shaves at a price that’s still very decent.

The recent trend is to move away from these razors as the other methods which have stood the test of time still provide a closer shave, cause less irritation to the skin and are more cost-effective over the long run.

Crème de la Shaving Crème

Just as there are many types of razors available, there is an equal amount of shaving creams available on the market with the two main options being brushless shaving cream and lathering shaving cream. The former does not form a lather, meaning it can be applied directly to the face.

Lather shaving cream needs a shaving brush to form a thick foam to be used for shaving. Shaving cream allows for easier shaving as the blade can move smoothly across the skin, causing minimal skin abrasions and cuts. Keep in mind that there is also a major difference between shaving cream, soap and foam. Foams, also known as shaving gel, are the cheapest option but might not work too well on dry skin as they offer minimal moisture.

Cream creates the most foam and is suitable for all skin types, while soaps are generally unscented and thus cater specifically for more sensitive skin prone to rashes and irritation. As gathered from several in-depth articles on the topic, shaving cream Is best used when a lather is built up using the brush and a mug and then applied to the face, although simply slapping it on your cheeks after a bit of rubbing together should do the job as well.

If you’re in a hurry, we suggest sticking to the foams and gels that lather immediately. For those among us who love the art of perfection, go for a shaving soap that requires more time and skill to build up the perfect rich lather.

To Brush Or Not To Brush

Now that we’ve covered the shaving gel, foam, cream and soap, it’s critical to focus on another important aspect of shaving… the shaving brush! In fact, you won’t be able to use a soap or cream without this baby by your side.

The brush not only allows you to generate a deep lather to be applied before shaving but also softens and straightens the facial hair off the face to ensure a closer cut.

The brushing motion of sweeping over the pores helps lubricate the skin and also serves as a mild exfoliator to rid the skin of old skin cells. Say goodbye to those pesky post-shave rashes as they don’t stand a chance against the effects of a proper shaving brush.

Theses brushes can be made from horse, badger or boar hair and in some cases even synthetic materials. The only bad thing about shaving brushes is the hairs that will shed initially but after about 5 shaves your brush should be settled in and perform perfectly for the rest of its lifetime.

Shaving brushes are a relatively affordable but absolutely essential accessory in perfecting the art of a clean, smooth, healthy shave – with excellent results daily! There’s a great variety of shaving brushes on the market so look around until you find one that not only looks good but feels good to hold and brushes well on your skin.

Keep Your Skin Healthy Post-shave!

There’s nothing like a proper aftershave or balm to keep your skin happy, healthy and looking good. Your post-shaving skin care routine is just as important as your preparation before shaving and the deed itself.

It’s a part of shaving that should never be taken lightly and in the interest of getting an acne-free, smooth and clean shave, we recommend investing in a proper aftershave that will nourish and pamper your skin. Have a look at our article about sandalwood aftershaves for some great options that are sure to leave you – and your skin – feeling satisfied!

Conclusion

The proper choice of shaving razors and accessories could make a world’s difference to your regular shaving routine and now that you have all the information – there’s no excuse!

You know what the best way to shave your face is and you can get started straight away.