shaving, beard, grooming routine How to shave your face perfectly? Getty Images
GQ is there for a lot, including telling you how to shave your face. And also to explain to you how to tie a tie. But who wears ties anymore, anyway? Depending on your facial hair and your desires, you may need to shave every day.
Sometimes everything will be fine and you will look like a newly elected head of state, and other times you will not avoid cuts and pimples. Often the result will be mixed. Unless you're a masochist, we assume you prefer to look your best and feel fresh after every shave. So it's time for you to learn how to shave properly once and for all and adopt a routine that puts all the chances in your favor.
If you want to get a close, smooth, irritation-free shave, and know how to shave without cutting yourself, you need to remember two things: take it easy and follow the right routine. There are products specifically designed for each stage of shaving that allow you to gradually prepare the skin, shave it gently and then treat it. By taking your time and following these simple commandments, you'll avoid razor burn, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation.
How to shave your beard? Which way to shave? These are questions that keep coming up. When it comes to shaving your beard, make sure you go in the same direction as your facial hair. Understand: shave in the sense that when you pass your hand it is gentle.
This will reduce your chances of getting ingrown hairs and red bumps caused by hairs trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Spoilers: it’s not always in the same direction.
1. Start with a facial cleanser (and lukewarm water)
If you're wondering whether it's better to shave before or after showering, here's the answer. Before you can do anything to your face, you must wash it. This will help rid your skin and hair of excess oil, as well as any dirt or debris that could either get stuck between the blades of your razor or irritate your face.
At a minimum, wash your face with lukewarm water before each shave. For what ? Because warm water relaxes the skin and opens the pores, making it more receptive to the razor blade and less prone to ingrown hairs. Ideally, use an effective facial cleanser suitable for your skin , always taking care to use lukewarm water.
2. Use a facial exfoliant to smooth the skin
In addition to removing dirt with water and a good cleanser, it is also important to use an exfoliant before shaving. This essential product for any self-respecting man (and above all who cares about the good health of his face) rids the skin of excess dead cells which could otherwise cause razor friction or clog wide open pores. Rest assured, all you need is a gentle exfoliation to avoid this pitfall.
3. Coat your face and body hair with pre-shave oil
Third step: make the skin and hair receptive to shaving and the passage of the blade. To do this, you can use a pre-shave oil which prepares the skin and softens the hairs. The oil creates a dense nutrient layer on the skin, so the blade glides smoothly and with little resistance. (because the hairs are no longer dry but somehow softened). That's all we want: to avoid friction and snags.
4. Apply shaving cream from bottom to top
When you apply your shaving cream, do it in an upward motion, from bottom to top, so as to lift the hairs upwards and away from the face. This results in a smoother, more precise shave. The type of shaving cream or oil you use is up to you, but we recommend something that doesn't lather excessively – in other words, a product that doesn't totally obscure your face and hairs that need cleaning cut.
You have to keep an eye on what you are doing. Moreover, if you want to shave the top of your cheeks and neck to clearly define the contours of your beard, there are very practical transparent gels for a clean cut. In any case, choose a refreshing and soothing product.
Finally, if you want to shave without foam, you can very well use soap. However, be sure to moisten your face well (with lukewarm water) and lather the soap thoroughly to cover all of your skin. Soap can either be a backup solution if you are traveling or vacationing in a hotel and don't have your usual product with you.
But, it can also become a new routine. There are in fact mild and antiseptic soaps specifically designed for shaving. It's up to you to find the product that suits you.
5. Use a clean, sharp razor
Do you follow razor hygiene rules? First, you should replace your razor (at least its blades) every 6 to 8 shaves depending on the nature of your hair. Either way, you need something sharp, smooth and clean. So make sure to rinse your blade well with hot water and store it upright in a cool, dry place after your shave and until your next one. Not next to your sink. Oh and finally, it's very good if your razor has between three and five blades.
Make a first pass with your razor, taking care to clean your blade frequently with hot water to get rid of hairs and foam. Use gentle, short strokes, rather than sweeping the blade over a large area of your face at once. If you are satisfied with the result, stop there. If you want to get an even cleaner effect, you can reapply your shaving gel/foam/soap and doing a second pass will make your skin even smoother.
6. Rinse with cold water and apply aftershave
Just like hot water opened your pores, you need a cold splash at the end of the shave to rinse everything out and tighten the pores back to their normal size and help them get rid of trapped bacteria. Then do not hesitate to apply an aftershave oil, lotion or balm , to soothe the skin, disinfect it and create a defensive layer over everything.
If you use a lotion, preferably alcohol-free to avoid dehydrating your skin which needs softness, pat the product onto your face. On the contrary, if you use an aftershave balm, you will need to massage the product so that your skin absorbs it well. By the way, it should give you a pleasant feeling of calm. Your turn now!
[Via GQ France]
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