Men’s Shaving Tips
September 30th, 2008
Posted by Dr.Fancial
This age old tradition is something that men are stuck with like it or not, and in most cases not. For some reason men still have difficulties with shaving, from the technique to the right tools.
The tools - hot water, a sharp blade, and a good lubrication.
First off, you should examine your face (try waiting for the growth to be a little longer than usual so that you can inspect the growth direction easier) and see how the hair on your face grows.
This is very important since the general rule of thumb when shaving is shave in the direction of the hair growth. This does not offer the closest shave, however it does provide the least amount of skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.
Start off with a clean face. When you are ready to start shaving, use a clean washcloth soaked in hot water and rung out. Place the towel over the beard and let it sit for about 30 sec. The steam helps to open up your pores and softens your beard making it easier to cut. If you keep hairs moist, it decreases by two-thirds the force you need to cut them.
Next, apply your shaving lubrication whether it is a cream or a gel. The use of a badger shave brush is often used in this process to help apply the cream, and lift the hairs making it easier to cut. Should your schedule allow, try not to start shaving right away. Leaving the cream on your skin longer will allow the formula to soften the beard and provide a more effective shave.
Using a razor with multiple blades such as a mach 3 will provide the closest shave, but should be replaced every 3 to 5 shaves. A heavy beard growth will wear out a blade quicker.
Ingrown Hairs- aka “Pseudofolliculitis Barbae”
Mainly men with curly hair suffer from Ingrown hairs. The most common area that men experience this problem in on the neck around the Adams apple. In this area the hair grows in multiple directions, making it hard to shave in the direction of the growth.
You should inspect the hair growth in this area very closely, and try to shave in the direction of the hair growth, and do not pull or tug your skin straight when shaving this problem area.
The bump is caused by cutting the hair to close to the surface of the skin, allowing the hair to grow out and tuck itself under the skin, causing an infection and inflammation. If the hair is cut in the direction of the growth it will not provide the closest shave, but it will leave the hair just above the skin surface allowing it to grow out straight.
Post Shave
Apply a splash of cold water to your face immediately after shaving. This will help to close up the pores on your skin, and soothe you face. Do not rub your face with a towel, but rather pat dry to avoid irritation. Use a clean towel to avoid infection.
After shave balms should not contain alcohol as is can over dry the skin and cause unnecessary discomfort. Use balms that contain antiseptics such as tea tree oil, and skin soothing agents such as menthol.
Follow with a moisturizer containing SPF.
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