7 SECRETS FOR A PERFECT SHAVE! FORGET IRRITATIONS AND PAIN

Shaving is still a sensitive topic for many men. The mere thought of this process causes them discomfort, so they prefer to let their beard grow or shave rather infrequently. The main problem when it comes to shaving, especially classic shaving, is that it's not done correctly, and more often than not, the final result is accompanied by painful cuts and irritations.

The good news for all these men who suffer due to the aforementioned aspects is that shaving can truly become easier and more enjoyable, without irritations and pain. The best barbers in Romania have prepared a shaving routine guide, and all you have to do is carefully follow a few simple steps. If you've stopped shaving, find out how to properly take care of your beard. But let's get back to shaving! 

     1. Create a Shaving Ritual

We learn shaving techniques from adolescence, when facial hair first appears, and most of the time shaving is done chaotically. Unfortunately, correct shaving does not become a habit, and wrong techniques lead to irritations and cuts, aspects that will slowly make shaving disappear from the routine.

The first thing you need to do is find out which blades, gels and shaving brushes suit you best. After doing some research and choosing the necessary items, you need to outline a shaving routine that helps you turn the torture of shaving into a pleasant ritual that will completely change your perception of shaving.

A ritual that can give results even for you, if followed correctly, is this:

• If you shave in the morning, wait at least 20 minutes after waking up for your skin to calm down. Prepare your face for shaving: shave after a shower or use hot water!
• Apply a pre-shave oil: it acts as a lubricant and ensures a smooth and easy shave. Note, this is different from beard oil. Once or twice a week include a scrub in your care routine!
• Use a quality shaving cream: avoid creams and foams that are packaged in spray cans!
• Use a shaving brush: apply foam, shaving soap or shaving cream with circular motions, then make upward movements to lift the hair from your face!
• Shave in the direction of beard growth: start from the top and work down to the neck, from the ear towards the mouth. After cutting the beard in its growth direction, reapply the foam and go against the grain for a complete shave.
• Don't rush: move the razor slowly and press lightly, not firmly!
• Rinse the blade: after each stroke, rinse the blade to remove hair from it!
• Keep the skin taut: stretch the skin to get a better shave!
• Rinse your face with cold water: at the end, rinse with cold water to close the pores and dry by pressing with a dry towel!
• Apply a moisturizing lotion: hydrate the skin and reduce irritations! Conclude the process by applying an aftershave;

These steps must be followed each time to achieve the desired results; even skipping just one step can change the final outcome. For a luxury shave, you can visit a barber.

     2. Prepare Your Face for Shaving

Preparing your face is an extremely important factor in the shaving process. It is recommended to do it after a shower when the facial skin is softer and the pores are open. If you have more free time, you can moisten your face with warm towels applied for 3-4 minutes. Warm water softens the skin, allowing the blade to glide more easily over the cheeks. Also, you can choose a day off from shaving to allow the skin to rest and regenerate.

     3. More Blades Aren't Necessarily More Useful

Do you have a six-blade razor? Are you perhaps aiming to shave the skin along with the beard? Don't fall for it. When it comes to blades, you don't need a razor with the highest possible number. Because a single blade can do its job very well.

• 3-blade razor – use this razor if you're in a hurry and want a good shave, without further complications. The razor with 3 or more blades can offer you this, but be prepared to pay a lot for replacement blades.
• Classic blade razor – these razors offer an incredible experience. It takes time, patience, and skill to handle it correctly without cutting your neck or leaving other marks, but the classic blade shaves better and saves you the high costs of multi-blade razors.
• Disposable razor – these are cheaper compared to razors with 3 or more blades, shave well, and are particularly great for travel.

Remember that a bad, old blade is the main cause of irritations. It's not about the number of blades, but how sharp they are. As long as you have well-sharpened blades, they will cut the hair as they should and not leave unpleasant irritations.

Of course, there is also the option of razors or electric shavers/beard trimmers. If your skin doesn't agree with traditional blades, an electric razor can be a lifesaver.

    4. Beard Oil Is a Real Help

Pre-shave oils are used to ensure a smoother path for the blades on the cheeks. A few drops of oil are all you need, as the oil acts as a lubricant, resulting in a smooth and irritation-free shave, and your facial skin will remain hydrated. The oil can then be easily removed with water.

    5. Use Shaving Foams and Creams that Suit You

There is a variety of such products, but that doesn't mean they are all good, or at least not all are good for you. Find the cream and shaving foam that make your skin softer so that the shave will be much easier to perform and without issues.

Try not to use shaving foam that comes in spray tubes. They contain petrochemical propellants and products that strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. You can use a cream that squeezes out from a tube.

     6. Use a Shaving Brush

Don't apply gel, cream, or shaving foam with your fingers. Use a brush! Because a good brush distributes the cream into the hair follicles, making the shave much easier. Also, a brush helps lift hairs from the face, making it easier for the blade to cut them.

Additionally, the brush acts as an exfoliator, freeing you of dead skin cells, so its efficiency is greater than fingers spreading the cream on the face. However, don't use cheap brushes! These are usually glued with low-quality resins. The result will be bristles falling from the brush.

     7. Avoid Passing the Blade Twice Over the Same Spot

You'll end up with cuts and irritations. Use pre-shave oil, a quality cream, foam, or shaving gel, and a good brush. And if you have areas that are "difficult to manage," after passing the blade over them once in the direction of hair growth, reapply the foam and then pass again, in the opposite direction.

If you respect these small conditions, you will definitely see that the result is different and undoubtedly, your facial skin will be grateful.