7 SECRETS FOR A PERFECT SHAVE! SAY GOODBYE TO IRRITATION AND PAIN

Shaving is still a sensitive topic for many men. Just the thought of the process causes them discomfort, so they prefer to let their beard grow or shave it quite rarely. The main issue when it comes to shaving, especially if we talk about traditional shaving, is that it's not done correctly, and most of the time, the final result is accompanied by cuts and painful irritations.

The good news for all these men who suffer from the aforementioned issues is that shaving can indeed become easier and more pleasant, without irritation and pain. The best barbers in Romania have prepared a shaving routine guide, and all you have to do is follow a few simple steps carefully. If you’ve given up shaving, find out how to properly care for your beard. But let's get back to shaving! 

     1. Create a Shaving Ritual

We learn shaving techniques in adolescence, when the first strands of facial hair appear, and most of the time, shaving is done chaotically. Unfortunately, correct shaving doesn’t become a habit, and incorrect techniques lead to irritations and cuts, things that will gradually make shaving disappear from the routine.

The first thing you need to do is discover which blades, gels and shaving brushes suit you best. After you’ve done some research and chosen the necessary items, you need to outline a shaving routine that will help you turn the ordeal of shaving into a pleasant ritual that will completely change your perception of shaving.

A ritual that can even work for you, if followed exactly, is this:

• If you shave in the morning, wait at least 20 minutes after waking up for the skin to calm down. Prepare your face for shaving: shave after showering or use warm water!
• Apply a pre-shave oil: it acts as a lubricant and ensures a smooth and easy shave. Be careful, this is different from beard oil. Once or twice a week, also include a scrub in your care routine!
• Use a quality shaving cream: avoid creams and foams packaged in spray-type tubes!
• Use a shaving brush: apply the foam, shaving soap/cream with circular motions, then make upward movements to lift the hair off the face!
• Shave in the direction of beard growth: start from the top and move towards the neck, from ear to mouth. After going over the beard in the direction of growth, reapply foam and go against the grain to achieve a complete shave.
• Don't rush: move the razor slowly and apply gentle, not forceful pressure!
• Rinse the blade: after each stroke, rinse the blade to remove hair from it!
• Keep the skin taut: pull the skin tight 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 patting with a dry towel!
• Apply a moisturizing lotion: it hydrates the skin and reduces irritation! Finish by applying an after-shave;

These steps should be followed every time to achieve the desired results; skipping even one step can change the final outcome. For a luxury shave, you could visit a barbershop.

     2. Prepare Your Face for Shaving

Preparing the face is an extremely important factor in the shaving process. It is recommended that this be done after a shower, when the facial skin is softer and the pores open. If you have more free time, you can moisten your face with hot towels applied for 3-4 minutes. Warm water softens the skin, allowing the blade to glide more easily across the cheeks. You can also take a day off from shaving to let your skin rest and regenerate.

     3. More Blades Aren't Necessarily More Useful

Do you have a razor with six blades? Are you planning to shave your skin along with your beard? Don’t fall for it. When it comes to blades, it’s not necessary to have a razor with more. 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 any fuss. A razor with 3 or more blades can offer you that, but be prepared to pay a lot for replacement shaving blades.
• Classic blade razor – these razors offer an incredible experience. It takes time, patience, and skill to handle it properly 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 blade razor – they are cheaper than razors with 3 or more blades, shave well, and are great especially on the go.

Remember, a dull and old blade is the main cause of irritation. It’s not about the number of blades, but how sharp they are. As long as your blades are sharp, they will cut the hair properly and won’t leave unpleasant irritations.

Of course, there’s also the option of shaving razors or an electric shaver. If your skin doesn’t agree with standard blades, an electric shaver might be the saving solution. 

     4. Shaving Oil is a Real Aid

Pre-shave oils are used to provide 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 shave without irritation, and facial skin will remain hydrated. The oil can then be easily removed with water.

    5. Use the Shaving Foam and Creams that Suit You Best

There are a variety of such products, but that doesn’t mean they’re all good, or at least not all are good for you. Find the shaving cream and foam that make your skin softer so that shaving will be much easier and hassle-free.

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

     6. Use a Shaving Brush

Do not apply gel, cream, or shaving foam with your fingers. Use a shaving brush! A good brush distributes the cream into the hair follicles, making shaving much easier. Additionally, a brush helps lift the hairs off the face so they can be more easily cut by the blade.

Moreover, the brush acts as an exfoliator, helping remove dead skin cells, thus being more effective than fingers applying cream on the face. However, do not use cheap brushes! These are usually glued with resin, cement, or glue, specifically low-quality adhesives. 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 a pre-shave oil, a quality cream, foam or shaving gel, and a good brush. And if you have areas that "are stubborn," after passing the blade over them once in the direction of hair growth, apply foam again and only then go over it again in the opposite direction.

By adhering to these small conditions, you will surely see that the result is different, and without a doubt, your facial skin will be grateful.