4 Steps for Achieving a Long Lasting Smooth Shave

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For guys, shaving your face is just part of your rite of passage into manhood. After having been in the corporate world for more than twenty years, then deciding to return to school full time and leaving that world behind, I had to change my daily shaving requirements. As a young male, working taught me what was expected of myself. Several of these expectations were to maintain reliable transportation, a lunch budget, and dressing professionally, including a well-groomed appearance. In other words, shaving my face was part of my daily morning routine. And trust me, it was one of those things I would gladly do without.

In the corporate world, facial shaving for males is a requirement, and there is no way to get around this, especially for a manager. It’s just not appropriate to show up to work or a meeting with a five o’clock shadow. It does not look professional, and it says that you are not ready for work. It also says that you don’t care for being there and that you would rather be somewhere else. What company wants to be represented with this kind of employee? Since there is no way around shaving, accepting shaving daily and incorporating it into your morning routine would help greatly; that is what I did.

After accepting that you must shave every morning comes the question, what products will I need to shave with? When it comes to shaving tools, there are many factors to consider before putting any blade onto your face. There is an abundance of shaving tools in the market, and choosing the correct one for you will not only ensure a smooth shave, but it will also help your skin maintain its health. Having made the transition from a full-time employee to a student removed the daily shaving factor from my morning equation. However, this doesn’t mean I will never have to shave again; it just means I don’t have to it daily. Because of this reason, I have come up with a few simple steps to achieve a smooth shave that will last most of the week.

4 Steps for Achieving a Long Lasting Smooth Shave

After trying several shaving techniques, for me, the one way that leaves less irritation is shaving against the grain of the growing hair. So, my technique is as follows:

Step 1.

I recommend shaving right after taking a hot shower. After stepping out of the shower, do NOT dry your face, just your body. This will help to maintain your skin’s softness. Begin by applying a full coat of shaving cream (don’t skimp out on how much cream to use) to your face. Apply the shaving cream in a massaging motion, and wait for at least five minutes before you begin shaving. This allows for the numbing agent to penetrate deep into the skin for less irritation and reduces friction between the blade and your skin. Plus, it will help you achieve a smooth shave.

Step 2.

Second. My technique is quite simple, I first shave my face by directing the razor in the direction of the grain of the hair growth. I then shave for a second time with a little more pressure, to assure I cut all the hairs intended. I also shave the main areas of my face first, and then leave the trickier areas until last. I start with either side of my face and draw the razor below my sideburn areas. Then, I move onto my cheeks, my upper lip, and chin.

Step 3.

After I am done with my first pass, I apply a second light coat of shaving cream and wait a few minutes to allow the numbing gel to penetrate the skin deeper for feel less irritation. Then, I shave against the grain of the hair growth very slowly and lightly to avoid skin cuts. I do this a few more times until I feel the razor glide without feeling any cutting. Let the razor do the work, not you.

Step 4.

Immediately after I am done shaving, I rinse my face thoroughly with warm water and pat my face dry. To avoid the burn, I apply after-shave moisturizing lotion twice, and I am done.

Referring back to the question, what kind of shaving tool do you need for shaving, put aside the old-fashioned products your grandfather and father used back in the day. Nowadays, there are many quality shaving products out there. Recently, I found the smoothest razor ever. With the New Gillette® Mach3® Signature Edition razors found at Costco, shaving is a breeze. In fact, the New Gillette® Mach3® Signature Edition is the only razor that leaves absolutely no irritation and leaves my face redness free. This is a plus for a full-time student. Since I started using this razor, plus using the technique above, guess how many times a week I have to shave? I will tell you: once a week. Yes, you heard correct. Once a week, and it actually lasts the entire week, at least for me. And I speak from personal experience and having tried almost every disposable razor available out there. For me, there is only one, the New Gillette® Mach3® Signature Edition, which is equipped with DuraComfort™ Blades with Responsive Blade Suspension. It also has an extra-lubricated strip (vs. Mach3®) and is packaged with one handle razor and 14 refills. It is available at Costco for $36.99 and is sold online offering free shipping. You get a smooth shave that’s up to 100% redness-free (it’s possible with Mach3®).

Which are your favorite shaving techniques? I would love to hear about them. Kindly drop me a note in the comment section below.