Shaving Grace: The art of getting a good shave

I've always shaved with an electric razor. Until recently, when it suddenly decided to stop working one morning. So, out came my girlfreind's pink plastic safety razors. Since then, I've learned alot about shaving the old fashioned way. Did you know it's best to shave along the direction the hair grows in? Stick around and learn how to get a good shave old-school style.

Back to shaving along the direction of your hair growth: for most guys, that would be up towards your chin for the hair on your neck, and down towards your chin for the hair on your face. Your mileage may vary, as they say, so have a check in the mirror before you begin.

Now, to get your beard soft aand the pores open, either take a warm shower or use a dampened towel on your face. Avoid hot water, though; it can dehydrate your skin.

Now put on a good cleanser, like GlyDerm's 2% Gentle Cleanser to buff off surface skin. Rinse it off with more warm water. This step also makes you less prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs. Stay away from the cheap shaving cream or gels on the grocery store shelves. Sure they're easy on the wallet, but the menthol and benzocaine they contain as numbing agents are hard on your skin; they close up pores tighter than a drum and make shaving difficult and often painful. Use a good shave cream or gel instead, like California NorthPacific Foam Shaving Gel. Apply a thin layer on your neck and face, not too much or the razor will skip and clog up. Ideally you should let the gel sit for a moment or two to soften up the beard and do it's work.

 

Short Razor Strokes is how to shave 

Use short trokes of the razor, using your free hand to keep your skin as flat and taut as possible. You'll get the colsest shave this way, with no cuts or nicks. Start with sideburns, cheeks and neck, then upper lip and finish with the chin, where your whiskers are heaviest, so that the creaml has time to soak in the longest there. Keep rinsing the razor blade with hot water throughout to get rid of the clogged hair and gel and to keep the razor sharp and clean.

When you're done shaving, use cool water to rinse off your face. Pat it dry with a towel. Don't rub or scrub.

At this point most guys slap on some cheap alchohol-based aftershave, which stings and dries out their skin. The right thing to do instead is to use a moisturizing aftershave balm which will keep oyour skin soft and hydrated. And looking good, which is what it's all about, right?

Good aftershave balms recommended by groominGuy:

 

	California North After Shave Care This triple action moisturizer cools razor burn, promotes healthy skin with 2% beta hydroxy acids, and provides SPF4 sunscreen. Aftershave Care is oil free, prevents blemishes, and provides a clear, non-greasy feel. Natural light orange scent. Advanced formulation provides an alternative to drying alcohol aftershaves.
	6-In-1 Beard & Skin Therapy After Shave 8 oz This all-natural after shave tonic lets you see and feel the difference. 6-in-1 After Shave Tonic soothes the redness and irritation of freshly shaven skin. It contains Aloe Vera Gel, soothing Chamomile and Comfrey Extracts.
	Herbal After Shave 9 oz A unique skin soother formulated without stinging alcohols or chemicals. Returns the pH of the skin to its normal proper value of 4.0-6.0. Aloe, allantoin, herbal extracts soothe and cool the skin, while natural alum provides gentle astringency. Our Price: $5.85 List Price: $6.50 Usually ships in 24 hours