How to Shave

Learning to shave is a lot like growing up. Both can be painful without the right direction. Indeed, most adolescents shave without ever being shown the proper technique. But you don't have to be a pimply faced teen to give yourself a hack job. Many men wield the razor as though they were slapping on a coat of paint. Do your face a favor by following the steps below.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Manual razor
• Shaving cream or gel
• Towels
• Warm water
• Aftershave or face moisturizing lotion

1. Choose your razor wisely. Experiment with many types of manual razors until you find the one that works best for your skin. Double and triple headed razors can help maneuver through bony areas and tough angles. Replace the razor as soon as it gets dull or pulls on your skin.

2. Buy a quality shaving cream or gel (generally sold in plastic or metal tubes and NOT aerosol cans). In addition, dermatologists recommend products containing glycerin which helps the razor glide over your skin and doesn't dry you out like soap.

3. Shower or wash your face before you shave. Wet skin is easier to shave by opening your pores and keeping the razor gliding while soap prevents infection caused by cuts and abrasions.

4. Soak a wash cloth in warm water and apply it to the face for 30 to 60 seconds. This will help to soften your beard making for a smoother shave.

5. Apply shaving cream in upward circular movements, evenly covering the beard and neck areas. This makes the beard stand up away from your face for a closer shave.

6. Shave with the grain (or the direction your whiskers grow) using short, smooth strokes. Long strokes make it more likely that you will press too hard on the skin. Lift your razor an inch above the skin between strokes to avoid cuts.

7. Wash off the excess shaving cream and search for missed hair by running your fingers over your face. Wet the missed areas with warm water and finish shaving.

8. Use a towel to gently pat dry your face. Then apply non alcoholic aftershave and/or face moisturizer to close pores and soothe the skin. Products containing alcohol may aggravate certain skin ailments and dry out the skin.