How to get a really close shave

Getting a close shave means more than slathering on more shave gel and chopping harder at your face with your grocery store razor. Learn how to shave like the old-fashioned barber does.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shaving Brush
• Shave Cream
• Quality Razor

1. Prepare the Face
   
   The best time to shave is after stepping out of a really hot shower. However, if you haven't showered, you can heat up a wet towel in the microwave for a 30 seconds and place it on your face after it has cooled some. The heat opens up your pores, which makes shaving easier.
   
   Using a pre-shave oil will help the hairs stand taller, making them easier to cut with a razor. An oil isn't essential but it certainly helps.

2. Lather
   
   Place a small amount of shave cream (not shaving cream, theres a difference) in a shaving brush. Using a small cup with about a teaspoon amount of water in it, lather the brush to work up a good foam. Apply the foam to your face in circular motions. The longer you work in the foam, the more foam you will create and the more the bristles of the brush will stand up the whiskers.

3. Shave
   
   Use a good, quality razor that won't cut your face. Economically and environmentally, buying a good razor with replaceable heads is going to be better every time. I like the Gillette Fusion, but I've heard the Mach 3 is good as well.
   
   Shave your face with the handle at a 90 degree angle from your face, taking long smooth strokes. The shorter and more choppy the strokes, the more hacked up your face is going to be. Shave the sideburns and the chin first, which are likely where your whiskers are the thickest.

4. Rinse and Recover
   
   If you want to get an even closer shave, you can reapply shave cream and shave against the grain. If you have sensitive skin though, you should forgo doing this.
   
   Rinse with cold water, which will close your pores. Pat dry with a towel and use an after shave balm that has no alcohol and little fragance. The more additives in a shave balm, the more likely it is to irritate your skin. I like Nivea for Men CoQ10 facial moisturizer.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using a microwave to heat up a wet towel.

[L1onherd]

on 7/9/2008 great tips

[02SmithA]

on 7/8/2008 I have sensitive skin so I have to be careful, but I can use some of these tips. Thanks!