Learn How to Shave like Spas Shave

Shaving Basics for the Busy Man

Mar 30, 2009 Lizzie Elzingre

If there is one thing that irritates the busy man, it is shaving. Red bumps, raw skin, and rashes can result from shaving wrongly.

Today, the male-grooming market is filled with shaving products that can make shaving pleasant and skin cosmetics designed to moisturize dry skin and to pamper the male face. However, most men shaving end up with shaving abrasions, cuts, or irritations.

Because men’s 25,000 whiskers are as tough as copper-wire of the same thickness, shaving male facial hair requires more than splashing on after-shave lotion and dashing out of the door.

Tips on How to Have a Slick Shave like Spas Shave

The estheticians at a spa in California insist that shaving in the direction of the hair growth provides a shave without irritation. However, the secret to slick shave depends on how the man prepares the facial skin for shaving.

• To ready the facial skin, let the steam of shower soften the skin. Always shower, before shaving, with medium to very warm water. Warm water opens the pores of the skin, and softens the hairs.

• Then, work a granular type of facial scrub into the skin in circular motions for a few minutes. Use a mild natural scrub that gently buffs away dead skin cells, pollutants and other buildup that causes razor drag. The scrub also helps lift out ingrown hairs that causes razor bumps.

• With very warm water, clean the face before shaving using a cleanser that breaks down grease and oil from the sebaceous glands. Then shave. Use a shaving cream that lubricates any blade to provide a closer, less irritating shave. Unlike aerosols, creams will not dry the skin.

• Another good alternative to shaving cream is skin shampoo that suds like shaving cream. Apply onto the face in an upward stroke, starting at the base of the neck. Shave under proper lighting or turn on the bathroom flood light for best results. Use only new double razor blades with aloe strips.

• Shave in the direction of the hair growth on the face to achieve a slick shave. Shaving against the grain of the whiskers can damage the hair shaft. Shave using one hand and use the free hand to make the skin taut. Shave under the chin, behind the lower jaw, behind cheekbones, close to the ears.

• Shave with no pressure. Press down the razor holding the handle parallel to the floor and then slowly lowering it until a perfect angle is achieved. After shaving, wet a clean wash cloth with lukewarm water. Place the towel over the face to help close skin pores. Then stabilize the skin.

• Apply a nourishing moisturizer immediately after shaving to hydrate and protect the skin. An aloe after-shave moisturizer is a good choice for razor burn less the drying and stinging of alcohol-based after-shave. Use an after-shave to balance the skin. Finish with sunscreen.

A slick shave is what the busy man strives to accomplish every time he brings the razor up the chin. But, once the man masters the basics of how to shave like how the spas shave, he will marvel how easy and comfortable shaving facial hair can be for a male face's sensitive skin.

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