To avoid any scraping, cuts, and bruises, shaving your beard must be done with caution. It’s not a matter of just placing a blade to the skin, which is the general understanding among those that haven’t executed the clean shave before. You must follow a routine that’s required before and after the shave.
Here are some tips for a clean shave:
- Decide What Shaving Equipment To Use
There are different types of shaving equipment that you may decide to use. Some prefer razor blades while others appreciate electric shavers and trimmers. If you’re wondering which shaving products work best for you, you can research good shaving equipment at shavingtime.co.uk.
- Soften Your Beard
It’s recommended to do your clean shave after you’ve taken a hot shower as this can soften your beard. If you aren’t in a position where you can take a hot bath or shower before shaving, you can soften your beard by using a warm and wet towel.
Make sure to massage the towel throughout your beard. Also, ensure that the skin underneath receives the warmth from the towel.
- Apply Pre-shaving Oils
Once you’ve softened your beard, you can apply pre-shaving oils for a smooth shaving texture and skin protection. You should use natural-based oils as these don’t have the risk of any chemical reactions. Gently massage the oil into your beard and on the skin underneath.
- Trim Your Beard
If you have a long beard and are going for the clean shave, you need to trim it. Trimming it means you can shave closer to the skin without the obstruction of excessive hair. You should comb your beard in a downwards direction to even it out for the trim.
- Apply Shaving Soap
Once your beard is trimmed and even, you can now use shaving soap. If you’re using hard soap, you must soak it in warm water to soften it for the lather to be formed.
If you’re a beginner, you’re advised to mix shaving soap in a bowl so that you get the right consistency and texture. With time, you may be able to directly apply the mix on your face. You must make sure that the lather is thick enough for an efficient shave.
- Begin To Shave
Depending on your beard hair type, a clean shave requires approximately two to three passes. However, if you begin to experience a burning sensation, you’re probably doing too many passes on your skin.
Although shaving against the grain is recommended for a clean and smooth shave because the hairs will be standing, you may risk cutting yourself. Those who are no longer new at the clean shave may confidently shave against the grain without getting hurt. However, if you’re new to this, you may want to begin by shaving in the direction that your beard grows.
Make sure to shave in short strokes as this removes hair more efficiently than long strokes. Long strokes also place more pressure compared to short strokes. The less pressure you put, you’ll lower the risk of cutting yourself.
- Rinse Off
Once you’ve removed the hair from your face, you can use warm water to rinse off. Make sure to be mindful of any cuts or bruises that you may have sustained, especially if this is your first time.
You must make sure to shave when you’re not in a rush because speed shaving is one sure way of cutting yourself.
- Apply Warmth
If your skin feels raw and slightly swollen, you can apply a warm towel to your face. Gently press the towel against your face for a soothing effect.
If you’re badly cut, you’ll have to apply a product that kills off germs and cleanses the bruise to avoid an infection. If you notice that it doesn’t improve, you should consult your dermatologist.
- Moisturise Your Face
The last step to your clean shave is to apply a natural-based oil to moisturise your skin. Try to stay clear of chemical-based products as these can cause reactions and induce a burning sensation.
Conclusion
Achieving a clean shave requires practice and patience. You have to make sure that you have quality equipment that won’t bruise your face. Blunt razors, for example, mean you need to repeat the shave a number of times before the hair is completely removed. This repeated action will damage your skin.
Make sure to soften your beard before you trim it for the clean shave. After, you can apply shaving soap and begin to shave. Make sure you rinse using warm water, and be mindful of any damage that may have occurred to your skin. Depending on how your skin feels, you can apply a warm towel to your face for soothing. You can then end off by moisturising your face.
