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Keep it “above” the skinline.

January 27, 2010 Shaving 10 Comments

We’ve all seen the the shaving commercials, whether it is for wet-shaving (Gillette) or dry-shaving (Braun).  They are all promoting the same thing… a smooth, close shave.  Nothing wrong with that!  After all, I think we all can appreciate a  close shave, including myself!

Hair2 Keep it above the skinline.

Hair above the skinline

But what about those guys that suffer with irritated skin after such a close shave?  No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Because when it comes to shaving there is always an answer…

If you want a close shave without the irritation, keep the hair “above“the skin-line.  Try a pair of trimmers (Andis – T Outliner, my favorite!), this gives your face the appearance of a very close shave but the hair is slightly above the skin.  The only downfall to this practice is that in order to keep this look, a daily trim is required.  However, in my opinion, shaving like this keeps the face looking smooth without the annoying appearance of discolored and frustrating ingrown hairs.

Side Note: After shaving… DO NOT use rubbing alcohol to cool the skin. Instead, rinse the face with cool water and apply an aftershave balm.


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10 Comments

  1. Eric Brown March 17, 2010 at 9:05 am

    Thanks for this post Craig. I am one who suffers with ingrown hairs and can attest that the Andis T Edgers are good for the close shave look. You have to be careful that you keep your edgers clean and sterilized (i.e. don’t cut someones hair with them and then immediately trim your face) because irritation and inflamation may result from bacteria left on the clipper blades.

    • Craig the Barber March 17, 2010 at 9:30 am

      Thanks for the comment, and the great tip Eric!

      • Eric Brown March 20, 2010 at 1:47 pm

        You’re welcome Craig.

  2. adrian May 20, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    I currently use this method to shave. Should I also use a preshave oil?

    • Craig the Barber May 20, 2010 at 11:00 pm

      Adrian thanks for the comment! You are on the right track! Electric shaving works even better with an electric shave solution, remember Lectric Shave? It’s purpose is to protect the skin while lifting the hairs for a closer shave. Here are two brands: Electric Shave Solution by Lab Series or Electric Pre-Shave Solution by Anthony Logistics.

  3. adrian May 23, 2010 at 11:57 am

    I will look into them. Thanks again.

  4. adrian August 3, 2010 at 11:08 pm

    Craig,
    For the past 2 months or so I have been using Lectric shave before I shave and I have thoroughly enjoyed the results. Since using the product my shave has been somewhat closer, my skin feels smoother, and there is less irritation and ingrown hairs! Thank you for your assistance.

    • Craig the Barber August 4, 2010 at 11:29 pm

      Adrian,

      Thank you for letting me know, that is a great success report!

      Glad I could help!

  5. Ariel September 21, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Craig,

    I am currently using the Andis T-Outliner to shave and have been doing so for sometime. Although, I have minimized the amount of ingrown hair I get I still have more than I’d like.

    Do you know of a good sterilization product for this types of trimmers? Also, what other products, besides the electric pre-shave oil, should I use to prevent ingrown hairs?

    Thanks.

    • Craig the Barber September 22, 2010 at 9:37 am

      Ariel,

      You are using a great trimmer, one of my favorites! Andis, also makes a 5-in-1 disinfectant spray called “Cool Care Plus” that not only disinfects but also keeps the blades well lubricated. As far as an ingrown hair treatment product, I personally use 3-in1 Post Shave by Lab Series. However, there are many others, just keep in mind that if alcohol is in it, avoid it.

      Thanks for the question!

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