My answer…

Yes, I always follow these steps!  Why? Not only do these steps work, but they work well.

You know,  we should all take time to consider pushing the reset button on how we perceive proper grooming, especially in the shaving category.  The face is the first thing someone sees, and first impressions still reign supreme.  So take a look at my steps and consider following them.  In no time you will see better results both on your face and in your social life!

Remember, the goal is to shave the hair to give a cleaner visual appearance.  Sometimes “baby butt” smooth should be left for babies!

Side Note:  From time to time I personally notice irritation on my neck from shaving multiple times a week.  So there is nothing wrong with shaving your face with a razor and your irritated area with trimmers for a few days.  Or, switch it up all together and  just use trimmers for a couple days to give your face a rest.

The Morning Shave

Pros.

• The shadow fighter - Some men’s beards can be both darker and tougher, so a morning shave can help to prolong the dreaded  5 o’clock shadow.
• Rise & Shine – we all have our ways of waking up in the morning.  For some, the step-by-step approach to shaving: Prep, Shave & Refresh (see my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips), can help do the trick!

Cons.

• Nicks/Irritation – Getting out of the door in the morning, can at times be a “mad dash”.  So, having this type of a routine in the morning, may do your face more harm than good!

The Evening Shave

Pros.

• Slow -n- Steady – An evening shave can provide more time to getting a closer and “cleaner looking” shave.
• The Healing Effect – While we sleep, our bodies including our skin, regroup and heal.  For this reason, newly shaved skin has the opportunity to “heal itself” before the morning grind.

Cons.

• The tough beard – If your beard is dark and very heavy, another shave may be necessary in the morning.

There have been quite a few success story emails after this post was written. Maybe i’ll get a few more!

You know, there really isn’t a definitive answer to this question.  But, I can definitely point out a few advantages and disadvantages for each…

- The Morning Shave

Pros.

• The shadow fighter – Some men’s beards can be both darker and tougher, so a morning shave can help to prolong the dreaded  5 o’clock shadow.
• Rise & Shine – we all have our ways of waking up in the morning.  For some, the step-by-step approach to shaving: Prep, Shave & Refresh (see my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips), can help do the trick!

Cons.

• Nicks/Irritation – Getting out of the door in the morning, can at times be a “mad dash”.  So, having this type of a routine in the morning, may do your face more harm than good!

- The Evening Shave

Pros.

• Slow -n- Steady – An evening shave can provide more time to getting a closer and “cleaner looking” shave.
• The Healing Effect – While we sleep, our bodies including our skin, regroup and heal.  For this reason, newly shaved skin has the opportunity to “heal itself” before the morning grind.

Cons.

• The tough beard – If your beard is dark and very heavy, another shave may be necessary in the morning.

Shaving can be tough, and I know this because you tell me!

Here you go…

1. The Badger Brush – it’s great for shaving preparation: exfoliates the skin, creates a great lather that gets deep into the beard, and aids in delivering a close shave.

2. The Blade – ever cut a loaf of bread with the wrong knife? Well, choosing the right blade will determine how your face feels immediately after, and how your face will look in the next day or so. So choose the number of blades wisely!

3. The Balm – some say that a body lotion or a moisturizer is just fine, but I know that as long as shaving has existed, a thin layer of skin is always removed. So with that being said, an aftershave balm that has ingredients designed to HEAL and also moisturize is the key to a complete and enjoyable shave experience!