You know, college is a place where you open your mind to new things, so make sure the best shaving advice is one of them!

My Quick & Classic Shaving Tips…

Prep: Moisture is Key

1. Make sure that your face is wet and moist to the touch as this opens pores and softens hair in preparation for shaving.
2. Capture that moisture with your favorite pre-shave oil, which also protects the skin from the blade.
3. Follow with a moisture rich shaving cream, preferably a lightly scented brand as heavily scented products can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.

Shave: Keep a Light Hand

1. Note the direction of hair growth in the areas you will shave (cheeks, chin, upper lip, etc.).
2. Your first shave pass should always be short strokes with the grain of the hair growth.
3. For areas that require additional attention, take a second pass across the grain, not against.

Refresh: The Final Touch

1. Follow your shave with a cool splash of water to close pores and cool your face.
2. Apply a lightly scented after-shave. It promotes healing and re-moisturizing of the skin; and again, stay away from heavily scented products that will dry and irritate the skin.

Class dismissed…

Shaving can be tough, and I know this because you tell me! So along with my Quick & Classic Shaving tips, let me explain the benefits of three “key” items that, along with my tips, will always make shaving better!

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!

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.

1. I understand the advantages of a professional shave. Is there a number of times a man should get a pro shave each month among day-to-day shaving?

There really isn’t a recommended number, since so many faces react differently to a very close shave. How I try to guarantee my best work is to suggest a visit to the shop with 2 to 3 days beard growth, which in many cases minimizes any potential irritation.

2. What is the best way to learn how to shave? Have someone teach you?

Have someone teach you will always be the best recommendation. 30 minutes of education from a barber will save you years of shaving frustration.

3. I shave electric and apply aftershave when finished and then shower after depending on if I cut my own hair at that time. Does my shower remove the after shave? And should I reapply the aftershave again when I’m done showering?

Great question! Upon application, the skin will begin to absorb the the healing and moisturizing components of the aftershave.  Unfortunately, showering will remove the remaining portion not yet absorbed.  So it is strongly recommended to reapply after showering.

How does a man determine which shaving tool to use, razor or electric? – Michael F.

The best way to choose the right shaving tool, is to see how your skin reacts to their use. The curlier the beard, the more aware one needs to be with how close the hairs are cut. Ingrown hairs are more common with wet shaving because of how close the hair is cut. In contrast, razor burn is most common with electric shaving due to repeatedly going over the same areas.

Not to worry however, because with correct preparation, potential for ingrown hairs and all signs of irritation can be reduced.  After experimenting with both, the method which yields you the most satisfactory results will be the best choice for you.

Preparation links, click below:

• Wet Shaving Preparation
• Electric Shaving  Preparation

I get emails from time to time asking me if I truly follow the steps that I have on my website (Craig the Barber’s Quick & Classic Shaving Tips).

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.

I’ve received several requests and questions regarding how to properly care for shaved heads.  So I thought that I would do a re-post of an earlier post titled – You ask…I answer! This question can also be found from my Q&A page on www.craigthebarber.com. 

Q:

What is the best way to shave my head, electric or conventional?  Also, I shave my head every 3 days or so, how do I avoid dry scalp from continuous head shaving? – Edwin in Tampa, FL

A:

Great question, I get asked this one often from my clients.  Unfortunately, there isn’t really a “best” way per se, it is more a question of what is better for you based on closeness and comfort.  So my question to you would be, how close do you like the hair on your head to be?  If you have noticed a great deal of irritation from razor shaving, try my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips.  If you continue to get similar results, then electric would be the better option for you.  Buy a pair of barber quality trimmers (ex. Andis T-Outliner) and give it a try.  You will notice that the trimmers will not get as close as your razor; however, in my opinion comfort trumps closeness every time. In the long run, your scalp will better tolerate having some hair versus the dryness and possible scarring of continual irritation from the conventional method, if it is an issue for you.  

When shaving with an electric shaver use a shave solution prior to shaving (try –  Electric Pre-Shave Solution by Anthony Logistics) that is designed to lift your hair and protect the skin’s surface. This will help reduce irritation to your scalp.  With wet shaving (razor shaving), use a pre-shave oil that is essentially  designed to do the same as the electric solution.  After shaving, apply a balm that is designed to heal your skin followed by a top quality moisturizer.  Because, whether you are shaving your head with a razor or electric shavers, it is very important to take vital steps to heal and moisturize your scalp.

Don’t you hate shopping for refills of you favorite razor blades?  It always seems that as soon as you’ve purchased a pack, you have to go out for more!  Well, times are hard, and we are ALL looking for ways to stretch our money; so, here are a few tips on how to make those blades last just a little longer.

1. Keep them out of the shower  – Moisture and the changes in temperature can not only warp the blade, but they can also make the aloe strip less effective.
2. Rinse - after each use, rinse thoroughly then pat-dry with a tissue or towel. The remains of shave cream can dull the blade.
3. Store in oil- I have found  that storing your blades in a small amount of pre-shave oil helps to keep them sharp, thereby lengthening their lifespan!

Give these tips a try, and let me know how they work for you!

Here are two great email questions:

What do I do about the ingrown hairs that have already formed? (Re: Previous Post – Ingrown hairs?  Here’s why.)  – Donald in Orlando, FL

As for the bumps that have already formed, try using a sterilized needle or tweezers  to gently pull the hair out of the bump or swollen area.  But, be careful not to remove the hair entirely, as this could cause the ingrown hair to recur.

Also, to quicken the healing process, try a solution designed for just that purpose (See post – Razor Bumps…Problem Solved!).

What is the best way to shave my head, electric or conventional?  Also, I shave my head every 3 days or so, how do I avoid dry scalp from continuous head shaving? – Edwin in Tampa, FL

Great question, I get asked this one often from my clients.  Unfortunately, there isn’t really a “best” way per se, it is more a question of what is better for you based on closeness and comfort.  So my question to you would be, how close do you like the hair on your head to be?  If you have noticed a great deal of irritation from razor shaving, try my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips. If you continue to get similar results, then electric would be the better option for you.  Buy a pair of barber quality trimmers and give it a try.  You will notice that the trimmers will not get as close as your razor; however, in my opinion comfort trumps closeness every time. In the long run, your scalp will better tolerate having some hair versus the dryness and possible scarring of continual irritation from the conventional method, if it is an issue for you. 

When shaving with an electric shaver use a shave solution prior to shaving (try – Electric Pre-Shave Solution by Anthony Logistics*) that is designed to lift your hair and protect the skin’s surface. This will help reduce irritation to your scalp.  With wet shaving (razor shaving), use a pre-shave oil that is essentially  designed to do the same as the electric solution.  After shaving, apply a balm that is designed to heal your skin followed by a top quality moisturizer.  Because, whether you are shaving your head with a razor or electric shavers, it is very important to take vital steps to heal and moisturize your scalp

Please keep the questions coming! Email me (Craig the Barber) at Ask@craigthebarber.com.

“*” denotes – Product of the Month

Many of my clients tell me (before I shave them) that they have sensitive skin. The first thing I ask is if their skin reacts to certain products that are applied to their skin. If their answer is yes, then I keep this in mind with the products I use during the shave. But, 9 times out of 10, they answer is no, and the irritation occurs after they shave themselves. So perhaps they – and you – don’t actually have sensitive skin, you just aren’t shaving correctly.

Here are a few reasons…

(1)  Prep: Most men go straight into shaving without making sure that their face is clean and properly moistened. Lack of moisture is a main cause of post-shaving irritation.

Solution – Clean you face with warm water and your face wash of choice (I’m currently using Multi-Action Face Wash by LAB Series). Then apply your pre-shave oil and shave cream or gel (I prefer, shave creams).

(2)  Shave: Shave with the grain. If it is not close enough, re-lather (keeping the face moist) then shave across the grain. If you are someone that gets irritation form shaving then going against the grain should be your last resort. .

(3)  Refresh: This is an extremely important step. Why? Because you’ve just finished removing a thin layer of skin off of your face with a razor! Invest is a good post-shave product, one that will heal and moisturize your skin, so it can be ready tomorrow for another shave.

I know what you must be thinking… this sounds like a lot and you don’t have time. I hear this a lot from my clients as well.  However, it should not take any more than 10 minutes out of your morning.  Besides, if you enjoy a smooth shave without irritation.  Instead of a shave that feels like you used a dull kitchen knife, then 10 minutes out of your day can’t be that bad…right?

For more grooming advice…go to my Q & A section.