Every man desires a close shave. But do you know how to get a close shave without razor burn? Find out the four easiest steps to get a closer shave in our article today!
Every man wants a handsome, clean-shaven look. Yet, if you have just practiced shaving, you may find it challenging to get a close shave. Also, is there any way to prevent razor burns later on? So then, what should you do to have a smoother and safer shave?
Find out how to get a close shave without razor burn in our 4-easy-step guide so that shaving will no longer be a big challenge!
Things You Need Before Shaving
A close shave does not require you anything more than some usual products and tools for shaving, including a razor, a shaving cream, and an aftershave.
However, it is suggested that you choose the right products and take good care of them.
A quality razor
A quality razor does not mean an expensive one.
To know whether your razor has the power to provide you with a clean shave or not, it all depends on how you choose and maintain the razor.
A single-blade razor is pretty good for a closer shave. With only one blade, a straight razor can perform some close cuts and prevent skin irritation.
Yet, the blade exposure for a single-blade razor is relatively high compared to a multi-blade one. Eventually, it can be pretty dangerous if you need to shave in a short amount of time.
Thus, it is recommended to purchase a double, triple-blade, or, if possible, a five-blade razor if you prefer a faster shaving experience.
The rising multi-blade technology was born to deliver a smooth shave and cut the facial hair more effectively within a short amount of time.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that these multi-blade razors may cause more skin irritation due to the increased friction between the blades and the skin.
Lastly, you should regularly replace the blades. Never let them become too dull or old, as this minor mistake may result in nasty scratches on your face.
Traveling on a business trip, it is reasonable that you use a disposable razor since you may forget to bring your own along the way. This type of razor is acceptable, but you should only employ it once or twice at most.
Besides the blade, you may consider the razor’s structure. Look for a pivoting head since it allows trouble-free movement over all the curves of your skin, which ensures a closer shave.
Moreover, it would be helpful to pay a little more attention to the handle’s design. If you feel it somehow light and unnatural when holding the handle, that razor is not what you should go for.
When the handle, usually made out of plastic, is pretty weightless, people tend to apply a great deal of pressure on their faces.
This phenomenon can lead to undesirable cuts or nicks on your skin. Thus, as an alternative, you can choose an environmentally-friendly metal or mental combination handle instead.
A pre-shave oil
In case that you are lucky enough to have some extra budget, invest some in pre-shave oil.
This oil typically lifts the hair fiber, making it easier for the blade to glide over your face and cut as close as possible to your skin’s surface.
An appropriate shaving cream
Besides pre-shave oil, you definitely should prepare a good shaving cream.
There are various shaving creams out there in the market available to pick based on your preferences, such as soaps, gel, foam, or lather-ups.
However, in case you are a beginner in shaving, the best product to purchase is a shaving gel or foam.
While traditional creams, namely soaps and lather-ups, should mainly be handled by shaving experts, gels and foams are pretty easy to use. Besides, these options enable you to reach closer and moisturize shaves.
Nevertheless, as they are offered in different fragrances and formulas, you should study your skin type and purchase the one that fits your skin the most.
Notably, experts have warned against using body soap to substitute shaving creams. These creams were invented to bring you a close shave and reduce any potential bumps or redness, or in other words, razor burns.
Therefore, if possible, try to prepare an appropriate shaving cream beforehand.
A suitable aftershave
Though many people neglect the importance of aftershave, it is always better to have one available at home. This product impressively helps to minimize skin irritation as well as close pores.
For example, if your skin is naturally dry, that aftershave should come in the form of balm or cream because its texture moisturizes your skin.
On the other hand, when you have oily skin, a toner-based aftershave, for example, lotion, tonic, or gel, maybe the best option since it efficiently removes all the excess oil.
In case that your skin is pretty sensitive, it is suggested that you check the aftershave formulas carefully. The balm, which usually does not contain alcohol, is ideal since alcohol may irritate your skin.
As you have prepared all the necessary products and tools, it is time to learn how to cut deeper with a razor. Keep reading!
How To Get A Close Shave Without A Razor Burn (Detailed Shaving Instructions)
A razor burn is, in short, a type of skin irritation.
If you get razor burns, you may witness some red bumps and itchiness after shaving. These symptoms typically last for a few days until they disappear. Yet, no one wants razor burns.
To prevent razor burn, you should carefully prepare your skin before shaving and pay more attention during the process.
Step 1: Prepare your face
Professionals advise avoiding dry shaving because it facilitates the risk of getting cuts, nicks, or irritation.
Considering your skin should be softened well before shaving, wet shaving is highly recommended to get a close, smooth, and safe shave.
First and foremost, try shaving after your bath or shower time. Showering in warm water for at least 10 minutes is beneficial, as warm water helps soften your beard and open your pores.
Another tip to get your face ready for grooming is utilizing exfoliation products. Exfoliating eliminates all the dead skin cells and excess oil so that your razor will not be blocked by these cells, improving its efficiency.
Step 2: Apply some shave foam or gel
After that, if you have some pre-shave oil around, gently apply it on your face to lubricate and protect the skin from potential nicks. Then, you can continue to work with shaving creams.
Applying a shaving cream offers you a protective layer, ensures a smooth, comfortable shave, and avoids razor burns.
When lathering your chosen foam or gel onto your face, try to evenly apply the cream layer in a circular motion by using your fingers or a shave brush. Yet, there is some small advice that you should follow to enhance the shaving impacts.
If you have a shave brush, let it soak into the water for a few minutes, dip the brush into your shaving soap, cream, or canned, then apply it onto your skin.
The brush establishes a thicker lather which eventually raises your whiskers. Therefore, you will be able to cut closer to the root.
If a shave brush is not available, you can use your fingers to lather the cream.
However, do not forget to wash your hands properly before you touch your face. You never want bacteria from your dirty fingers to spread to your face and cause acne, especially when your skin is pretty fragile after shaving.
Step 3: Shave it properly
When all the cream is set on your face, you can continue shaving with the grain in short and steady strokes.
While working with your razor, do not use too much power. The blade can glide over your face smoothly even when you do not press the razor too hard. So, don’t overuse your muscle, or you may accidentally cut yourself or irritate the skin.
A small trick for your shaving is to rinse the razor well after each strove. While performing, the blades may get stuck with shaving cream, dead skin, or beard hair, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
Besides, if you have some hair on the neck, remember that hair in this area grows upwards. As a result, you should utilize the razor upwards and maintain smooth strokes.
Also, your neck is pretty sensitive in comparison to other areas. Thus, you should shave that part with caution.
After the first shave, if you aim for a bit closer shave, you can try shaving against the grain, as this practice helps you cut the hair as close as possible. Yet, there are some potential risks, especially in case that your skin is overly sensitive. Thus, be careful when practicing this on your face.
Step 4: Wash, dry your face and apply an aftershave
The final step is definitely to wash and dry your face.
At this time, you need to wash with lukewarm water first and a bit of facial cleanser to rinse all the leftover cream or hair off on your face.
Then, finish with cool water to close pores and relieve skin irritation.
Then, utilize a clean towel for drying your face. Remember that you should not rub your skin but pat it dry because rubbing may result in severe irritation on your beloved skin.
After your face is pretty damp, it is time to apply some aftershave gently. This product is effective in closing pores and prevents skin irritation. Thus, do not skip this step!
Don’t forget to clean razors with warm water and leave them in a dry place, away from moisture.
Tips For A Closer Shave
Besides the above guidance, you can refer to our tips below to ensure a clean-shaven look.
- Don’t use hot water. It is crucial to emphasize that you should utilize warm water to soften your skin, not very hot water. There is a possibility that hot water causes the skin to turn too soft, eventually becoming more prone to cuts.
- Understand your hair growth’s direction. Since you are advised to shave along the grain, it would be helpful to know which direction your hair grows to cut the hair more adequately.
- Protect skin from the sun. When your skin is at its most sensitive state after shaving, you should not expose it to damaging rays from the sun. So, utilize sunscreen to protect it from those dangers.
Final Thoughts
Though it requires some more effort to get a closer shave, it is not too challenging.
With the abovementioned guideline on how to get a close shave without razor burn, we hope you can soon master shaving and have a handsome, clean-shaven look.
