The Gentleman’s Guide – Shaving Secrets

Perfect the art of shaving

Shaving is an essential part of every gentleman’s day and you need to embrace your “me” time, perfect the art and get the most out of your shave, without walking into work with bits of tissue plastered to your face.

So how exactly does one get that elusive perfect shave? The secret’s out because here’s the ultimate grooming guide for the modern gentleman.

1. Decide which way you want to go

Are you a wet shave aficionado or a dry shave connoisseur? Wet shaving involves greater preparation and can be more refreshing, while dry shaves are quicker and rely on some mightily innovative shaving technology.

It’s horses for courses but you need to choose wisely and adequately prepare.

2. Preparation is key

The priming process defines whether the shave will be mediocre or one of your finest. If you are dry shaving, don’t spend hours in a hot shower – you need your face to be clean and dry, calm and collected, not sweaty and overdone.

At the very least, whether wet shave or dry shave, cleanse your face with a pre-shave product and rid yourself of the evidence of last night’s debauchery. Then dry yourself down because you’re ready to begin.

3. The angle of approach matters

As with anything in life, you can’t come at these things like a bull in a china shop. Go with the grain, not against it, especially for the sensitive-skinned man. If your skin is as tough as old boots or your name is Mick ‘Crocodile’ Dundee, go whichever way feels right.

With a comfortable shaver in hand, the object is to take a careful and considered approach to the angle of it against your face – pull your skin taught with your free hand, hold the shaver at a right angle to your face with the other hand, then start shaving. The tautness of the skin ensures the hairs stand on end and results in close contact between shaver and skin.

4. Go hard or go easy but get it done

Enjoy the moment but time is precious so don’t be at it all day. Shave as if you mean it and if you long for that extra-close shave, then either lather back up or go for a second pass with your shaver. Attack sensitive areas of your skin first, such as your neck, especially given a shaver will begin to heat up as time goes on.

5. Keep it clean

Don’t commit a rookie error by letting your shaver clog up with excess facial foliage. It pays to regularly clean out your shaver head, even in the midst of your shaving routine. Rinse out the shaver quickly and easily under running water or use a cleaning brush, then let the games re-commence.

6. Man-up and moisturise

Even the toughest of visages can suffer from irritation after a good shave, especially if you’ve made the switch from dry shaving to wet or vice-versa. Soothe your skin and be kind to your face with a quality after-shave balm or men’s moisturiser to boost the health and vitality of your skin and complete today’s perfect clean-cut shaving routine.

Remember that it takes time and patience to hone the perfect shaving technique. If you stick with it, choose the right equipment and sharpen those shaving skills, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the ultimate clean-cut shave.

Source: au.lifestyle.yahoo.com