Shaving is a lifelong ritual, whether it’s twice a week or twice a day. Our hair types, personal styles and choice of weapon may separate us, but in the end, it all comes down to two things: getting fresh and looking good.
The techniques we use - where we start shaving, what we shave with - are individual. For some, it was a dad or older brother that taught us how to shave; others picked up a razor and just figured it out. We’re not here to reinvent the wheel or tell you you’re shaving wrong, but if you’ve ever stared yourself in the mirror, a half-bearded face staring back, and wondered whether things could be improved, well, we think maybe they can.
In this guide, we’ll go through our foolproof shaving steps, from pre-shave to after-shave skincare, with a few tips on caring for your shaver too. At Face Guard, we’re not just about a clean shave or a smooth shave; we want you to have the closest, most comfortable shave of your life.
Pre Shave Heat - Steam Up!
If you’ve ever treated yourself to a shave from a barber, you’ll know it starts with a hot towel to the face. It’s more than just the barber relaxing you before bringing out the Sweeney Todd cut-throat razor, though; there are actually a few reasons why it works and why you should be doing it at home, too.
Heat and steam - whether it’s from a towel or a hot shower - enlarges and softens facial hair, making it easier to slice through. The heat also relaxes the skin, creating an even surface for the razor or shaver to glide over. If you don’t shower just before you shave, wet a towel with hot water, then wring it out. It shouldn’t be dripping, but it should be steamy. Wrap your face, and in 2-3 minutes, you’ll be ready to go.
Lather Up the area you want to shave!
You don’t need us to tell you this, but here it is anyway: using shaving cream or oil makes things a whole lot easier.
Shaving involves a little friction, and when you shave dry that friction increases, often leading to irritation. No matter how you shave, lathering up with a cream or oil will lubricate the skin and make shaving easier and less likely to leave you looking red and sore.
Products like Face Guard Original Shave Oil contain essential oils which lubricate and moisturise the skin, meaning that whether you use a razor or electric shaver, your skin will look and feel great after shaving.
Shave with the grain!
Next time you’ve got a little stubble going, run your hand over it. You’ll notice that the stubble gives in one direction and pushes back in the other. That’s the grain, and depending on the person, you might have a few different directions to contend with.
If you’ve ever shaved against the grain, you’ll know that it can get you a little closer to the skin. That comes at a price, though, with razor burn and ingrown hairs a common side effect. Shaving with the grain is a much safer, more reliable technique that avoids the irritation that comes with fighting against the natural direction of your hair.
If you find that going against the grain is the only way to get a close shave, consider products like Face Guard Original Shave Oil, and make sure you’re using a sharp razor. Dull blades never helped anyone.
Shaver Care - Wash your shaver out
Any piece of kit that you use regularly is going to work better if you take care of it, and your shaver is no different. Shaving creams, hair and skin oils all tend to stick around in a shaver after use, so it’s a good idea to keep it clean. Not only will it run better and give you a closer shave, your skin will also end up healthier.
Using Shaver Guard breaks down any post-shave residue while lubricating the blades so your next shave is just as close as the last. Shaver Guard also contains an antibacterial formula that leaves your skin healthy and fresh. All you need to do is wash, brush or rinse your shaver, then apply Shaver Guard.
Rinse your face and calm the skin
Once you’ve shaved, rinse your face with water to remove any stray hairs or product. Post-shave is a time when your skin will be sensitive, so it helps to calm the skin with something moisturising.
When applying an after-shave balm or lotion, look for alcohol-free products. Alcohol naturally dehydrates the skin, and if you picked up any nicks while shaving, you’d soon know all about it.
We recommend using Face Guard Original Shave Oil, a versatile 3-in-1 shave oil that uses natural ingredients like sandalwood, coconut and tea tree oil to soothe and moisturise the skin.
Tips and Tricks
You’ve mastered the basics, so here’s a couple of ways you can level up your shave.
Slow and steady with consistent pressure
Shaving in the morning before work is standard procedure, but it can sometimes mean rushing the job. To get a close and rash-free shave, though, it’s best to slow things down and take your time. Slow, short razor strokes with gentle pressure will yield much better results than if you rush things and go hard.
You get what you pay for
If you’ve ever bought a 30-pack of cheap razors, you’ll know what we mean. Sure, the thought of shaving for a year for $5 is enticing, but all you’ll get is razor burn and a patchy shave to show for it.
Spend a little more to get a good product, whether it’s a high-quality razor or a versatile electric shaver (we’re partial to the Elite PRO Wet/Dry Electric Shaver). Your shave will be significantly better and you’ll end up saving money because (surprise!) well-made products last longer.
Listen to your body
Just because someone, somewhere, once said that they use a particular product or technique to shave doesn’t mean it’s true for you. You know your own body better than anyone else, and it’s worth paying attention. Maybe you get razor burn because you’ve got sensitive skin, maybe you find it easier to shave with an electric shaver because of how your hair grows. Whatever your body is telling you, listen.