The Perfect Male Shave - A Lost Art?
The male shave has been a ritual and a right of passage since time began. We all stood in front of that mirror wishing for the hair to grow so that we could experience that metal on skin feeling for the first time; so that we could experience the buzz of our first shave, feel like our fathers, feel like we had left childhood behind and become a real man.
Today, however, shaving has become more of a chore than a pleasure. For most of us it is an annoyance that has to be done before running out the door on the way to work. Why? Because proper shaving has become a lost art.
Men fail to appreciate just how up-lifting that perfect morning hot shave can feel, and more importantly the confidence boost it provides for the remainder of the day. Look sharp, be sharp!
Shaving is a glorious male tradition. A craft that used to be passed down from father to son but, like many traditional skills, it is dying because we don't seem to have the time in our busy modern lives.
Men are discovering, however, that in a competitive world where first impressions count and are often made with in the first 3 to 6 seconds of a meeting and 70% of that first impression is made with the eyes, the importance of being self assured and looking good has never been so vital if you want to succeed. So at metro-sexual.co.uk we thought we would give you a step by step guide to achieving that perfect wet shave every morning and seeing what a difference it will make to your skin and your day. We believe that a proper wet shave is a treat all men deserve and a skill worth keeping alive. So may we present the m-sxl shaving tips:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THAT PERFECT WET SHAVE:
1. the razor
It is important to use a high quality, non-disposable razor. The right razor can stop razor bumps and help to prevent ingrown hairs. Disposable razors are much harsher on your face and more likely to cause face rash as the quality of the blades used in disposable razors is not as good as in reusable blades. A double edge safety razor is the perfect tool to shave beard hair that has been left untended for a while.
2. the shaving brush
A good badger-hair shaving brush is the single most important ingredient in achieving that perfect uplifting wet shave. Up lifting being the word! Using a shaving brush to apply the shave cream creates a much thicker lather than is achievable with just your hands and the circular motions used when applying the lather uplifts your stubble and keeps them standing upright in the thicker lather. This ensures that the maximum stubble length is exposed to the blade delivering a closer shave.
A shaving brush also gently exfoliates your face before shaving, this ensures that no dead skin comes between the blade and your stubble again ensuring that closer shave.
3. the shaving cream
A high-quality, glycerin-based shaving cream that you can use with your brush, again will make a world of difference in achieving the perfect shave. man was using shave creams long before the new cool gels came on the scene and infact the cooling gels actually hinder shave performance as they close the pores.
4. the aftershave balm
After your shave treat your face with a good quality non-alcohol-based aftershave balm or moisturiser.
THE SIMPLE STEPS TO ACHIEVING THE PERFECT WET SHAVE:
Step 1
The ideal time to shave is just after a hot shower or indeed in the shower, the shower shave even eliminates the need to rinse the sink after! If you are not showering at least apply warm water to your face. The steam and warm water will soften up your beard. Always have a hot shave.
TOP SHAVING TIP - Never shave cold! Aerosol creams applied to a dry face do not soften the beard leading to irritation of the skin and making shaving much more uncomfortable.
Step 2
Wash your face with a face scrub or face wash. This removes dirt, oil, and dead skin from your face and prevents debris getting between your skin and the razor, which can prevent a close shave. Dab your face with a soft towel but make sure your face is still moist.
Step 3
Place your shave brush into warm water or hold in under the hot tap. Work your shave cream into a lather using your shave brush and then apply the lather to the area of your face you wish to shave. It is best to apply the shaving cream lather in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke. The upward stroke will stand your stubble up and away from your face making the shave even closer.
Step 4
Always use a sharp clean razor and shave in the direction of the grain (the direction in which your facial hair grows, this is usually down) avoid shaving up or against the grain. For most men drawing the razor up against the grain will result in redness and irritation so if you require a really close shave, shave down and then across the grain. Do not push down too hard on the razor because this can cause razor bump.
Wash your blade under hot water - the cleaner the blade, the better the results.
When shaving it is best to begin with the sideburns, cheek, and neck. Use your free hand to hold skin taut and flat and finish with the lip and chin areas. These areas have the toughest hairs and shaving these last allows the products to condition and soften the skin and beard for longer.
Step 5
Rinse face thoroughly with cool water, this helps to cleanse the skin and closes the pores. If needed pat skin dry with a soft towel (do not rub as this can irritate freshly shaven skin).
Step 6
Finish by applying a soothing alcohol free aftershave balm - this helps to reduce skin irritation whilst keeping it soft and hydrated. Avoid alcohol based aftershaves directly after shaving as these dry your skin out.
Step 7
Step back and enjoy the feeling of a perfect male shave. You are now the newly crowned King of Shaves!
