How to Shave Your Face
Every morning, men worldwide are united by a need to shave their face and present a clean and acceptable appearance. At best, shaving can be a relaxing ritual, but at worst, shaving can leave nicks and cause bumps and ingrown hairs. Follow these steps and tips to give yourself a close, professional-grade shave:
Assemble the tools of the trade. First of all, make sure you have a sharp razor, preferably one with disposable cartridges. You will also need your favorite shave gel or cream, a washcloth, soap (either normal or exfoliating), and, as recommended by barbers, a shave brush.
Wash your face with warm water and soap, either in front of the sink, or when you're in the shower. If you have time, open your pores and soften stubble by steaming your face with a warm washcloth for at least thirty seconds.
Wet your shave brush in hot water and use it to lather your shaving cream or gel onto your face in a circular motion. The brush creates a luxurious lather because it incorporates warm water into the foam, holding this moisture against the skin. The motion of the brush serves to lift hair outwards. But if you want to skip the brush or don't have one, just use your hands in a circular motion.
Begin shaving in the direction that your hair is growing, usually from the top of your face to the bottom. On your neck and chin, switch directions and come up from the bottom. Every time you finish a stroke, rinse your razor under warm water. Then, for a closer shave, lather up a second time and shave, lightly and without much pressure, against the direction of hair growth.
Wash off your face and make sure you didn't leave any stragglers. Then, apply either an alcohol-free aftershave or moisturizing cream to keep your skin soft and smooth.
