How to Shave a Beard

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Image by Jacked01 via Flickr

Today we’re going to discuss how to shave a beard, because shaving, let’s face it, is a nuisance we go through in order to maintain a smooth clean look, so as expected, there are times when we’re simply tired of it and decide to let our beards grow. Perhaps one simply likes the look of it for a while. But if a simple shave is irritating, shaving off a fully grown beard could end up an extremely tedious task.

This guide will help you in shaving that beard off as quickly and efficiently as possible, while preventing cuts and rashes.

How to shave a beard

Preperation:

Please note that this article talks about how to shave a beard using the method of  wet shaving, with  a manual razor, these tips do not apply to electric razors.

Before anything, you have to remember to always use a SHARP BLADE, a dull blade not only forces you to press harder on your skin and cut it, it also has nicks that pinch your skin and irritate it.

You don’t have to switch blades after each shave, but it’s best to replace your blade after every couple of uses.

• If you’ve just woken up, it is best to wait at least 20 minutes before you begin to shave, as your skin tends to be more swollen when you’ve just woken up.

• Fill your sink half way through with warm water and let your razor sink in for a couple of minutes, this will make it moist, thus easier to shave with, but remember to also rinse your razor after every couple of swipes during your shave, in order to properly remove the hairs, dead skin, and shaving cream, shaking it off is not enough..

• Start off with a warm shower, using a little soap. Another option is to put a warm cloth over your face for a minute or two, this will straighten your hairs, clean bacteria that might have gathered on your beard, and open your pores, but it is crucial that you rinse your face in warm water every couple of swipes, and remember to not use water that are too hot, as this will have a negative effect.

• Trim your bread – If you have a full lengthy beard, you should trim it before you start to shave, this will save you loads of time and will help prevent cuts and rashes, because when you’re forced to trim it with a razor, you end up wasting time and also irritate the skin by being forced to go over the same spots repeatedly.

  The best way to trim your beard is with electric clippers, I highly recommend the Philips Norelco QC5170 180-Degree Hair Clipper, but if you don’t have that option, a pair of scissors will be able to do the job (though not as good).

• Use pre-shave oil, this tip is the one that has personally helped me more than anything since I’ve implemented it into my shaving routine. A moisturizer actually helps the razor glide through your skin more smoothly and keeps your hair straight, we recommend using The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil, but no matter which pre-shave oil you chose, remember to give it at least a minute to take effect before you put shaving cream on and start shaving.

Technique :

• Release a ball of shaving cream onto the palm of your hand and use upward circular motions as you spread it around your beard and neck.

• Shaving with the direction of your hair growth Is crucial, if you’re unable to tell, rub your fingers against the area in an upward, then downward movement, you’ll notice that in one scenario the hairs resist, and in the other it goes rather naturally, you should shave in the more natural direction.

• If your skin can handle it and you want a closer shave, pull your skin taut with one hand and shave the area with the other.

• Another way to get a closer shave, or if perhaps you feel like you missed a spot, is to go over the area once again, only this time to go against the grain, remember to put shaving cream on this time as well, and to keep your razor wet.

Completing the Shave :

• Wash your face in cold water, and gently dry it off with a towel. If you still somehow cut yourself (this happens to everyone) keep washing it in cold water longer.

• Avoid using after shaves that contain alcohol, they only tend to irritate, dry the skin, and cause damage.

  You might like to consider using The Art of Shaving After Shave Balm, we find it to be the absolute best in the field, that’s why it is used in many barber shops and spas.

• Clean and dry your shaving gear, then put it in a dry safe place.

  We hope that by the time you finished our article, you’ve successfuly

  learned how to shave a beard, good luck!

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