HealthTree Blog

A young man learns about shaving in a number of ways. He either learns on his own or by watching his father as he goes through his morning or evening routine (or sometimes both if Dad has a particularly heavy beard). And who can forget the more whimsical method common in the days before disposable razors? A young boy might stand on a stool to watch his father, shaving cream applied thickly to both of their faces. Every stroke of the father’s razor would be mimicked by the son while both peered into the mirror.

This was made even funnier if the young man also imitated the way his father moved his mouth, jaw, and head while shaving around the smaller areas of the face and under the neck. It definitely made for some photographic opportunities. Once it becomes simply another part of men’s skin care, however, little if any thought is given to shaving. It’s just something that has to be done.

It is not until problems arise due to improper shaving that men may even begin to wonder if there are some shaving tips available that can make the job easier and less irritating. There are, and they are very simple.

• Start by wetting the face with very warm (but not hot) water. This will open the pores of the face as well as begin to soften the beard.
• Next, apply a layer of shaving cream that is thick enough to protect the face, but not so thick as to prevent the hairs from being shaved.
• The first stroke should always be in the direction of hair growth. This can be determined by rubbing the hand over the skin, first in an upward motion, then in a downward motion. The direction that produces a smooth feeling will be the direction of hair growth.
• After shaving is completed, the entire face should be thoroughly rinsed with warm (again, not hot) water and patted (not rubbed) dry. Men’s skin care products designed to moisturize dry skin or soothe irritated skin can then be applied.