Grooms Health - Shaving Advice for Grooms
Men have striven for hundreds of years for that smooth perfect shave and ever since days of old when seashells were used like tweezers to pluck out unwanted hair from faces, shaving razors have become more and more high tech.
Bottles of oils, lotions and splash-on aftershave can be found on today’s modern man’s bathroom shelf alongside his ‘trusty’ razor which all work together to obtain that baby soft shaven face.
Shaving was once considered a tradition of sorts that every father when the time was right very carefully taught his son the art of shaving.
Men would meet regularly at the local barber’s for a hot relaxing shave, a read of the papers and a catch up with others in the neighbourhood.
The introduction of disposable razors was seen by some as a step backward and thousands of men are returning to the traditional wet shave from the barber, which is still considered the best quality shave a man can get.
The last thing you want on the day of your wedding is to end up with dabs of blood on your collar from nicks or scrapes you may have suffered while shaving.
The perfect shave should leave your face smooth with no nicks, cuts or razor burns and even more important, no skin irritations.
How to Obtain that Perfect Shave
Always shave immediately after getting out of the shower/bath as the hot steam will have opened your pores which cause whiskers to rise. (This is why barbers always place a hot towel around the face before shaving).
Always ensure your face is fresh and clean before starting to shave because dirt can be trapped in your open pores and causes blemishes and redness.
A small amount (about a 10p piece) of pre-shave oil will help towards eliminating cuts, nicks and irritation. It will also soften your whiskers and help the razor glide more smoothly.
Remember to use a new razor to get the closest shave possible and eliminate razor burns.
Don’t put too much pressure on the blade and use gentle strokes. Avoid multiple swipes over your skin.
Shaving can be done in two steps. Shaving with the grain using very light pressure and then reapplying a second coat of cream, shaving against the grain.
This will help towards gaining that super smooth result.
Rinse the blade in hot water at regular intervals.
If you find your skin starts to tingle, go numb or sting it’s a sure sign that whatever foam/gel you are using is causing a reaction from your skin.
When you have finished shaving, splash your face with cold water to rinse your face and help close the pores.
Gently pat your face with a clean soft towel to dry.
Apply aftershave that relates to your skin type and one that you know you can trust.
Don’t wait until your wedding day to try a new aftershave and check for alcohol levels in aftershaves that could lead to stinging sensations and dryness.
An oil-free moisturiser can be used instead of aftershave to soothe and protect your face.
Shaving Advice
Don’t shave as soon as you get up from bed. Your face will still be in the puffiness stage from fluids collected in your skin while you were sleeping.
A facial cleanser can be used to eradicate dead skin cells and help open pores in preparation for a closer shave.
Stubble is best wet with warm or hot water before shaving to swell up the hair shaft and allowing the razor to cut your whiskers and not your skin.
Aloe Vera and vitamin based shaving creams will protect against razor rashes and burns and help provide a more soothing shave.
On your wedding day your cheeks are going to be kissed, hugged and stroked more than at any other time in your life and when your new bride places her own soft face next to your smooth shaven face, chances are she will take great delight in feeling skin on skin.
