The Pre-Shave
Fill a bowl with water hot enough for you to comfortably put your hand in. Immerse a flannel, wring out and place it over the area to be shaved. Leave for a few moments and repeat once.
Apply a little shaving oil and gently massage it in the skin using finger tips.
Use a good quality shaving brush. Dip it in hot water and load it with shaving soap. Shaving foam is not quite as good as it tends to sit on the surface of the skin. The motion of the brush around the face softens the skin more effectively and lifts bristles ready for shaving.
Most modern disposable razors do a decent enough job but for the special shave you should consider using a twin or triple-blade razor.
Shaving Technique
Use slow deliberate movements and only go over an area a couple of times if really necessary. Don't press too lightly or too hard.
Shave with the grain of the hair which in most men means downward strokes over the cheeks, top lip and chin and upward strokes for the neck.
Rinse the razor after each stroke.
Post-Shaving
Splash the face with clean warm water and remove any remaining soap.
Pat, but don't rub, the face with a towel,
Avoid after-shaves as these can sting, irritate and dry the skin. Use a shaving balm instead and apply with your finger tips
Rinse off your razor and brush and squeeze excess water from the bristles. Do not leave the brush standing with the bristles facing upwards. This promotes bristle-rot and your brush will begin to smell. If you have a proper shaving mug you may have a handle on which to place the brush, bristles downwards. If not, leave it on its side and never put it in a plastic bag or somewhere it can't breath.
Buy The Kit
Pre-shave oils & preparations
Razors & Blades
Shaving Brushes
Shaving Balms
