Blog Post 031117
Shaving: 101
March 11, 2017
SHOP BRANDS
As men, we have very few rituals we do everyday; and personally, I sort of pride myself in being a low-maintenance kinda guy. But shaving your face is a process and experience unique to men and your facial skin is very different to the rest of your body, and requires different care. So whether you're a 5-minute, in and out of the bathroom kind of guy or you take your time with and enjoy the ritual of it, make sure you're doing right.
​
Here's what I use and how I do it. The brands are listed and are varied. The focus of this article isn't to push a certain brand on you, but to serve as a sort of reminder on how to get the most out of your shave and take care of your skin. So whoever kisses that face will thank you later.
When I have the time, I like to start off with a pre-shave oil. After washing your face, you prep your skin with an oil, I have this sandalwood oil by The Art of Shaving, which allows the blade to glide, giving you a closer shave with a smoother experience. If you haveb't introduced this to your routine, you'll notice the difference right away. This step is optional, why? Because now there are different products out there that are an all-in-one and have this oil included. Keep reading.
After I've applied the oil over the area im going to shave, I like to move one to the actual shaving cream (butter) and application. With so many out there to chose from, make sure you opt for an alcohol free cream that hydrates your skin, instead of the opposite. Remember those products I was talking about. Here are a couple. Shaving butter allows for more hydration and lubricates your skin and hair, prepping it for the blade. Cremo also has an amazing shaving cream. Smells awesome, but more importantly it's a shaving cream which hydrates, softens and decreases friction on your skin, preventing nicks and cuts.
Application. Of course, you can apply the shaving cream any way you want. Slap it on with your hands and go to town with the blade. But sometimes it can get messy, uneven or just too much product. When it comes to brushes, they all serve the same purpose and are for the most part all the same. But if you're gonna be shaving every day, invest in a good brush, doesnt have to be fancy, but you'll notice they're a lot less rough on your skin. So what I do, is I like to grab a dab of the product and actually like to mix it with my brush on the palm of my hand. Eliminates the need for a dish (if you don't own one) and gives you more control over the consistency of the cream/butter.
Post Shave:
Finally, after the shave, you need after-shave, duh. The purpose of an after-shave is to finish and set the skin after your shave. It's supposed to help your pores after the shock of the blade, therefore it helps if it is also alcohol free. Alcohol based products tend to dehydrate your skin if you're using it on the daily.
​
And thats sort all the steps I personally take. Like anything, you can add and edit and modify and really get fancy with your shave or just pop into The Social Cut for a fresh, retro barbershop shave. (@thesocialcut)
The Art of Shaving
​
Cremo
​
Johnny B Hair
​
TCD Shave Butter