Shaving. Whilst some master their technique from day one, some of us still require a little helping hand from time to time; despite it being part of our weekly and sometimes daily routine. No matter how much of a master (or amateur) you think you are, there's nothing wrong with refining your skills and refreshing your technique. With this in mind, we've enlisted the help of our friends over at men-ü to help us with some hints and tips to perfect our smooth shave and get an award winning finish each and every time.
The Perfect Shave in 10 Steps with men-ü
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Ideally shower first or rinse your face well with warm water to soften the beard or stubble. Never shave cold or apply men-ü shave products to dry skin, as this will create friction and lead to irritation.
Step 2: Choose The Right Tools
If using a shaving brush, you can create a barbershop experience at home by using a quality brush, just as top barbers do. Choose a shaving brush like the men-ü PRO BLACK Shaving Brush. Using a brush benefits your shave as Bristle resistance raises the beard (making a closer cut easier) and softness helps create a creamy, less aerated lather.
Step 3: Reduce Friction
Use men-ü shave crème with a high concentration of lubricants (including silicone) and moisturisers to provide optimum slip without drying the skin. The less aeration in the shave crème the better, as it is what is in contact with the skin and beard that matters – all else is wasted. Less resistance also means a longer lasting blade!
Step 4: Use The Right Method
If using a shaving brush, apply the shave crème in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke to stand your beard up and away from the face. Without a shaving brush, spread shave crème between wet palms and apply like a face pack, stimulating and spreading with fingers.
Step 5: Quality Control
Always use a good quality, sharp blade and rinse it under hot water often. A clean blade is vital so it is important that the blades do not clog up with shaving product and stubble. Some shaving products do not break down when the blade is rinsed and are prone to block multi-blade razors.
Step 6: One Direction
Ideally shave in the direction of the beard growth starting with the sides, then the moustache area and last the chin. The chin hairs are the toughest, so this allows them the most time to soften with the warm water and shave crème.
Step 7: Re-apply
If you wish to achieve an even closer shave (as most barbers do) apply some more lather to the areas you wish to shave again. Never shave an area without shave crème.
Step 8: The Aftercare
After shaving, when the skin is most vulnerable, rinse the face with warm water and use men-ü healthy facial wash that has a high concentration of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial which is ideal to help cleanse and protect from spots and shaving rash. Also included is witch hazel for its soothing, healing and astringent properties – great for controlling greasy or oily skin.
Step 9: Tone, Smooth, Clarify
Rinse with the coolest water that is comfortable and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply men-ü matt ‘skin refresh’ gel and allow to dry for approximately 60 seconds. This tones, smoothes & clarifies the skin, dissolving and reducing sebum. Also contains antiseptic & anti-inflammatory ingredients that help overcome ingrown hairs.
Step 10: The Final Touches
Finish off as necessary with a men-ü moisturiser. men-ü facial moisturiser lift is an after shave balm and moisturiser combined. Also has mint and menthol to cool and refresh. Lost moisture is restored, conditioning the skin and leaving it smooth and firm with a protective layer.men-ü matt moisturiseris oil & fragrance free with sebum absorbers that help overcome areas of greasy skin leaving the skin with a matt finish.
Big thanks to the chaps over at men-ü for helping us to get the perfect shave in 10 steps. You can discover more products from the men-ü range at Mankind by browsing our awesome selection online now.
The ultimate men's grooming brand Men-U offers products for shaving, hair, skin and all essential grooming.
