This is a shaving guide I have put together which explains how to shave your face in the most efficient manner.

Earlier, I used to find shaving my face a big hassle, followed by a number of nicks and cuts. Then one day, I realised that perhaps the technique I use to shave was quite wrong. That there was a better way to efficiently shave without drawing blood. This guide to shaving recollects my experiences in getting a good shave each and every time.

This guide explains the process of shaving with traditional brush and blade razor – which I believe is the best way to shave.

Shaving Accessories

To get a good shave, you need to have the right kind of shaving accessories. These are the bare essentials you need, to shave properly.

Basic shaving accessories

1. A shaving brush. I use a plain variety with plastic bristles. It is not the best in its range but it gets the job done.
2. A good shaving blade or razor. Do not be stingy while buying a good razor. Experience has taught me that when you buy cheap shaving razors, they invariably get blunt after a couple of shaves. At present, I use the Gillette 7O’Clock Super Platinum razor which stays sharp longer. I use a traditional single blade razor.
3. Safety razor handle – to fix the single blade.
4. Shaving cream. Any shaving cream would do. I used to buy Gillette Shaving Gel with added Glycerin and Tea Tree oil which is suitable for tough beard. But recently I switched to using Gillette shaving foam. Both these are quality products.
5. A mug to hold water meant for shaving (optional if you shave standing beside the wash basin). Using water in a mug will help conserve water.
6. Hot water to wet your face.
7. A soft towel.

Shaving Steps

Study the hair growth closely

Prior to shaving, briefly study the topology of the bristles on your face. For a super clean shave, you have to shave twice.

In the first run, you need to move the blade towards the direction of the bristles growth and not against it. This is to ensure that no hair follicles get damaged. You can move the blade against the direction of growth in the second round of shaving.

Wet face liberally with warm water.

Liberally wet your face with warm water. Make sure you do this for at least 30 seconds. The heat will open up the skin pores and ensure a closer shave.

Directly apply shaving foam onto brush

Take a little bit of shaving cream on your finger and apply it on your face in the area you need to shave. If you are using shaving foam, you can squeeze  it directly on the brush.

Lather face liberally with shaving foam

If you are using shaving cream, lightly wet the shaving brush in water and start lathering your face. However, If you are using shaving foam you should not wet the brush.

Make sure you whisk up a good lather on your face covering all the area that needs to be shaved.

Now using the single blade which should be snugly fit in the shaving handle, start shaving. Gently move the blade in the direction of hair growth.

Once you have finished shaving the area on your face, lather your face again for a second round of shaving.

In the second round, move the blade opposite to the direction of growth of the hair bristle. This ensures the closest shave possible.

Once you have finished shaving, wash remaining soap on your face with cold water and use a soft towel to dry your face. Cold water will close any open pores of your skin.

My face after the shave

Apply a shaving lotion to your face if you have endured any nics or cuts. I usually don’t find the need to use a shaving lotion. So this step is optional.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this shaving guide in which, I have listed the shaving tips I use to get a proper shave.