Shaving a man's face is not any great accomplishment - you take a razor of some sort, scrape it over the face covering all spots, and you're done. But for a single mother teaching her son how to shave it can seem like one of nature's great mysteries. Don’t shave as soon as you get up. Shave with the grain of the hair on your face. Shaving your beard stubble against the grain can cause redness, razor burn and rashes. Rinse the head of your razor in warm water after every stroke. All razor strokes should be slow and deliberate. After you have finished your shave, rinse your face in warm water and apply an after shave balm or mousturiser, to sooth and protect the face. Don’t wash your face with soap. Soaps are usually very drying on the skin and coupled with shaving.

Moisturiser should be applied as soon as possible after shaving or washing (certainly within 10 minutes). Do use a moisturiser with a sun protection factor (SPF - like suncream). A gentle scrubbing massage will help open pores, prime follicles and raise stubs for a closer shave. Exfoliating your skin before shaving can also help attain a closer, cleaner shave; it softens the hairs more, and removes dead skin cells. It also helps prevent ingrown hairs if you use it daily. Do not apply too much pressure on the shaving razor, because this will cause skin burns and irritations. Instead glide it gently across the face. Shaving involves sharp instruments being swung near vital organs, so it's imperative that you perform the deed under suitable conditions.

Preparation:

Shaving- it is a daily ritual for most men yet it may damage and remove up to two layers of skin in the process. It is therefore imperative to prepare in order to protect the skin and experience a better shave.

Men Shaving Tips and Tricks

1. A healthy dose of moisturizer before shave is also a good idea.

2. Shave with the grain of the hair on your face. Shaving your beard stubble against the grain can cause redness, razor burn and rashes.

3. If you use a mechanical razor, do it after you shower as your whiskers will be much softer then.

4. Use hot water while shaving. It helps to soften the beard, open pores and cleanse skin.

5. Always use a good quality sharp razor blade.

6. Do not apply too much pressure on the shaving razor, because this will cause skin burns and irritations.

7. Avoid alcohol-based aftershaves lotions as they tend to dry the skin.

8. Apply the shaving cream using the brush in a circular motion ending in an upward stroke to help lift the beard up and away from the face.

9. After you have finished your shave, rinse your face in warm water and apply an after shave balm or mousturiser, to sooth and protect the face.

10. Regular use of a face scrub also helps in arresting the growth of in-growing hair

Maintaining your shaving brush

Once you have finished shaving:

Rinse your shaving brush thoroughly in warm water, squeeze the head of the brush gently and then flick it a few times to get rid of excess water. Place your shaving brush on a brush stand, so the water can drip away from the base of the brush hair.

Where can I find information on using a cut-throat razor?

Smart or old fashioned? Certainly smart and no longer old fashioned - shaving with a cut-throat razor (or open or straight razor) is becoming popular again. A little practice with this rediscovered method can give you a great shave and really give you the edge trimming shaped beards and lining up those awkward sideburns.

Side effects of shaving:

Shaving can have numerous side effects, including cuts, abrasions, and irritation. Some people with curly hair have an adverse response to shaving called pseudofolliculitis barbae, or "razor bumps" due to ingrown hairs. Many side effects can be minimized by using a fresh blade, plenty of lubrication, and avoiding pressing down with the razor. Some people choose to use only single-blade or wire-wrapped blades that shave farther away from the skin. Others cannot use razors at all and use depilatory shaving powders to dissolve hair above the skin's surface