Better Strokes: How to Survive Shaving (for Men)

Let's face it: no one knows your face as well as you do. You know how your skin feels after an hour exposed to a cold, winter wind. You've "explored" your nose inside and out and found it to be super-sensitive. You've cupped your chin in your hands, lent an ear. Why you've probably burnt, bit, chewed on and puckered your lips.
So why are you approaching your first shave with a gut-full of apprehension? Is it the thought of dragging a highly-honed piece of steel across your face--that oddly-angled, dimpled, sensitive, wonderful face of yours-- that's making you edgy?
Relax. Millions of men shave every morning. Most of us perform this ritual without so much as a second thought. In time, and with practice, you will too.
Here are some simple tips to help you prepare for your first shave.

• Tools of the trade: To shave, you'll need a razor and lather. Razors are easy to come by: you can buy cheap disposable razors by the bag-full at any grocery store or pharmacy. Disposable razors are just that: you use the razor until the blade grows dull and then toss it in the garbage. For a little more money, you can buy a razor that uses replaceable cartridges. The cartridge houses the razor blades (most razors have dual-blades). When the blades grow dull, you pop the used cartridge from the handle and pop-on a clean, new cartridge.
  
  Of course, you can bypass this entire discussion by opting to use an electric razor. Why buzz your bristles? Electric razors are easy to use. Several built in shaving "heads" do the work of the dual-blade razor. You simply glide the electric razor over your beard until it's neatly trimmed. And with many electrics getting their juice from recharageable batteries these days, you and your razor aren't tied to a power outlet.
  
  There are downsides to going electric. The heads have to be cleaned on a regular basis. Some men claim you can't get as close a shave with an electric razor as with a blade. In the end, it's a matter of preference. Experiment until you find the razor that's just right for you.
• Cut to the chase: Nicks and cuts are par for the course. There's not a man alive who hasn't experienced a nick or cut during his shaving career. Some men even wear their cuts as badges of honor: proof positive that they've gone to battle with the blade and lived to tell about it. When these small cuts happen, wash the area with soapy water. To help stop the bleeding, cover the cut or nick with a small corner of toilet-paper or tissue. If you're really concerned about infection, apply a little daub of antibiotic creme to the cut.
• Prepare your face: You'll reduce the risk of cutting yourself and make the whole process of shaving easier if you start with a wet beard. This helps soften the whiskers which in turn makes it easier for the razor blade to do its work. Many men wait to shave until after they shower--the water and steam from their bath soften the whiskers. Some of us shave in the shower. Not only does the steam make for a softer blade, but clean-up is a breeze. (Of course, you don't want to get water anywhere near an electric razor: if you'll be using an electric razor, start with a dry face).
• Work yourself into a lather: Unless you're using an electric razor, you now need to lather up. There are many, many varieties of shaving cream to choose from. Some creams come in aersol cans. Others in squeeze tubes. You might even find dry powders that become a cream when you add water. Whichever kind of cream you choose, apply the cream to your face in a circular motion. Try applying the cream in upward strokes (from your neck toward your nose). This will help get your whiskers to stand up, resulting in a closer shave.
• A close shave: You've reached the moment of truth. Before you make the first stroke, remember to shave down toward your heart rather than up against the grain. Shaving up is a lot harder on your beard and skin, and will irritate your face. Using your free hand, feel along your beard nose-side of your left ear. You're trying to determine where you want to begin the first stroke. If you prefer short side-burns, start the stroke at a point more toward the top of your ear. If you like longer side-burns, start at ear-lobe level. If you want a pair of mutton chops (very long side-burns) start your stroke about two inches nose-side of your ear and shave straight down toward your jaw. As you make these first strokes, you can stop at the jaw-line, or continue down your neck to your collar-line. Either way, clean your razor frequently under running water. Shave one side of your face, then the other. Try to level up your side-burns by feeling out from the ear. Continue shaving and cleaning the blade, working your way in toward your nose.
• Mustache without mistakes: Now that you've approached the corners of your mouth, you have a decision to make: Do I want a mustache or do I want a clean upper lip? If you choose to keep your mustache, then you can begin shaving your neck, shaving down from the jaw-line. If you decide to shave your mustache, clean the whiskers away from the upper lip.
• By the hair of your chinny, chin, chin: The chin--with its curves and jutting point--can cause you pause. Go slow here and use small strokes until you've got your chin as smooth as a baby's rump.
• Splash and dash: Give your face the once over feeling for any any missed whiskers, and touch up as needed. Now splash your face with cold water and/or aftershave to close the pores.

Congratulations--you've survived your first shave. Over time you'll develop your own routine, short-cuts and secrets for getting just the right shave for your special, one-of-a-kind face.

How to Prevent Razor Burn


There's nothing quite as frustrating as cleaning up with a close shave, only to suffer from razor burn (common skin irritation that occurs after shaving).
There are ways to combat this unsightly and uncomfortable condition. By following the steps below, you can minimize the effects of razor burn and shaving-related skin irritation.

1. Before shaving, gently scrub your face with a loofah or facial scrub lotion. This scrub helps remove dead skin and bring out ingrown hairs and reduces razor burn rashes.
2. Shave after taking a shower or after washing your face in warm water. Warm water and steam help soften skin and facial hair. Wait about 20 minutes after getting up before shaving, as this will allow bodily fluids that have welled in your face during the night to disperse. Also, it's a good idea to shave after exercising rather than before so that the sweat doesn't irritate the freshly-shaved skin.
3. Use new, sharp razor blades, and be sure to discard them before they become blunt. If using an electric shaver, be sure to clean the blades regularly and to keep them free of hairs.
4. Wet the skin and lather the entire area to be shaved with a quality shaving cream or gel. Make sure you've let the cream or gel sit on the skin for a few minutes before shaving; this will increase the softness of the facial hair and will reduce the skin irritation. It's important to use a cream or gel specifically designed for shaving, as ordinary soap will dry out skin and increase the likelihood of irritation.
5. Shave with the grain of the hair in short, deliberate strokes. Shaving against the grain increases the odds of ingrown hairs, rritation, and inflamed skin. Long strokes often cause one to press down too hard on the skin, increasing razor contact and making razor burn more likely.
6. Rinse the blade after each stroke. If the razor is full of whiskers, it won't get a close shave, and irritation will be more likely.
7. Rinse your blade under hot water before you begin to shave and after every few swipes. This removes the accumulated shaving cream, whiskers, and skin. For a really close shave, remoisten the section you just shaved, by spreading a thin layer of lather from another area of your face, and then swiping that area again. Keep everything moist.
8. Wash your face well in cold water after you've completed shaving to remove all traces of shaving cream or foam. This helps close pores and lessen skin irritation.Apply a facial moisturizer or aftershave lotion to help keep the skin soft and reduce the presence of razor burn. Various skin types respond differently to the plethora of gels, lotions, ointments, balms, and aftershave treatments available. Research the different aftershave applications to find the alternative that best matches your skin type.

Razor burn can be easily prevented if the very last strokes on your face with the razor are with the grain, not against it. In other words, you can shave as instructed above AND in any direction to get a close shave, but be sure that the very last strokes on your face are with the grain of your beard (typically a top-to-bottom stroke). Reason: The strokes of the razor blade actually changes the way your pores will grow the new hair. As such, you want to be sure to "reset" the grain of your beard by ensuring the last strokes are with the grain, or top to bottom. Works like a charm.
If razor burn persists when using a manual razor, consider getting an electric shaver with a built-in gel dispenser. The gel helps lubricate your face while shaving and can reduce friction, thus reducing the chance of razor burn.
Blades last much longer than most people think. The apparent dulling of the blade is due to the formation of microscopic "teeth" on the edge, made up of mineral crystals from the water. These drag against the skin, causing the blade to grab, and producing cuts and much of the razor burn. You can avoid this by (a) always rinsing the blade in cold water, never hot, and (b) dipping it in rubbing alcohol after the final rinse. The alcohol will displace the water and the minerals in it, and evaporate without leaving residue. Store the razor with the blade edges upward.
Avoid passing your razor over the same area of your face numerous times. Even though you desire the closest shave and smoothest face, each pass of the razor removes (and therefore irritates) small layers of skin.
Shaving in the shower or bathtub helps to reduce razor burn. Your skin stays moist, making shaving easier.
Be careful when working with the blades. Don't test the sharpness with your fingertips. If you do get cut, make sure you clean and treat the wound appropriately. If it becomes infected, you may experience problems in the future, such as scarring.

Shave Saver


When ever my electric razor runs out of charge I have to resort to a manual wet shave. The only way I know to see if the razor is sharp is to drag it across my face and see if I feel a tearing sensation. Well there is now a technical solution to my painful problem, the Shave Saver Digital Shave Counter.
The Shave Saver Digital Shave Counter does exactly what it says, it counts how many times you've used your razor so you know when it's time to trash it and replace the head. You decide how many times you can shave before the razor dulls. When it's ready for the trash, push the "set" button and clip on a new shaving head.
The Shave Saver will count each time you shave and when it reaches the desired number of shaves, it sounds an alarm which tells you that it's time to trash the current blade.
The Shave Saver costs $19.99 and comes complete with a "Spacious Canvas Travel Bag" and a month's supply of shaving gel.

Click this link to visit the Shave Saver website to view the advertisement and to order.

Removing Nose Hairs, and Having Some Fun Too


The Finger Nose Hair Trimmer is the "pick" of nasal hair removers! Looks just like you have a giant finger up your nose. Not only a silly gag, it actually trims unwanted hair from inside your nostrils. Recessed blades never touch your skin. Wipes clean with tissue or soft brush. Designed to stand on end to save space on counter or in cabinet. Trimmer includes a clear plastic safety cap and uses one "AA" battery, not included. 5" tall. Click this link to purchase the Finger Nose Trimmer: http://www.johnsonsmith.com/website/...%5Fpage%5Fno=4.