Here's to a Healthier Shave!

It is both amazing and frightening how quickly most men shave. They are taking the sharpest blade in the house to their face, and yet most of the time racing through the process, half-distracted. A professionally rendered shave takes anywhere from 12 to 25 minutes. What do we think we're doing when we bang it out inside a couple of minutes?

For a healthier shave, start by washing your face with a facial cleanser. These are better than soap and water because they typically help soften the protein in the stubble. Soap, on the other hand, will wash away those hair-softening oils, and make the task at hand that much harder. Make a point of leaving the cleanser on your face for about a minute before you rinse it off.

The next step is the application of the shaving cream or gel – use one of them specifically labeled “for sensitive skin” if you think yours qualifies, but there is no real difference among the major brands otherwise. Let the cream/gel sit for 2 to 3 minutes – the longer you can wait, the better.

Be sure to keep your skin hot and moist throughout the shaving process. Shaving while in, or immediately following, the shower is one way to accomplish this handily.

Dermatologists agree that using a shaving brush is more than just an extravagant elegance from a bygone era, it really does make a difference. A good brush – badger hair is recommended by most barbers – pushes the lubricating cream into and among the hairs better than your fingers ever can.

And what about the razor? Double-bladed? Triple? The more the merrier, right? Not really. A single blade works just great – so long as it is sharp. Perhaps the most important take-away from this healthier shave screed is to toss your blade when it begins to dull. That would be every week or two, assuming you shave once daily. And another advantage of using a single blade is that it will be easier to part with than the more expensive multi-blade monstrosities.

When you are finally ready to put stainless steel to cheek, be sure to shave in the direction your hair is growing. Yes, you may get a closer shave if you cut “against the grain,” but your chances for razor burn and ingrown hairs go up commensurately.

If you have properly softened and prepared your skin, a single pass with a single bladed razor should be all you require. You want to avoid shaving and re-shaving the same areas, and the irritation that will inevitably cause.