Jack Kemp
Winning is like shaving- you do it every day or you wind up looking like a bum:
Putting a razor-sharp blade to your neck every morning is the manliest thing you can do. While many men think of shaving as a dreadful chore, it is a ritual performed by great men to embrace their masculinity. Shaving also brings men closer. I am sure you remember the Sunday mornings that your fathers and elder brother used to spend in the local barbershop with retro songs on the radio topped with political and sports discussions. The good ol’ days of barbershop may have faded from your memory, but shaving should surely be a part of your well-rounded grooming routine. Even if you sport a beard or facial hair, shaving helps to keep them tidy and presentable. Most men think shaving is a no-brainer but achieving a great shave every time requires skills and finesse. A flawless shaving routine means committing no razor crimes for a buttery smooth skin. For the same, you need to avoid some common mistakes that can enhance your shaving experience substantially. In this article, let’s discuss a few shaving mistakes that you should avoid at any cost for a painless and pleasant shaving experience.
Dry Shaving
With the advancement of modern shaving tools, electric and dry shaving have grown popular amongst men. Dry shaving refers to a technique of shaving, which does not involve water or water-based products to cut or reduce your beard. This technique may seem instant and hassle-free but it can result in dry skin and ingrown hair. Keep the electric trimmers or shavers for the sole purpose of reducing the length of your beard. The less contact they have with your skin, the better it is. If you like to stay clean-shaven, avoid electric shavers altogether.
No Pre-shave Prep.
Like any other successful ritual, your prep decides the outcome of your shave (good foreplay ensures pleasant outcomes). If you prepare your skin well and soften your whiskers, you will experience a satisfying and pleasant shave. On the other hand, if you start attacking your beard with no pre-shave prep, you may end up with nicks, cuts, and burns on your skin. Before you lather your beard with shaving cream, soften the skin and beard with warm water and a lubricant, like a moisturizer or a pre-shave oil. You can apply any essential oil to decrease the friction between your skin and the razor. Using a pre-shave oil also ensures a gliding motion while reducing your stubborn whiskers.
Not using a sharp blade
The trailblazer of Manliness, Brett Mckay (Art of Manliness), once mentioned that you should rather scrape your face with kerosene and a butter knife than use a dull blade. Contrary to popular belief, you are likely to cut yourself with a dull blade. A sharp blade will reduce the nicking on your skin as it will easily cut your beard compared to an old, blunt blade. Always use a sharp blade (preferably a new blade) for a shave, which will ensure you have a smooth shaving experience without any rashes or ingrown hair.
Using a disposable cartridge razor
The intended use of a disposable cartridge razor is to provide you with a shave when you do not have access to high-quality shaving razors. The blades are not as sharp and they are designed for one or a maximum of two uses. The problem starts when one uses these razors in their daily shaving routine. In our opinion, you should avoid using these plastic disposable razors entirely. Instead, choose a metal-bodied straight razor or safety razor for a gliding soft experience. The blades of these cartridge razors are intentionally blunt so you pay more to buy a new razor or the cartridge. A metal safety razor on the other hand will last you a lifetime and the blades are also inexpensive.
Not using a shaving brush
The convenience of using a shaving foam out of a spray bottle is an enticing proposition but not for your skin. These aerosol sprays are packed with harmful chemicals and the foam does not make close contact with your skin. Using a traditional shaving cream or soap paired with a shaving brush is the best way to lather your beard. The light massaging action fluffs up your whiskers, making it easier for the razor to cut the beard but keeping your skin lubricated and rash-free.
No post-shave care
Most men only focus on the main event, i.e., shaving, and often overlook the aftercare of their skin. You must understand your skin goes through a traumatic process of many passes of a sharp blade. To reduce the damage from shaving, you should always pay special attention to post-shave care. Post-shave care involves moisturization and applying an antiseptic on your skin. Using an alum block, followed by a creamy moisturizer and a nourishing after-shave lotion to finish, this is a simple three-step post-shave routine you can easily incorporate after a fantastic shave every time.
Shaving is an essential part of men’s grooming routine but not every shave is pleasant. Avoid these shaving mistakes to achieve a delightful shave with no cuts or rashes. We hope that you are not committing any of the above mistakes and even if you are, now you know how to avoid them.
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