I got the opportunity to spend some time with friends in Virginia this past weekend. As usual barber instinct, I asked how’d my friend’s shaving routine was coming along. Like many of you, he shared that its been a continuous battle of uncertainty of products or simply not knowing what he should & should not do.
Over the course of the past couple months, I was able to retrieve some response from various guys what troubles them most about their shaving experience. Maybe you can relate to some & fall right in line on the shaving rollercoaster:
#1 SHAVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION
If you ever wish to give a personal invitation to razor bumps, you can simply shave (with a razor) in the opposite direction of your skin. Before you shave, its crucial to feel the direction of where your skin grows. For some it may flow downward and others upward but you must make sure that is clear before any razor touches the skin. Knowing this will help increase chances of a smooth shave & healthy regrowth pattern.
#2 APPLYING ALCOHOL
We’ve all experienced the barbershop at some point and been slapped with some classic rubbing alcohol after a close haircut. The truth is it may be a “disinfectant” but it is also another evil to dryness & razor bump development. Sterilization is important but there’s many more alternatives that do not strip your skin of its natural oils or feeling stone cold dry like Aloe Vera or Witch Hazel).
Fact: Surfactants and alcohol contribute to the problem of acne instead of preventing outbreaks while additionally causing dryness and irritation, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health in 2011.
#3 CHEAP BLADES
Gone are the days of your cheap BIC razors. Don’t become another victim to the conventional-shaving experience you get sold in TV ads and the “mens grooming” department at CVS or Walgreens. Treat your face with some respect and dignity. There’s currently a variety of upstart brands that are looking to redefine that shaving industry by first producing Grade A quality blades at a fair, competitive price. Many of these regular department store blades are poorly-produced and lack durability. Companies like Harry’s and Bevel stand at the forefront of the new shaving crusade. R.I.P. Bic Blades
Note: Both shaving products can be found in your local Target store.
#4 NO SHAVING ROUTINE
I understand that every shave experience is different. Some may need more product then others but the fundamentals remain the same. The execution always starts with a pre shave and ends with an aftershave routine. Developing these healthy practices now will have a strong benefit in the long run & you should start seeing immediate results.