MANILA, Philippines ? Here are useful tips and proper methods to help you achieve that perfect shave.
You know those old heartwarming commercials and movie clips where a father is shaving while his young son stands beside him ?fake shaving? with a dollop of cream on his face? Well, that was not my first experience with shaving. Mine was more of a ?here?s a razor, try not to hurt yourself? kind of learning.
A couple of years later, and several bleeding cuts and scrapes, I came to learn some helpful steps:
Prep school. Preparation is always the best way to go about anything. Before you put a blade against sensitive facial skin, make sure it is sharp (dull blades are actually more likely to nick you) and clean. Also, a hot shower is recommended before shaving as it weakens hair follicles, allowing for easier shearing. A facial scrub will also help exfoliate and break down facial hair.
Brush with greatness. I?ve always figured that using a badger brush was a bit over-the-top seen only in period films. But the benefits of using a brush include greater coverage and better lathering of product, allowing you to get the most out of a dab of product. I really like the product range and brush-and-razor set from New York-based company êshave (at Adora, Greenbelt 5).
Going against the grain. We?ve heard countless times that going ?against? the grain is a definite no-no. But if you want to get the closest shave possible, there really is no other way. The trick is after you?re done shaving ?with? the grain, rinse off residue, re-prep the entire face (shaving cream and all) and lightly shave in the other direction. You may get some bumps and cuts at first, but your skin will naturally adjust to it.
It?s a bit of a misconception that the art of shaving must be passed down from father to son. Truth is, no matter who you learn it from, it?s likely you will learn as much of that person?s mistakes as his correct methods. The best way, really, is to do your own research?from scouring the Net (there are countless ?grooming gurus? online) to simply consulting your favorite men?s glossy mag.
