I’d love to sit here and say that I am preaching to the choir, but I know that there are a lot of men out there that still need to be reached. So let me be the first to say that I will not stop talking about proper shaving practices, until every man truly understands how important the beginning (Prep) and the end (Post-Shave/Refresh) is in getting a close and comfortable shave that will also always yield healthy looking skin.
Why? Because I care. And, that’s the job of a barber – to make sure that his/her clients always look their best!
The beginning – Prep: Cleaning and exfoliating allows for the skin and beard to be in the best condition (clean & soft). Sticking with a moisture rich shave cream not only aids in further softening the beard, it also protects the skin from the blade. Because the job of the blade is to cut the hair, not the skin. Adding a pre-shave oil adds to greater comfort and closeness… consider it!
**If you feel that shaving across or against the grain is necessary after your 1st pass (with the grain), make sure you always, always, always re-lather prior to changing direction! (Remember my “baby-butt-smooth” rule.)
The end – Post Shave/Refresh: A wet-shave is an exfoliation of the skin; therefore, the skin is far more susceptible to being dry. To prepare for this possibility, always use a mild fragranced or unscented after shave balm that is designed to quicken the healing process while also moisturizing the skin. This puts you – the shaver, in a better position to handle your next shave without fearing any pain.
For the step-by-step process of my recommended shaving techniques – click here!
It’s always a pleasure to read about a fellow pro who just ‘gets it’! Great advice Craig, well done!
Thanks a lot Iain, I appreciate that!