Get the Closest & Cleanest Shave of Your Life: No Razor Burn
You ever go in with high hopes of a baby-smooth face. But end up with nicks, razor burn, and an annoying patch of stubble you somehow missed? We’ve all been there, mates.
Cleanest shave doesn’t come with just dragging a razor across your face. It’s about technique, the right tools & products, and a little bit of patience. At Barber Nation, we’ve been perfecting the art of shaving for over 17 years. So, trust us, we know what we’re talking about.
If you want a fresh look for a big night out or need to level up your grooming game. We are glad to help you out and guide you in how to perfectly shave.
Let’s get your razor gliding.
What Is the Closest Shave?
A close shave refers to cutting facial hair as near to the skin as possible. So, you can get a smooth even and stubble-free look. A truly close shave means your face feels soft to the touch, with no rough patches left behind. However, it isn’t achieved by shaving more.
In fact, shaving too aggressively in pursuit of the closest shave can lead to:
- Irritation
- Razor bumps
- Cuts
That’s why you need to move each stroke with precision and care. That not only removes hair efficiently but also protects your skin from damage.
How to Get a Close Shave? Tips & Techniques
To achieve the cleanest shave, you need to focus on three key phases. The pre-shave preparation, the shaving process itself, and post-shave care.
Each step is essential for an irritation-free process and results in form of the best shave for men. Let’s discuss them one-by-one.
Pre-Shave: Preparing Your Skin for the Cleanest Shave
A well-prepared face leads to a smoother glide, fewer cuts, and less irritation. Follow these pre-shave steps to set yourself up for the best finish.
1. Take a Hot Shower
Always start your shave with a hot shower. It can helps open up pores, softens facial hair, and allows the razor to cut more efficiently. If you don’t have the time for a shower, just wash your face with warm water thoroughly.
Warm water also makes your skin more pliable, and reduces the risk of nicks and cuts.
2. Clean Your Face
Washing your face with a gentle cleanser removes excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.
So, your clean face can help the shaving cream adhere better. Leading to a smoother and closer shave. It also reduces the risk of inflammation or infections. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
We recommend using Proraso Beard Wash or Refreshing Shaving Soap.
3. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliating before shaving is an overlooked step, but it’s incredibly important.
A good exfoliator removes dead skin cells and lifts hairs, even the smallest follicles. So, you can get a shave free from razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Use a gentle facial scrub, apply and rub it in circles. It will give you a rough sensation, but believe us, it’s worth it.
4. Get a Hot Towel Treatment
If you’ve ever had a traditional barbershop shave. You’ll know the luxury of a hot towel treatment. And yes, you can also enjoy it at home.
Soak a towel in a warm water tub, wring it and put it on your face. You can also add a few drops of oil in water if you want a steaming effect. It further softens hair and relaxes the skin for a close shave razor experience. Press the towel on your skin, relax and breathe!
5. Apply a Pre-Shave Oil
Pre-shave oil creates a protective layer between the razor and your skin.
That layer doesn’t only reduce friction and irritation. But also helps the razor glide effortlessly over your face, and protect against razor burn and cuts. Do not confuse it with shaving oil or beard oil. Use natural oils like jojoba, argan, or coconut oil for the best results.
During Shave: Mastering the Best Shaving Technique
Now that your skin is prepped, it’s time to focus on the actual shave. The right tools and techniques are your key to achieving a hand shave with ultra-smoothness.
1. Use an Absorbent Brush for Shaving Cream
A shaving brush lifts the hairs and helps create a thick & even lather. That allows the razor to make better contact with your skin and give a closer shave. While doing prep, soak up your brush in warm water to make it more absorbent.
Make sure that your brush is properly damp but not soaking or dripping wet.
What Are Some Recommended Types of Shaving Brushes?
- Badger Hair Brush: Holds water well and creates a rich lather, used for traditional wet shaving.
- Boar Bristle Brush: Slightly rougher bristles that can feel irritating but help exfoliate the skin.
- Synthetic Brush: A great alternative for those who prefer cruelty-free options.
2. Make a Thick Lather on Your Stubble
A thick and creamy lather protects your skin and softens the hair
So you can easily cut even the small hairs without any chances of razor burn. Pour the shaving cream into your hand palm or shaving bowl. Move the brush in it to make even foam and keep adding some drops of water for even consistency.
Always use a high-quality shaving cream instead of canned foams, as they contain drying agents.
3. Map Out Your Face for Complete Coverage
Understanding the direction of your hair growth is important. If you shave in the opposite direction from your hair, you can feel irritation. So map out your beard’s growth pattern before applying shaving cream in it.
Then, apply an even & thick layer and make sure no area is left uncovered.
4. Use the Right Razor
All the steps are crucial, but the ultimate results narrow down to the type of razor you are using. Always choose the best men’s shaving razor, making no compromise on quality. It depends on your skin type and shaving preference.
What are some best shaving razors for men?
- Safety Razors: Ideal for a traditional & precise shave with less irritation. It gives you a safe shave without the worry of angle.
- Straight Razors: The sharp tool for a professional hand shave.
- Cartridge Razors: Convenient and easy to use but cause more irritation.
- Electric Razors: While not as close as a manual shave, the closest electric razor can still deliver good results.
5. Go with the Grain
Shaving in the direction of hair growth prevents razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
So, always keep the first stroke along the grain i.e. direction of your hair growth. For an even closer shave, do a second pass across the grain, but never against it on the first pass. Also, keep checking the reaction of your skin as going against grain does not work for everyone.
6. Consider the Shaving Angle
Hold your razor at a correct angle to the skin for optimal shaving efficiency. Too steep, and you’ll irritate your skin. Too shallow, and you won’t get a cleanest shave. We recommend a 30 degree angle for the best results using a straight razor.
If you can’t maintain an angle, use safety blades, they are more kind and forgiving.
7. Keep Your Skin Taut
Other than razor sharpness and angle, tight skin also contributes to close shave.
Stretch your skin slightly with your free hand and create a flat surface for the razor. It will make your hair follicles straight and allow for a smoother glide and closer cut. Don’t pull with the strokes, just let the weight of razor do all the work.
8. Experiment & See What Works Best for You
Remember, you are unique in every sense of word and so are your needs.
So, the type of razor, brush, technique, or angle that works for others might not work for you. Try out different razors. Move it along the grain or against it. Start from the area of your choice. And keep the angle that feels more comfortable to you.
Post-Shave: Finishing Touch for a Smooth Feel
The work isn’t done after shaving! Proper post-shave care keeps your closest shave as it is for a longer period. It also keeps your skin healthy and irritation-free.
So, you can flex the clean-shaven look with more confidence.
1. Rinse with Cold Water
Cold water helps close the pores and soothe the skin, reducing inflammation. This step also removes any remaining shaving cream and loose hairs.
2. Apply a Suitable Aftershave or Alum Block
An aftershave lotion or alum block helps disinfect minor cuts and prevents irritation. Choose an alcohol-free formula to avoid dryness.
Try out our Proraso Aftershave Lotion Refreshing with Eucalyptus oil and menthol.
3. Moisturise Your Skin Well
A good moisturiser replenishes hydration and keeps your skin soft. Look for products with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to soothe any irritation.
So, How Do You Shave Your Face?
Want to Add Safety & Smoothness to Your Shaving Experience?
Get the Cleanest Shave by Professionals at Barber Nation
At Barber Nation, we take shaving seriously.
Our expert barbers use time-tested techniques and high-quality products to give you the closest shave without irritation. Be it a traditional hand shave or a modern grooming experience, we can provide you with that.
and experience true barbershop luxury.