- Joined
- Dec 20, 2001
- Messages
- 1,217
I don't profess to know everything there is about shaving, and certainly some of what I'm going to say is against conventional wisdom (at least according to the Fag Five of Queer Eye fame). These are tips that have at least worked for me. Some of them are quite conventional, but since I'm going to be in a wedding party this Sat. I thought I'd share at least how I get a really good shave.
Like most things, a good shave starts with a good prep, which for me begins the DAY BEFORE the event. I skip shaving at least the morning of or better the day before an event if possible. I still have to work tomorrow, so I got a good shave in tonight. I won't shave until late Saturday morning, the day of the wedding. For what ever reason I get a MUCH better shave with a day and a half or two days growth.
Now some conventional wisdom, the Fag Five suggests shaving in the shower, and so do I. Bed, Bath and Beyond sells a reasonably priced mirror that works in the shower. There are some really elaborate "no fog" mirrors out there, the choice is yours.
More conventional wisdom. Use a facial scrub prior to the big shave, Neutragena and others are available at your local pharmacy and supermarket and they work well. I'm partial to Jack Black products, particularly their facial scrub and their Beard Lube (shaving cream). The last thing you do before exiting the shower is the shave.
O.K., now you're scrubbed, it's time for a shaving lubricant. I prefer shave oils and American Crew makes a very nice one that is very reasonably priced for the volume that you get. It's available at Ulta or try online. Use enough, but use it sparingly. Probably 10-20 drops is more than adequate (about 1 cc for the metrically inclinced). If your beard is especially thick, you may want to apply some "tube type" shaving cream such as Jack Black or Neutragena, but again, use it sparingly. You should still see your skin through the cream! You can use the cream over the oil, or just stick with the oil. This requires some experimentation.
Next, have at it. GO SLOWLY! I still go against the grain because I just can't get a really close shave going with the grain. Crossing the grain also works O.K., except for the neck. Again, this is very dependant on the individual. Conventional wisdom is to go with the grain to prevent ingrowns, but that doesn't work for me.
As far as razors are concerned, I'm a big fan of the powered Gilette multi-blade, and I prefer the new Fusion over the Mach 3 Turbo. I also use a new blade on the "day of the big shave", which most people agree with, but some reallly chintzy folks don't
(sorry VT).
Finally finish off with a shave balm or lotion. Again Jack Black makes some good stuff, but so does Neutragena and other "men's cosemetic companies".
Finally, if you want to try the Jack Black products, they are available at Nordstroms, or Nordstroms.com. A word of warning they are not cheap, and if your wife/financee/live-in/girlfriend gets ahold of it and starts using it for her legs it WILL DISAPPEAR FAST!
Anyway, that's what works for me. Anyone else who cares to share, chime in.
Like most things, a good shave starts with a good prep, which for me begins the DAY BEFORE the event. I skip shaving at least the morning of or better the day before an event if possible. I still have to work tomorrow, so I got a good shave in tonight. I won't shave until late Saturday morning, the day of the wedding. For what ever reason I get a MUCH better shave with a day and a half or two days growth.
Now some conventional wisdom, the Fag Five suggests shaving in the shower, and so do I. Bed, Bath and Beyond sells a reasonably priced mirror that works in the shower. There are some really elaborate "no fog" mirrors out there, the choice is yours.
More conventional wisdom. Use a facial scrub prior to the big shave, Neutragena and others are available at your local pharmacy and supermarket and they work well. I'm partial to Jack Black products, particularly their facial scrub and their Beard Lube (shaving cream). The last thing you do before exiting the shower is the shave.
O.K., now you're scrubbed, it's time for a shaving lubricant. I prefer shave oils and American Crew makes a very nice one that is very reasonably priced for the volume that you get. It's available at Ulta or try online. Use enough, but use it sparingly. Probably 10-20 drops is more than adequate (about 1 cc for the metrically inclinced). If your beard is especially thick, you may want to apply some "tube type" shaving cream such as Jack Black or Neutragena, but again, use it sparingly. You should still see your skin through the cream! You can use the cream over the oil, or just stick with the oil. This requires some experimentation.
Next, have at it. GO SLOWLY! I still go against the grain because I just can't get a really close shave going with the grain. Crossing the grain also works O.K., except for the neck. Again, this is very dependant on the individual. Conventional wisdom is to go with the grain to prevent ingrowns, but that doesn't work for me.
As far as razors are concerned, I'm a big fan of the powered Gilette multi-blade, and I prefer the new Fusion over the Mach 3 Turbo. I also use a new blade on the "day of the big shave", which most people agree with, but some reallly chintzy folks don't
(sorry VT).Finally finish off with a shave balm or lotion. Again Jack Black makes some good stuff, but so does Neutragena and other "men's cosemetic companies".
Finally, if you want to try the Jack Black products, they are available at Nordstroms, or Nordstroms.com. A word of warning they are not cheap, and if your wife/financee/live-in/girlfriend gets ahold of it and starts using it for her legs it WILL DISAPPEAR FAST!
Anyway, that's what works for me. Anyone else who cares to share, chime in.
I rinse until I get my skin cold. This seems to help reduce irritation, razor bumps, etc. It shrinks the pores, reduces any swelling, can stop minor bleeding, etc. 