Whatever kind of razor you choose; DE, SE, multi blade or straight razor, it is wise to take a few minutes to warm up and moisten the beard first. This allows the stubble to soften and stretch a bit. It is also important to clean the skin and beard before shaving.
To shave after a hot shower is a good idea. If I do not have the time to shower first, I wash my face with hot water and regular soap. I then apply a coat of pre shave cream. Then i wet a towel with as hot water as i can take. I wrap my face in this for approx. two–three minutes. Then i create a layer of hot shaving lather, by filling the brush with soap or cream, and then work up the lather directly on the face with a quality brush. This cleans the beard, massage the skin and gives the soap time to actually soften the beard. I apply a hot towel on this, and leave it for approx. two–three minutes, and then rinse off the lather with hot water. Then i put on some pre shave oil, and then I put on the layer of shaving lather that i use for the first pass of the shave. Now I am ready to start shaving!
In these photos you’ll see several common products. There are manny types and smells. Try as manny as possible, and find your favorite 🙂
Remember to rinse your face with as cold water as possible after the shave. This is to close the pores in the face. Then use a good moisturizer or after shave balm.
If one likes a little after shave smell, there is a sea of types to choose from. Many believe you should steer away from those with alcohol, since they can dry out the skin. Personally, I use alcohol aftershave without any problem. But I only use it after the moisturizer and/or after shave balm has drawn into the skin, and restored the protective layer of the skin. Here are some of my favorites:
