 After seeing the shows in February we know that one of the strong trends this season is the clean shave preppy look. This look will continue during spring/summer so if not already an expert it is certainly time to update yourself on shaving technique and some products that can be useful.
There are five basic things to have in mind to get the perfect smooth shave:
- Preparations
- Using correct products
- Using the correct razors in the right way
- Technique
- Follow up
Preparations
Careful preparations are essential so that you don’t have to look like Bruce Willis at the end of one of the Die Hard films when done with your shaving. The thicker your stubble is the more important it is to soften then before. Personally I prefer to shave after a shower when the stubble is still slightly wet. This means that the stubble is softer and the face is properly cleaned (with a cleanser of course).  Using correct products
The past few years the market has been flooded with shaving products. It is essential to find the ones that are good for your skin. The general rule is that there should be as little air as possible between the razor and the skin to shave as close as possible. Shaving gels are generally better for this purpose and they come with a benefit since they keep the stubble moist and soft.
It is important not to use to much foam or gel since this will stick to the razor. A shaving brush is, though a tad old school, the best way to spread the shaving foam or gel in the face. If you have really sensitive skin you can apply a bit of shaving oil before you put on the shaving foam or gel. This will decrease friction and make the shaving smoother. Using the correct razors in the right way
There is more or less only one thing to think of here (hurrah!) and that is that the razor should be really sharp! As soon as you can feel it isn’t you have to change it or.. yes – you are right – you will look like Bruce Willis or some 16 year old boy who stole his dads old razors (yuck!). To keep the razor sharp during the actual shaving make sure to rinse of hair and foam from it in hot water frequently.  You might wonder about the razors that vibrate. The vibration helps the razor to cut the hair so the shaving is smoother, which is especially nice if you have rough hair or a 2 day stubble.
Technique
Now to something that no stressed man wants to hear… but… Take Your Time! Don’t stress this – you will only hurt yourself. Do as few strokes as possible and try and do them as smooth and even as possible. Shave in the direction of the hair (Yes – on the neck as well!) and wait with the more sensitive areas until the end of the shaving. These are normally over the lip, on the chin and the neck. If you wait with these until the end the products will make the hair smoother. If you have shaved in the direction of the hair and only done it once you can do it a second time in a slightly different angle to get the last bits of hair away. Follow up
You are now all content with your shaving and your face is smooth as if you were 20 again. Don’t forget to rinse with cold water to clean of the leftover foam. Rinsing with cold water also helps to close the pores. DO NOT use after shave products with alcohol straight after shaving. This will only irritate and dry out the skin that has just had a layer peeled off. After shaving the skin needs something that calms and moisturizes it. Use a special after shave product or your normal moisturizer.
A few things to think about...
 Clean shave might be the look of the season but the skin in your face need to rest from shaving every now and then. One trick is to do a “lazy shave” where you only polish off a bit of the stubble on the neck and on the cheeks. Having at least one shave free day per week is also good, do it on a Sunday; surely your friends won’t mind that you have a bit of a stubble when you have brunch.
If you follow these simple advices you will be able to face the world with a nice clean shaved face without little bits of paper over the cuts. If you want a few recommendations on products to use – go on and read about that HERE.
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