Many men shave daily, while a woman may shave her legs several times a week. A good shave can leave you with a smooth, clean look, but a bad shave can result in nicks, uneven patches and unsightly stubble. Choose a good, sharp razor, and replace your razor as soon as it begins to dull. Take the time to prepare your skin beforehand and soothe it afterward for a close, smooth shave, and a pleasant shaving experience.
Step 1
Wet the skin thorough with hot water before you begin to shave. Hot water opens pores and softens the hair, making it easier to cut. Corey Greenburg, MSNBC's Tech Expert, recommends you shave after taking a shower.
Step 2
Apply shaving cream to your face. Keep the face wet as you apply the cream and really work it into a lather. Greenburg recommends you use a good-quality, badger-hair shaving brush to apply the cream and work it into a lather. According to Greenburg, the brushing action gently exfoliates your skin and pushes the hairs into an upright position in the shaving cream.
Step 3
Shave with the razor in the direction of your hair growth, stroking down your face and neck and from kneecap to ankle on legs. Rinse the razor after each stroke. Use your free hand to pull the skin tight under hard-to-reach areas, such as under the nose or chin or around the kneecaps.
Step 4
Rinse with more hot water and check to see if you missed a spot. Go over these spots again with your razor to touch-up. Pat dry with a towel.
Step 5
Apply a non-alcohol after-shave or skin moisturizer, rubbing it gently into your freshly shaved skin.
Tips and Warnings
- For an even closer shave, Men's Health recommends lathering up a second time and making a second pass with the razor across or against the direction of hair growth, but this can be irritating for those with more sensitive skin.
Things You'll Need
- Hot water
- Razor
- Shaving cream or gel
- Shaving brush
- Towel
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