12 Ways You're Shaving Wrong

It turns out there's a ton to think about before you drag a razor-sharp, uh, razor across your face. And because I've apparently been shaving wrong my entire life, I decided to speak with Jon Goldmann of the esteemed New York-based grooming company, Harry’s to find out the best possible way to get rid of that face-fleece.

Based on our hour-long conversation--roughly four pages of written notes on shaving--there’s quite a lot that can go wrong, but also, fixing the problem is much easier than you think. With that, here’s everything you’re doing wrong while shaving, and everything you can do to get better at it.

1. You’re not shaving before you shave

No, you’re not having a stroke, I just said “shave before you shave.” This is a lot less complicated than it sounds and should only be used in specific situations. If you have a big bushy beard, it’s going to be impossible to shave with a manual razor.

So, before you start anything, buzz off your beard with an electric razor until you essentially have a five o’clock shadow. It will dramatically decrease that uncomfortable “tug and pull” feeling you can from shaving and lead to a way cleaner shave.
 

2. You’re not washing your face before you shave

The best time to shave is right after a shower.

If you’re going to use water as a means to soften your whiskers, you need to have enough of it to let the hair soak it up. Jon suggests taking an extra two minutes in the shower to stand under the showerhead and let the water rinse your face. As if two extra minutes in the shower isn’t the best way to start your morning.

3. You’re not opening up your pores

“A razor is sharp. I know that sounds ridiculously obvious, but your face isn’t used to that,” says Jon, who insists upon the hot towel treatment to allow the razor to more easily glide against your skin.  So, what is a hot water treatment? Excellent question.

Take a hand towel, make sure it’s clean, and soak it hot water—very hot water. Drape that towel over your face and then basically wait until it cools down. This two minutes of towel time dramatically opens your pores and softens the hair on your face. You can attain the same results by washing your face with hot water, but this is way more fun.
 

4. You’re not using enough shaving cream

Work the lather into your face with small circular motions and don’t be afraid to use enough to get good coverage (you should look like a snowman)—don’t worry, no one’s ever died from using a bit more shaving cream...at least, I don’t think. You don’t want to see any exposed skin before you drag a razor across your face. A good shaving cream acts as a lubricant that protects your skin from that ridiculously sharp razor you’re pulling across your face.

5. You’re using the wrong kind of razor

You don’t need a vibrating razor and you certainly don’t need to buy one of those expensive old-time razors they used back in the early 1900s. “Modern razors are made intentionally idiot-proof, because people who cut themselves make bad repeat customers,” says Jon, fully acknowledging his job is to sell razors. “They’re made to protect you from yourself, so let the razor do its goddamn job.”

Old razors are too heavy, not ergonomic, and frankly not fun to use.
 

6. You’re not mapping out your face

This is probably the biggest mistake men make when they’re shaving. “Here’s where it falls off the rails,” says Jon, “no one knows which way the grain grows.” Some people make the assumption that they know where the grain grows. Grain is very, very complicated—akin to those weather maps of wind patterns you see on TV.

There are multiple grains on your face, which can be easily mapped out by simply asking a barber or lightly running your fingers down your beard. If there’s little resistance against your fingers, you’re going with the grain, if it’s prickly and weird—like petting a cat the wrong way—you’re going against the grain. Map your face before you shave.

7. You’re pressing down too hard

Pressing down too hard will cause irritation to your skin, so just chill and let the razor do its job. Don’t punish your beard like it was the one responsible for canceling Arrested Development.
 

8. You’re using long strokes

When you shave, you want to make quick strokes on your beard to account for the change in grain direction that happens all over your face. Long strokes from your sideburns to your throat will almost definitely result in some cuts.

9. You’re shaving over the same spot twice

After generously applying shaving cream to your face, you’re doing nothing but a disservice to your skin if you go over the same spot sans cream. Jon tells me about the luxury of the “second pass” in which you essentially re-shave after you shave. If you missed a spot or think you didn’t get close enough of a shave, add a ton more shaving cream and have at it again.
 

10. You’re rinsing with hot water

Starting your shave with hot water is good because it opens the pores and softens your hair—but you need to close those pores after you shave or else dirt and crud will get in your pores and cause acne. Do you want acne? No, you don’t. No one does. Use cold water to wash all the excess cream and hair off your face.

11. You’re using a harsh aftershave with alcohol

Do not, under any circumstances, do this. Alcohol is bad for your skin and should only be used as an antiseptic. You actually don’t really need aftershave at all—a simple moisturizer will suffice just fine.


12. You’re touching your face after you’re done

When you shave, you’re essentially taking off a small protective layer of skin. This leaves your skin vulnerable to the all the dirt, oil, and leftover ketchup that’s on your dirty hands. After you’re done shaving, just wait an hour until you touch your face. Wait, why are you even touching your face in the first place?


Jeremy Glass is a writer for Supercompressor and takes great pride in his jet-black bristly beard.


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