Achieve a perfect shave easily

Remember the first time you shaved your face? It’s often a milestone in a boy’s adolescent life – signaling passage into manhood.

Now that you are older, shaving has become a habit – a mere morning routine. But it’s not a task to take lightly, or else you can end up with nicks and irritation. No matter how many times you’ve shaved before, you can probably benefit from a refresher course. You can use it for your own benefit or to teach your kids how to shave, just like your father taught you.

Take a warm shower before you shave for the best results. If you don’t have time, soften your face with a warm, wet towel or washcloth. The warm water promotes more effective cutting. (Avoid hot water, which will dry out your skin.)

Put a new, sharp, clean blade in your razor, or use a new disposable razor, to achieve a close shave.

Fill the sink halfway with water so you’ll have a place to rinse your blade.

Put a dollop of shaving cream or gel into the palm of your hand. Apply an even layer, in upward, circular motions, to your facial hair or beard.

Shave in even strokes downward (in the direction that your hair grows), starting from the sideburns, cheek and neck. Use light but firm pressure. Before each stroke, pull skin taut with your free hand. (To get a very close shave, wet your face again and shave very lightly upward, against the hair growth.)

Rinse your razor in the sink after every stroke or two so the blade doesn’t get clogged.

Shave the area around your chin. When shaving under the chin, pull the razor up from the throat toward the chin.

Shave the upper lip. Keep the skin tight by curling lips over teeth.

Rinse your face with cold water to close pores and remove excess shaving cream or gel. Pat skin dry. (Rubbing face will only irritate the skin.)

Apply an aftershave to soothe the skin and make it smell fresh.