Best way to Shave( Mens Facial people)

Ok so I have to shave every day for work and Its expected to be smooth all day.....recently Ive started to get a few ingrown hairs and its just growing in faster, So what are some techniques/products you guys you use to help get the perfect shave everyday.

 

1) Exfoliate daily (I know it sounds ghey but just do it anyway)

2) There is this stuff that comes in a little blue bottle... it's made for black guys because apparently they have a bigger problem with ingrown hairs during shaving... I forget the name of it but you should be able to find it at your pharmacy. It's non-prescription.

3) Shaving against the grain helps a little, but not all that much IMO

4) Use a GOOD razor, like the latest Gillette whiz-bang thing, and good shaving foam (gel is better IMO) made for sensitive skin

I warn you, make sure you put something plastic in your mouth when you apply the blue bottle stuff because you're going to feel a new kind of pain.


EDIT: I found the stuff - it is called "TEND SKIN"

 

Mike has some great suggestions....

I've found that when I need to stay clean-shaven all day (late meetings, etc.), the answer is pretty easy: shave twice.

Shave normally, then ... the second time around... really take your time... every nook and cranny... both with and against the grain...

Works great for me... Gel may be better, but I think it's messy... I use foam, and it works just fine...try it.

What razor are you using?

Mike in Kuwait

 

I thought about learning how to shave with a straight razor, but those things are expensive. anyone shave with a straight razor?

 

Both Mikes have good info, I'm not too sure on shaving against the grain though. Use a good razor and use good shaving cream. I use some Neutrogena Triple Face Protect and it helps prevent razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

It looks really sketchy

 

I shave with the grain, then against the grain, then with the grain again. takes more time obviously, but you have a clean face all day and I never get ingrown hairs-the 2nd time with the grain helps prevent that.

agree with SRTMike, gels work better than foam in my opinion. I use the Gillette Mach 3 Turbo razor, FYI. exfoliating helps too.

or just quit your job and you don't have to worry about it.

 

I used to get lots of cuts and breakouts on my neck until I began shaving in the shower. Hot hot water - let the hair and pores soften for a good 5 mins, then just lather with a soft soap like Dove (I find it's slicker than shaving foam). I'm not sure that the 3 or 5 blade is any better than the Sensor 2-blade, but I really like any of them with the rubber pad before the blade ("Excel" or "Turbo").

I used to shave both with and against the 'grain' of the hair but I found that I ended up with more ingrown hairs that way because it shaved neck hairs too close and they get stuck under the skin. Just the way my hair lies I suppose.

 

All sounds like good advice, I have a Schick Quattro with the 4 blades. I think the exfoliating and perhaps a different gel will help. Ill give the With/Against/With a shot as well. Today I shaved like ten mins before i left my house (so probably around 4:00am) and then at 1:30 my boss pops in and starts busting my balls about it - not serious though, but then i took a look and im like WOW ! hes probably right anyways i could use a mid day trim. Its funny too because one guy came into work today complaining about it and one of the girls told him to go have electrolysis so he wouldnt have to shave anymore and she wouldnt have to hear him complain about shaving. So much talk about it today I figured why not see what everyone else does.

 

That's a bit rough. What do you do that you need to keep a clean face?

 

That is pretty much the same as making your own soap. They are cool, but technology has advanced way beyond it.

 

No need for a straight razor.

But a double edge razor (also known as a safety razor), you'll save a lot of money and have a better shave.

 

Um, I'm guessing sycophant?

 

right now I shave immediately getting out of the shower. as soon as I step out, I place my razor under running scolding hot water in the sink, gets the metal hot. then I lather up and let it sit for a minute before shaving. I also have a gel heater. I think heating up the razor has made the most drastic improvement, and I have sensitive skin when shaving.

I would shave in the shower, except I can't see anything!

 

Yes - both my face and my head. I can tell you that it requires a great deal of practice, a steady hand and patience. Needless to say, I don't shave with a straight edge anymore.

Aside from the gel heater, your routine mirrors mine. As has already been suggested, shave in every direction; against the grain, up, down, side to side, diagonal. When I've finished shaving, I lightly drag my fingers about my face and neck, checking for 'grain'; I locate and shave until it's smooth. If your razor is completely rinsed and has lost that 'filmy' feeling from the shaving cream, then locating and eliminating grain is going to chew up your face. So when you get to that end part, take your time and make sure you still have some 'film' left. When you're done, pat dry your face and be sure to apply after shave as soon as you can. I don't shave everyday, but when I shave like that (morning of or night before), it lasts me the entire day.

Lately I'm considering an electric razor and would love to read opinions on those compared to the average Gillette Mach whatever.

 

I think that's what made a big difference for me as far as cutting myself - shaving by sight in a mirror I was not as accurate or careful. I keep my left hand lathered with soap and feel the stubble to guide the shaving hand. After a week or two you'll have enough muscle memory programmed that you can shave very quickly this way.

 

I got an electric razor for christmas a few years ago. Used it twice and it gave me the worst razor burn. I still use my trusty Mach 3 that Gilette sent me on my 18th birthday. I tried the fusion but it ripped me up too. Mach 3 ftw

 

The blades aren't dull yet? I use a Fusion, and just requested a free Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer

 

Rofl. I buy new blades when i need them. Duh

 

D'oh.

Misunderstood.

 

Are you sure you're old enough to shave, Ash?

P.S. - Free Schick Quattro Titanium trimmer?

Hook a website up! Where'd you get that deal?

 

Yeah, I'm old enough I don't have to shave everyday.

It actually expired. I got in last minute:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1312557

Check out this website for other deals:

www.slickdeals.net
or
www.fatwallet.com

 

I much prefer foil vs rotary. I used Remingtons for years, but gave up on them since the new ones are poorly made. I'm going to try Braun once I get tired of blades. Also, give yourself a week or so of using electric.

http://www.braun.com/global/products/shavinggrooming/dryshaving/dryshaving.html

Built in trimmer is great, too.

 

Great suggestions here.............Now that you have a good shave, I'll show you how to be cheap in the process! Blades are expensive. I use the Mach III and can't remember the last time I bought blades for it, maybe 12-18 months ago, I don't know. Anyways, after you shave, dry the blades. It sounds goofy, but it works! It's not so much your beard that wears down the blades, but more so is corrosion that forms over time from moisture! When done shaving, shake it a couple times and hit the blades witha blow dryer for 25-30 seconds. I do this and a blade thingy will last me about six months!...............Now THAT'S cheap!

 

I'm fortunate not to have super sensitive skin - and shave in the shower w/o any shaving cream whatsoever. Generally wait a few minutes to allow the warm water to soak in and shave with a mirror. No break outs, no cuts, near perfect shave (I always miss a spot or two that I'm sure to touch up after I get out). If I remember I make sure to throw some cold water on my face after getting out to close up my pores.

 

LOL priceless !