Even if you own the $249 Philips Norelco Shaver Series 9000, which cuts hair in eight different directions simultaneously, chances are you can still use a few tricks to perfect your shave. While talking with the Phillips team and grooming expert Craig the Barberit became very clear that there are as many things you could be doing wrong as there are ways the Shaver 9000 removes stubble (necessary, they tell me, because men’s hair grows in all directions).
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need the SmartClean docking station that cleans, dries, charges and lubricates your shaver at the touch of a button to make your life easier, although it certainly doesn’t. of badness. Below are seven common mistakes you might make and how to fix them.
1. Not washing your face before shaving.
“Most guys seem to think shaving cream provides enough moisture to get a close shave,” says Craig. In some cases that’s true, but wetting the skin guarantees better results: “It’s essential to use a good facial cleanser and cleanse the skin before applying shaving cream; it gets rid of all the oil and dirt, improving the cutting ability of the shaving tool. Washing your face before shaving not only gets you a closer shave, it can even be close enough to skip the next day’s shave. Wondering which facial cleanser to use? Try one of his favorites: Glycolic Face Wash from Anthony for Men or White Tea Face Wash from eShave.
2. Going too fast.
Even if you’re a stickler for the low-maintenance grooming routine, don’t rush it. “Speeding up the process leads to nicks and irritated skin more than almost any other shaving practice,” says Craig. “I understand you’re busy, but there are products that are painless and give you a close shave whether you’re in the shower or in the car. I like the Philips Norelco Shaver 9000 because it has three different speeds for personalized comfort, as well as super lift-and-cut action to comfortably cut hair below skin level. It also allows for both wet and dry shaves, which means you have the flexibility to skip shaving cream when you’re in a hurry.
The Philips Norelco Shaver 9000 with SmartClean docking station, $249. (Courtesy of Philips… [+]
3. Aggressive shaving.
The more pressure you apply, the closer the shave, right? Absolutely not: “A lot of men think that adding pressure makes for a better shave, but the harder you press, the more your face suffers from razor burns, nicks and cuts. With a good routine, face and beard should be so smooth that the razor will do all the work. Craig’s favorite routine consists of three simple steps: pre-shave, shave and after-shave. During the pre-shave, cleanse your face (as shown above) before applying an oil like The Gentlemen’s Refinery Pre-Shave Oil, which helps protect the skin from the blade Once you’re ready to shave, try dampening the face with GFT by Geo F. Trumper or Bump Patrol Cool Shave Gel All you have to do is moisturize with an aftershave balm, which speeds up the healing process so your next shave will be just as comfortable (try the balm Pure and Natural aftershave from Village Barber or the 3-in-1 Post Shave from Lab S eries).
4. Skipping your aftershave routine.
Speaking of aftershave, it’s an essential step, not an afterthought. “Did you know that shaving exfoliates the skin? Craig asks me. I did, in fact, but I wasn’t aware of the downside: “This means that the face is more susceptible to dryness after shaving, which manifests as redness, tenderness and bumps of Shaver.” A soothing balm is the easiest way to avoid these issues, but you can also follow it up with a daily moisturizer for extra comfort. If you’re looking for a no-frills face cream, he recommends Urth Skin Solutions for Men Intensive Moisture Balance or Face Balm by Dermalogica.
5. Use alcohol-based aftershave products.
Warning: feeling the burn is what you want avoid in this case. “For years, guys have run to alcohol-based aftershaves to help ‘heal’ the face,” says Craig. “Unfortunately, that sting they feel is the alcohol burning, drying, hardening – and most likely, darkening – their face.” A better alternative is a lightly scented (or unscented) balm like Village Barber’s Pure and Natural Aftershave Balm or Lab Series’ 3-in-1 Post Shave. “If you still want to smell that splash of aftershave, dab it behind your ears or on your lower neck,” he adds. “Applying it like this means you keep harmful splatters away from freshly shaved areas, but you don’t lose that great scent you love to wear.”
6. Dry shave with a razor.
Razors should never be used on dry skin, period. “I’ve seen guys shave their face with a razor blade on a dry face, which in essence is on purpose to get razor burns and rashes,” notes Craig. “Razor blades were designed to work best on a wet surface, so if you’re looking to save time by dry shaving, I suggest you consider the electric razor route – they cut just as close, but much faster.”
7. Not knowing how to shave based on your hair type and texture.
“If you watch enough shaving commercials between sports games, you’ll probably think you’ve mastered the art!” says Craig. The problem: you have to personalize your routine. “Every man’s beard grows differently, so just running a blade across your face without knowing the right direction can cause problems,” he explains. “Going against the grain can lead to ingrown hairs below the skin line.” Those with a coarser beard should opt for a razor designed to keep everything slightly above skin level, like the Philips Norelco CareTouch—the GentleCut heads keep you stubble-free while reducing ingrown hairs. Who said you can’t have it all?
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