Tips for men: how to shave (2024)

FAQs

Do I shave pubes with or against grain? ›

The key to shaving pubes is to use short strokes with gentle pressure. You can shave in any direction that feels comfortable, but shaving “with the grain” will help to avoid excess shaving irritation. Clean the blade in water every 2-3 strokes to keep your hair from blocking the blades.

Pre-shave oils - Not to be confused with beard oil or shaving oil, pre-shave oil is applied to the face before the shaving process begins. It moisturizes your face and acts as a lubricant, sitting below the shaving cream to give you a smoother shave.

For a wet clean shave (including in the shower), smother on some shaving foam or gel. Now you're ready for action. Using circular movements, start shaving. Go with the grain on your first pass (that means shaving in the direction your facial hair is growing in) then go against the grain afterwards for a closer shave.

It's also okay to decide not to shave your pubic hair at all! It's quite normal to let it grow out, though you must wash and dry it properly. Otherwise, you can cause itchiness and rashes from dried-out skin or clogged pores.

Shaving with a clogged or unclean razor is a big no-no. Folliculitis is typically caused by bacteria. Folliculitis causes red and white pimples to grow around the hair follicle resulting in that prickly feeling after shaving. Rest assured, mild cases of folliculitis should clear on its own within a number of days.

The right shaving technique to avoid razor bumps involves one absolutely inviolate rule, and that is, never shave against the grain. It means never shave in the opposite direction of your hair growth. Instead, you must always shave with the grain; in the direction of your hair growth.

Squirt some shaving gel into your hand, then apply it to your face, making sure to cover the sides of your face, chin, mouth area (around your lips), neck, and throat. Press the razor to the area you want to shave (it's a good idea to start with the sides of your face as they're easy to handle).

Should a guy shave his chest? ›

As with whether to shave your chest hair at all, that's completely up to you! You might shave your chest hair once, and then decide you don't like it. You might also decide that this is something you'd like to maintain, and therefore wonder how often to do it.

Stubble is caused by the regrowth of facial hair after it has been shaved. The rate at which hair grows back varies from person to person, but it is generally anywhere from a few days to a week.

Stretch the skin gently to make it taut, and gently glide the razor against the direction of hair growth. Hold your shaver at a right angle to your skin and do not apply any pressure. The weight of the razor will provide all the pressure needed. If you find you need to apply pressure to shave, use a new blade.

If your skin is dry, creeping across it with a razor is likely to leave you all red and inflamed. One of the most common causes of razor bumps is that simple — shaving without enough moisture around. Take a warm shower or a bath (not too hot) to soften the hair and make it more malleable and less likely to drag.

Don't press too hard but don't be too gentle. Find the right touch by making sure the razor is cutting the hair and not your skin.