Have you ever tripped while holding a razor and accidentally shaved your face perfectly? No? Exactly, because shaving is a meticulous process that requires focus, a plan, and the right tools.

Well, fear not. As purveyors of healthy (and rad) products and lifestyles for men, we’ve come up with some simple tips to ensure you get a perfect shave every time.

The Basics of Shaving

Let’s start with some foundational tips. For a simple and straightforward shave, you’ll want to follow these 6 steps:

1. Prepare your skin for shaving by applying a warm cloth for a few minutes.
2. Apply shaving cream and let sit for 2-3 minutes before shaving.
3. Always shave in the direction your hair grows.
4. Rinse after every swipe or 2 of your razor.
5. When finished, rinse your face in cold water to lock in moisture.
6. Before storing your razor, dip it in alcohol to sterilize the blades.

Should You Shave Before or After You Shower?

There are some places where you just should not shave at. The DMV, Starbucks, local libraries – these places tend to frown on public hair removal and half-naked people wielding sharp objects. No matter how comfortable you might be there, you’ll want to choose somewhere a little more private and hygienic.

The shower is a great spot. Here you can get all the hydration and softening benefits that warm water and steam provide. Plus, shaving in the shower will help remove dirt and oil that might clog your razor, ensuring a sharper shave.

If you don’t have time to shower (or you prefer to stand face-to-face with yourself in a mirror), take a warm cloth and rest it on your face for a few minutes before applying shaving cream.

What Is Shaving Cream For?

Can you eat it? Does it make shaving fun? Would mayonnaise work instead? No, yes, and sure why not.

Shaving cream is great at both preparing your skin for a shave and providing care during one. Working alongside the steam and warm water of your shower, it helps to soften hair follicles. It also provides hydrating benefits so your skin isn’t stripped of nutrients when shaving.

Best Shaving Cream for Men

You’ll want a shaving cream that goes on smooth and stays put while shaving, even if in the shower. After shaving, you’ll want to use it to replace any nutrients that may have been lost.

That’s why our Beard + Face Recovery Lotion is perfect for the job. It includes Naturally Derived Ingredients like natural menthol, aloe vera, and coconut oil that help soothe irritation after shaving while hydrating your skin and hair follicles.

Can You Shave With Just Water?

So you’re looking to take a step back in time, huh? Back to the prehistoric days of grooming, when men hacked at their beards with sharp rocks and paper cuts were the leading cause of death.

Of course, not everyone has time or shaving cream on hand. In those cases, you’ll want to spend more time warming up your skin and follicles to prepare for a shave. Once your skin is soft, shave with a sharp razor, and shave in the direction that your hair grows. 

Be much more gentle and careful if shaving with just water as there is more of a chance you’ll get nicks and cuts and razor bumps when not using shaving cream. When you’re done, finish off with cold water to lock in moisture, then use a lotion or Beard Oil.

What Beard Products Should I Use?

Every face is different. But keeping healthy skin underneath your beard is a great way to ensure you'll have a close, smooth shave every time. We recommend washing with some of our very best beard and skin products:

• Start with Beard + Face Wash to gently cleanse your man mane.
• Then use a Beard Butter to keep things soft and styled.
• Want it all? Try our Beard Thickening Starter Bundle to transform your beard and keep the skin underneath itch and irritation free.

Want to learn more? We have an entire library of helpful content, tips and tricks, and how-to guides for the best grooming around. To learn some helpful grooming tips for your beard, check out this article on the difference between beard oil and beard butter.