Five grooming mistakes you’re making right now & how to fix them
By Ross Semple
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If you suffer from bumpy, itchy or irritated skin after shaving it’s possible you’ve been making some of these common shaving mistakes.
From using skincare products to prepping your skin and using the right technique, a proper shaving routine will ensure cuts and razor burn are a thing of the past.
We’ve teamed up with Cornerstone, who sell high quality men’s shaving products on a flexible subscription service and thus know a thing or two about shaving, to bring you the five most common shaving mistakes men make and how to rectify them should you be guilty of any.
GOING STRAIGHT INTO THE SHAVE
For the best possible shave, you’re better off shaving prepping your skin. The quickest way to prep your face is to jump in the shower and use a microbead-free scrub to clear your skin of any impurities and dead skin cells. This will ensure you get a smooth, close shave. The steam of the shower will open up your pores and soften your stubble, making it easier to shave. Once you’re out of the shower, it’s time to tackle the stubble.
OVERUSING BLADES
The second biggest mistake you can make is to use blunt blades. An old razor translates into an uncomfortable shave and the potential for nicks and cuts, not to mention razor burn. The guys at Cornerstone explain that this is because blunt blades require you to make more passes over the same area to get a close shave, but the more passes you make, the higher the chances are of irritation.
If you shave every day, we’d always recommend changing the blades every Monday morning- after all it’s a new week so put your best face forward. A fresh set of blades will make all the difference when it comes to the quality of your shave.
DRY-SHAVING
We’ve all done it once or twice. You’re shaving in a rush or you’ve run out of shave gel, so you decide to just take the razor to your face and start shaving- dry. This will irritate and dry out your skin. Not only will a shave gel or cream provide a protective barrier for your skin, but it will also allow the blades to glide smoothly across the face.
SHAVING AGAINST THE GRAIN
Cornerstone’s number one piece of advice is always to shave with the grain, not against it. Back in the 50’s when the science behind razors hadn’t been developed enough, it was hard to get a close shave. However, our technology today has improved so much that you can still go with the grain and achieve a smooth shave. Going against the grain will only mean higher chances of razor burn and cuts, so unless you like the tissue-paper-stuck-on-your-face look, we suggest you always shave in the direction of hair growth.
NOT USING A POST-SHAVE BALM
Shaving can irritate and dry your skin, so to ensure you have the smoothest shave, make sure you’re using a moisturising post-shave balm after shaving. It will close your pores and re-hydrate your skin whilst having a cooling and calming effect. When picking out a post-shave balm, the number one criteria to look for is a product that doesn’t contain alcohol. This ingredient only dries and irritates your skin even further, so instead choose a product that will help to soothe and restore your skin’s moisture.
If you’d like your grooming and shaving essentials delivered to your door, hassle-free and on a recurring basis, check out Cornerstone and its German engineered razors and British skincare products. Attitude readers can try Cornerstone for free* here.
*Ts &Cs: £2 postage payable. Offer available to UK residents only. One offer redeemable per household. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Terms apply- see cornerstone.co.uk/attitude