Shaving Basics for Men

June 01, 2020 — Jt Spratley

First published on March 10, 2015

July 31, 2017


This may be a tad on the TMI side for some, but shaving hair anywhere on your body requires skill. You can’t just shave every part of your body with random directions of strokes with the expectation of a smooth and healthy shave. Many know this all too well. Many others have little to no idea because not everyone shaves the same areas or has the same skin.

I’ve been shaving my scalp, facial, and armpit hair with the Gillette Mach 3 every two to three days for eight years, with few exceptions. Skin bumps mean more time before I shave again. I know where I should and shouldn’t shave with, adjacent to, and against the grain. I pay special attention to my cowlick – small section of hair that grows in a different direction than the rest – with strokes of multiple directions. I have clippers for everything else – chest, stomach, and manscaping. The clippers leave hair just long enough to prevent ingrown hairs, regardless of the direction of stroke. Afterwards, I always use Witch Hazel to moisturize and protect the area against infection. In my opinion, it does the work of rubbing alcohol and lotion without burning or drying out shortly afterwards. Oh, and for a gag gift alternative, there’s theCoochy After Shave Protection Mist.

I haven’t tried any alternatives to normal safety razor except the Headblade a few years ago. I didn’t like how it seemed the blades were low quality and the handle decreased overall control of the shave. I haven’t heard much about the Dollar Shave Club but the price is awesome.

For those looking to learn a new skill or something more sophisticated, you can upgrade to Double-edged Safety Razor and finally the Classic Straight Razor. Just make sure you watch or read a tutorial first.

Manscaping by Askmen – Read what Askmen has to say about manscaping
Witch Hazel at GNC – Great alternative to after-shave products containing alcohol
Coochy After Shave Protection Mist
– Just the name makes it an interesting gift for the right party
The Dollar Shave Club – razors delivered to you for cheap
Harry’s Razors – Another lessor known option to buying razors in the store
Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
– Upgrade from the average safety razor
Dovo Classic Straight Razor Half Hollow Ground
– Master the straight razor

Tags: health

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