Surefire shaving tips for men

Shave like a pro with these helpful tips and products

When the time came for a shave, men from our fathers’ generation would pat warm water on their face and then drag a poorly-constructed razor across their skin, before splashing on a harsh after-shave that would cause men to yelp in pain as they departed the bathroom with scraps of tissue dotted around their bleeding face.

Nowadays, thankfully, the men’s shaving market has bloomed with numerous products designed to make the daily shave something akin to a spa treatment.

Like a muscle before exercise, skin on the face needs to be warmed up before shaving. Preparation is crucial so start with a face wash to get rid of dirt, oil and grime. A gentle scrub applied in circles with the fingertips removes dead skin cells and will help the razor to glide smoothly without friction. Bulldog, the smart range from Britain, have you covered in these departments.

To protect the face during shaving, creamy foam is the tried and tested product for men, but an increasing number of shave gels on the market are now the more popular choice. Nivea Men manufacture a gel infused with aloe vera that is a good idea for men with sensitive skin, while Bic and Schick are other effective gel options for a soothing shave that prevents painful razor burn, while King of Shaves make an antibacterial shaving gel blended with tea tree for a clean shave and a fresh scent.

Onto the razor itself and the options are numerous. Gillette, however, have decades of history behind their grooming gadgets and offer the latest technology to help men get a fuss-free shave. The Fusion Proglide razor is a popular choice, fitted with blades that have a lubricating strip and an easy to grip handle. Gillette’s Flexball technology in the razor head means the blade will bend and twist to follow the contours of your face and provide a pleasingly close shave – but always make sure to shave in the direction of beard growth to avoid irritation. Blades should be replaced after about five shaves to prevent bacteria building up that could cause a skin infection.

The job is not done yet. After splashing your face with cold water to close the pores, a soothing post shave balm will help to tone, moisturise and cool the skin. Nivea Men produce both a lotion and a balm, depending on what your skin prefers, that will provide the skin with crucial hydration and ensure you leave the bathroom ready to face the day.