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What Are the Best Tips for Shaving a Beard?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Shaving a beard can seem like a daunting task, and most people have heard horror stories concerning razor burn or painful cuts on the face. By following a few simple tips and guidelines, shaving a beard can be a much easier and less frightening experience. One of the most important tips for shaving a beard involves making sure the face is wet before attempting to shave. It is also important to use high-quality shaving supplies, such as razors and shaving cream. The razor must be used properly, and the skin should be moisturized after the shaving experience has been completed.

Razor burn is a painful concern when shaving a beard and can be avoided in most cases by making sure that the face is thoroughly wet before beginning to shave. It is often helpful to apply a hot, damp towel to the face for a few minutes before applying shaving cream to the face in order to soften the facial hair. When possible, the shaving cream should be allowed to sit on the face for a couple of minutes or so before the shaving process begins so that the hair becomes as soft as possible.

Shaving cream.
Shaving cream.

A shaving brush is an invaluable tool to make the process of shaving a beard go as smoothly as possible. The use of the shaving brush helps to raise the hair so that a closer shave is possible. The brush also helps to remove dead skin cells, making blemishes and razor bumps less likely to develop.

A fresh, sharp blade should always be used when shaving a beard. It should be noted that at least one layer of skin is removed along with the hair during the process of shaving, and a dull razor could cause severe cuts to the face. The blade of the razor should be rinsed with hot water before beginning to shave and several times during the process. The safest and most productive method of shaving involves moving the razor in the direction of the hair growth.

Shave in the direction of hair growth.
Shave in the direction of hair growth.

The face should be thoroughly rinsed after shaving a beard before applying an antiseptic facial wash in order to prevent infection from any microscopic abrasions that may develop. An aftershave lotion should then be used so that the skin is properly moisturized. A man's skin-care needs are quite different from the needs of a woman, so it is important to use an aftershave product that is specifically designed for men.

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    • Shaving cream.
      By: HamsterMan
      Shaving cream.
    • Shave in the direction of hair growth.
      By: Ruslan Solntsev
      Shave in the direction of hair growth.
    • Ingrown facial hairs occur when a portion of the shaved hair gets trapped in the hair follicle.
      By: F.C.G.
      Ingrown facial hairs occur when a portion of the shaved hair gets trapped in the hair follicle.
    • Beards should be shaved with sharp, quality razors.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Beards should be shaved with sharp, quality razors.