The Perfect Shave for Men: Going Against the Grain

I don’t care what the “experts” say; if you want the perfect shave for men, you must go against the grain and shave in the shower. Here are the best tips I’ve found combined with how OneSouthernMan gets a close shave.

Let’s break the shave into three sections: pre-shave, shave, and post-shave.

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Pre-Shave

It’s always best to shave after a shower or hot bath as the hot water opens the pores and softens the hair on the face, making it easier to shave. I’ve been shaving in the shower for over 20 years, and I find it the most convenient and soothing way to shave. I recommend starting with a fog-free mirror, but I haven’t used one in years and can tell my feeling if I’ve missed any spots.

While you’re in the shower or bath, make sure to cleanse your skin. An exfoliating scrub unblocks the pores and encourages the hairs to stand up. It’ll give you less resistance when shaving, preventing ingrown hairs.

Next, apply pre-shave oil to help lubricate the skin. Well-oiled skin allows your razor to glide more easily and protects the skin from nicks and rashes. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized is as essential as having a close shave, in our opinion.

Finally, press a hot towel against the face and hold for a minute (not necessary if you’re in the shower). Warming the face helps soften the bristles, which decreases drag when shaving. Using a silver-tipped badger hair shaving brush, whip your shaving cream or soap into a thick lather, and apply in circular motions.

Top tip: Try adding a few drops of your pre-shave oil to the shaving cream for an even smoother shave.

The Perfect SHAVE for Men

First things first: always go with the grain the first time around. Shave with the direction of your hair growth, not against it, to prevent razor burn and irritation. Always pull the skin tight around the area you are shaving – this prevents nicks on the skin.

Also, consider the blade you’re using, too. If you have sensitive skin, it’s advisable to use a single-blade razor.

If your priority is a closer shave, opt for a six-blade razor from Dollar Shave Club, vowing to leave the expensive Gillette blades on the shelf.

Always remember to knock the stubble off your razor and rinse regularly to make sure to remove any trapped hair in the razor, which can affect the quality of your shave.

The best way to get a close shave is to shave against the grain the second time around. But go carefully, as this is when most men cut themselves. Pull the skin tight, and don’t push hard. Instead, allow the razor to glide. For best results when shaving against the grain, use lubricating pre-shave oil. If you have sensitive skin, shaving against the grain isn’t advisable. Think about what’s more important to you: a too-close shave or clear, rash-free skin.

My shaving order: sideburns down, throat down, throat up, throat sideways, upper lip down, chin down, chin up, sideburns up, sideways on the chin line.

Post Shave

So you’ve followed these procedures and given yourself a fantastic shave, but next comes the part that 65% of men skip out altogether: the post-shave.

When you finish shaving, your face needs moisture put back into it quickly and protection from the elements. Use a post-shave lotion to rehydrate your skin, then place a cold towel over the face to close up your pores and lock in the moisture. Try putting a wringed-out cold flannel in a sandwich bag overnight in the fridge. That’ll wake you up in the mornings!

Finally, finish with a moisturizer to soften the face to prevent daily dirt and impurities.

Once you’ve closed up the pores and moisturized, splash on a bit of your favorite aftershave, and If you follow the steps above before applying, it won’t sting!