Let us begin with the assumption that most guys don’t know how to shave properly. Think about it. In high school we took shop class or accounting or maybe even Home Ec. but there weren’t any classes on how to shave. When you’re seventeen, asking your dad to show you how to shave is like asking him how to roll a condom (yeah, maybe that will happen…) bearing this in mind, here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

A good razor, a clean blade and a quality shave cream/gel are essential. There are loads of good razors and blades on the market. Personally I like any razor blade that is sharp and will clean up easily. It’s also great if you can get more than a few shaves out of them. Not unlike the mate of your dreams, you have to find the one that’s right for you and marry it. Your choice could make all the difference between a lifetime of ease and comfort or an irritating grind from which there is no escape.

The product used to soften the beard is as essential as your razor. The most widely used are aerosols. I stopped using aerosol shave formulas a long time ago. No matter what brand I tried the results were the same. Aerosols on my tough beard and sensitive skin are often drying & irritating causing cuts and in-grown hairs, especially on the neck. I tried the old fashioned method of shaving soap and a brush but that whole process was not my thing. To further my quest, I started purchasing the more expensive department store brands and found relief from facial burn, though there were some other issues, like anything with a strong cologne scent. Many department store clerks will try to sell you scented products from the same brand line and tell you that "layering" a scent is a great thing. It is not a great thing. Have you ever ridden the morning train or an elevator with a guy who reeks of cologne? Also, shave creams that have an over abundance of benzocaine in their formulas leave you wondering if feeling will ever come back to your face.

Now that you know the particulars, here’s how to do it well:

• Shave after showering or steaming. Half the work of softening the beard is accomplished.
• Leave the shave cream on your face for at least a minute or two before shaving.
• Shave in a smooth and steady pace following the growth of your beard with steady even strokes applying minimal pressure so the torque of the razor will do most of the work. If you feel you must go over the area twice, don’t shave in the opposite direction but try shaving diagonally. This will get you closer while minimizing in-grown hairs.
• Keep the blade clean. Rinse often and feel your face for any rough or unshaved areas. Move the shave cream/gel around your face while shaving to keep everything lubricated and moist.
• Shave only as much as your razor will allow. Over shaving can cause ingrown hairs.
• Thoroughly rinse and then moisturize your face and neck. DO NOT use alcohol-based after-shave products. Who ever came up with that idea was a sadistic moron. Alcohol dries out your skin and stings when applied.

Currently, Joe Grooming offers an aloe-based shave cream that softens the beard and forms an occlusive layer between the razor and the skin for a smooth, close shave.  JOE SHAVE is great for all skin types.  We recommend JOE moisturizer after shaving to firm, tone and condition.