Use Hot Water

Before you start hacking away, you should apply hot water to your face. This opens your pores and gives out natural oils that protect your skin.

Prepare your face

Putting essential oils on your face is good for your skin and gives you a nice glide with the razor. Bit faffy, but nice if you can be bothered.

Apply shaving foam with a brush

What difference does it make? A lot, the bristles on the brush stimulate the roots of your hair and make it stand on end. It’s then easier to cut.

Don’t use aftershave

Using aftershave is a bad idea. If you like the smell, put it on your chest or your neck. Alcohol-based substances are not good for your face.

Moisturise

Use moisturiser instead of aftershave. This will re-hydrate your skin instead of harming it.

Change your blade

How often? Depends on your face: If your growth isn’t that thick, you can probably get two or three shaves from one blade. Otherwise you should really change every time.

Shave twice

Your first shave should be along the grain [the direction your hair grows]. Then, go over it again, but not directly against the grain – that could cause in-growing hairs – but at a 45 degree angle.

Close the pores again

Use cold water to close your pores. If your pores are open, you’ll get dirt inside them and this can lead to blackheads.