How To Get The Cleanest Shave – A Lazy Sunday Morning Guide

How To Get The Cleanest Shave – A Lazy Sunday Morning Guide

Introduction:

Sunday mornings are the perfect time to indulge in some self-care and grooming. And there’s nothing quite like a clean, close shave to make you feel confident and refreshed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps for achieving the cleanest shave possible. I normally like to time this indulgence with the replacement of the blade in my razor. This guide works perfectly for what ever you happen to be shaving and what ever products you choose to use, personally as the owner of Pure Shave I think our products are the best! – I will use the face as the example for the benefit of this blog.

Prep Your Kit:

Before you begin, it’s essential to make sure that you have all the tools you need for a smooth shave.

• A razor – pop on a new blade
• Shaving cream
• Pre-shave balm
• A brush for lathering
• A clean towel
• Moisturiser
• Most important of all… some time!

Prep Your Skin:

The first step to getting a clean shave is to prepare your skin. Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser if you use one to remove any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells. This will also help to open up your pores and soften your facial hair, making it easier to shave. 

Pro Tip:

Leading dermatologists agree it’s best to shave after you shower as the extended exposure to water and steam can assist in the process listed above.

Pre Shave balm

Next, and this is my favourite part of the process, apply a pre-shave balm or oil to your face. I use the Pure Shave shaving cream as a pre shave balm but there are some other great products out there. Apply a small amount of the shaving cream (about the size of a £1 coin) to your damp face gently rub in, not enough to start foaming; you are aiming to cover your stubble with a thin layer of cream. Once you have good coverage go and have a cup of tea or coffee for 10 minutes. 

Why?

This will help the ingredients within Pure Shave Shaving Cream to really start working on softening the stubble making it easier to cut the hairs – less pressure = less skin irritation. 

Whip Up a Lather:

Now it’s time to create a lather with your shaving cream. I recommend using Pure Shave London’s Shaving Cream, which is made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and sweet almond oil. It provides a rich, creamy lather that helps to protect your skin from the razor.

To create a lather, wet your shaving brush with warm water, add three pumps of Pure Shave shaving cream into the brush (you can also use a shaving bowl), then using rapid circular motions apply the brush and cream to your stubble until you have a thick, foamy consistency. 

One tip, One piece of info! 

1. Once you have covered your face and got a decent foam started, squeeze the brush between your thumb and forefinger to get extra foam out of the brush to apply to your skin.
2. Using the brush directly onto your skin can help to get the cream worked into the stubble and lift the hairs from the surface of the skin making them easier to cut. This also increases the time the active ingredients within Pure Shave has to act on your stubble.

Shave:

When it comes to shaving, remember to go slow and use light, gentle strokes, let the new sharp blade do the work. 

Everyone has their own technique when shaving so I’m not going to tell you what to do! However, if you are new to shaving we have a great step by step guide on How to shave your face – a beginners guide. 

One thing I will say is that Pure Shave is so effective that it allows you to shave against the grain, which is how I shave as do many of our customers. Shaving against the grain can give you a much closer shave but as I said this is a personal preference.

Choice of razor:

This is such a controversial topic. DE razor, SE razor, 3 blades, 5 blades the choices are endless. Each person will have their own view on the subject. Up until very recently I was a Gillette man but the development of our new Pure Shave London V-Blade razor has changed that. V-blade is an ultra sharp five blade cartridge system that offers amazing value for money. The five blades are perfectly spaced to avoid ‘skin bulge’ and are ultra sharp which both help to reduce skin irritation during and after shaving. These will be available soon in the shop.

Rinse & Dry:

Once you have finished shaving, rinse your face with warm water to clean off any shaving cream, foam and hair residue. After you are happy your skin is clean switch the water to cold and rinse your face. As a result, the cold water to help close your pores and reduce any redness or inflammation. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, being careful not to rub too hard or irritate your skin.

Moisturise:

The final step in achieving a clean, close shave is to moisturise your skin. There are many amazing moisturisers on the market, until I developed the Pure Shave Moisturiser I used L’oreal men expert. One important tip about using a moisturiser that I have found really helpful is to allow your skin time to dry naturally and come down to a normal temperature before applying it. I find that this helps avoid sweating that you sometimes get if you apply immediately post shaving. 

Apply a small amount of the aftershave balm to your face, massaging it in gently until it’s fully absorbed. Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and refreshed.

FAQ:

Can I use Pure Shave London’s products on sensitive skin?

Yes! Pure Shave London’s products are made with natural ingredients and are gentle on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How often should I change my razor blade?

It’s recommended to change your razor blade every 5-7 shaves, or when you notice that the blade is dull or pulling at your hair instead of cutting it cleanly.

Can I shave without using a pre-shave balm or oil?

While it’s possible to shave without a pre-shave balm or oil, using one can help to lubricate your skin and hair, reducing the risk of irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

How do I clean my razor after shaving?

Rinse your razor under hot water to remove any hair, shaving cream, or gel. Dry the razor handle with a clean towel or let it air dry before storing it. We have a product in the pipeline to help with this!!

Conclusion:

By following these steps, no matter what products you choose to use (but using Pure Shave will make your life easier and get better results), you can achieve a clean, close shave that leaves your skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and healthy. Remember to take your time, go slow, and enjoy the process and a bit of “you time” – Why not try a sample of Pure Shave Shaving Cream today?

Happy shaving!

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