How to shave a beard.

Whether you’ve just emerged from an expedition into the wilderness, or are trying out a new look, shaving a full beard is no small task. Done badly, you’ll lose the hair but gain an itchy red rash. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shaving a full beard.

First and foremost, remember that the skin under your beard is likely going to be lighter than the rest of your face, particularly if you’re shaving toward the end of summer. Keep this in mind and time your shave for a week you don’t have any important meetings or dates planned. Next, you’re going to want to tame that beard with a trim. A razor can’t do its job unless it can reach your skin, so start by trimming the length down as far as possible using clippers (or scissors at a push). 

Once you have trimmed your beard down to a manageable length follow our guide below…

1.   Don’t Skip Your Pre-Shave

The step most often left out of a good shaving routine is undoubtedly pre-shave skin prep. For the best shave, open your pores with a hot flannel or shower, and give your face a good scrub with a quality exfoliator. Not only will this remove the layer of built-up dirt and dead skin cells which sit around the base of the follicle, but it also heats the skin, making each hair sit further out of the skin. The end result? A cleaner shave that lasts longer. Check out our blog on How to get the best out of Pure Shave shaving cream HERE

2.   Rethink Your Technique

One of the main causes of a patchy shave and razor burn is poor technique. Despite what you might have been told in the past, going against the grain is not necessarily bad for your skin. In fact, having to make numerous passes over the same area when you’re shaving with the grain is more irritating to the skin. The secret to a close, rash-free shave is to use a quality shaving cream, regardless of which direction you shave.

3.   Use A Shaving Cream

A good shaving cream not only protects and hydrates your skin, but it also allows the blade to work more effectively, cutting hairs without creating undue friction on the skin. While a full foamy lather may look the part, it’s not a factor in a good shave. In fact, a fuller lather is usually created with detergents which strip your skin’s natural oils. Check those ingredients first and avoid sodium lauryl sulfate (we prefer sodium lauryl sulfodiactetate, a gentler cleanser). SHOP Pure Shave Shaving Cream HERE

4.   Choose the Right Blade

You can’t get a great shave with a dull blade. Make sure you’re using a sharp blade, and better still, use a safety razor with one blade. Not only is this better for the planet as you create less waste, but it’s also cheaper to replace your blades and far less irritating to the skin than pulling multiple bits of metal across your face.

5.   It Doesn’t End With the Shave

Immediately following your shave, rinse your face with cold water. This closes your pores and prevents clogged follicles. Next, take note of how your skin feels. With a quality product like Pure Shave, your skin will likely feel nourished and hydrated. But if you’ve got skin which is naturally very dry, or used a product that has left your skin feeling tight, slap on some moisturiser to help your skin stay soft supple and hydrated throughout the day. Check out the Pure Shave Moisturiser HERE 

We are proud to have been included in GQ Magazines review of shaving creams click here to read.