Practical advice for a clean, close shave - before, during and after
Shaving. It's an integral part of most men's daily routine. But there's an art - and a science - to getting the closest shave possible. 
When shaving, men differ in their hand position, speed and length of their stroke, the amount of pressure they apply to the skin - even how they move their facial muscles to try to get the best shave.
Many men believe skill is the key to the perfect shave. However, clinical research finds that even more than skill, advances in razor technology combined with products to prepare and soothe the skin before and after shaving, are crucial to healthy, well-groomed skin.
Every man is unique in his hair growth, skin type and sensitivities, shaving preferences and technique, which can make the art and science of an optimal shave particularly challenging. More than 100 years of shaving science has allowed P&G Beauty & Grooming to uncover proven techniques to fit diverse men's needs and help them strike a careful balance between cutting hard hair embedded in soft skin and leaving skin undamaged.
Step 1: Prep the Skin.
Cleaning the skin and hydrating facial hair before shaving can help minimize the risk of skin irritation. Dry hair is difficult to cut; in fact, it can have the same strength as a copper wire of similar thickness. When hair is moist, it swells and becomes easier to cut.
To prep the skin:
- Use a mild face wash or scrub - even for just 30 seconds - to help remove oil, dirt, perspiration and debris that build up around the hair follicles, which inhibits water penetration.
- Apply shaving gels with extra lubricants to improve razor performance on the skin of the face and neck. These gels have been rigorously tested and are designed to help the razor blades negotiate the surface of the skin, reducing friction and making it easier to cut hair at different positions and angles even in one blade stroke.
Unlike with ordinary soap and water, research shows that shave gel:
- Keeps the skin and beard moist and soft throughout the shave by slowing the evaporation of water
- Improves the glide of the razor (up to 35 percent more with newer gels that have a protective antifriction layer)
- Allows the blade to cut close to the skin with less force
- Doesn't clog razor blades the way soap can
Step 2. The shave.
Using gentle strokes and choosing a high-quality razor, such as a five-blade razor, with scientific advancements and extensive clinical and patient testing, can significantly improve the shaving experience.
Compared to the three-blade razor, the five-blade razor has been systematically improved - from the number of blades, the blade spacing and the responsive pivot head, to the convenient "trimming" blade and the comfortable finger grip. The new technologies incorporated into the five-blade razor include an innovative micropulse feature, which improves the shave outcome and addresses men's concerns regarding comfort, closeness and lifestyle needs. This new razor does not exacerbate Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a common skin condition characterized by skin lesions, which is a concern particularly among African-American men. For more information about PFB click here »
Check the blade to make sure it isn't dull. Rinse the razor after each shave to prevent build up of hairs and shave gel on the blades' edges and in the cartridge.
Step 3. Replenish skin's moisture.
When shaving, men can unknowingly remove cells of the stratum corneum as well as natural moisturizers. If this moisture barrier is not restored, men can develop dry, tight, irritated skin.
Applying a moisturizer after shaving gives skin the moisture it needs to maintain its protective barrier, prepares the skin for its next shave and helps calm the skin for comfort and smoothness. Daily moisturizers containing glycerin or other hydrating emollients can also help reduce dryness and protect the skin.
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Shaving Habits of Men
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