Are you new to shaving?

Whether your face has suddenly gone full peach fuzz, you’re rocking an un-intentional caterpillar on your top lip or you only have the odd chin sprout to deal with, learning to shave is a right of passage that all guys go through. 

As barbers, shaving is our business, so we’re sharing five tips to help you get off to a smooth start when learning to shave in your teens.

1.     Tools

Unless you want shaving to feel like you attacked your face with a cheese grater, always use a clean, sharp blade. If there’s any sign of rust, put on a new cartridge.

2.     Preparation

The best time to shave is just after a warm shower, when your skin and hair is soft. You can recreate this effect by holding a warm face cloth to your face for a few minutes.

3.     Lubrication

Wet your face and apply a small amount of shaving cream to the areas you want to shave. This stops your skin from drying out and reduces friction from the razor.

4.     Technique

Shave in the direction your hair grows, to help reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.  Press just hard enough to cut the hair and not your skin. Shave upwards or downwards, never slide the blade sideways across your skin. To shave your top lip, chin and jawline, stretch your lips over your teeth to reach all the tricky bits, and go slo-o-o-o-o-ow. Rinse your razor every few strokes. Good razor cartridges (like these) will have an open back so they are really easy to rinse away hair and gunk.

5.     Finish

Finish with a moisturiser or after shave lotion to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Wahl Lithium-Ion Travel Shaver

Scared to use a razor blade?

An electric razor is a quick, easy and safe option for shaving and the latest versions give a really smooth finish. Electric razors are also great for skin that’s prone to pimples or acne, as long as you keep them really clean to avoid spreading bacteria.

Cut yourself?

Nicks and cuts do happen from time to time. Wrap a clean tissue or cloth around your finger and press it to the cut until it stops bleeding.

Acne?

Pimples and acne are inevitable when you’re a teenager. If you have a breakout, it’s even more important to cleanse your skin before shaving to reduce the chance of spreading bacteria. And use a fresh, clean towel to dry your skin afterwards for the same reason.

Made it through your first shave? Smooth.