Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Prepare your skin
Step 2:
Soak the skin
Step 3:
Lather up
Step 4:
Get that razor swinging
Step 5:
Master the Tug
Step 6:
Cope with the bloodshed--wet shave
Step 7:
Moisturize your mug
Step 8:
Experiment with the eco-shave--a conservation-minded approach

For a wet shave:

A manual, hand-held razor

A shaving lubricant (cream, foam or gel)

A mild, non-drying soap

A sinkful of very warm water

A terry wash cloth

Optional:

An exfoliating lotion or scrub

A shaving brush--natural-bristle ones are nice

A cake of shaving soap

A mug with a handle (leave the coffee out!)

A styptic pencil

Aloe vera spray or gel (you can get it in 99% pure form)

For a dry shave:

An electric razor

A bit of corn starch or other mild powder (such as baby powder)

Skin toner

Optional:

An exfoliating lotion or scrub

Aloe vera spray or gel (99% pure)

5 minutes prep (no kidding!)

At least 3 minutes to shave

2 minutes for aftercare

2torial #0566: Learn2 Get a Clean, Close, Comfortable (Facial) Shave Don't shave corners when it comes to clean shaves! Man's morning obstacle course: matching a shirt to pants, then a pair of socks to both. Running a comb through the tangled mop on your head. And then? Running a very sharp blade repeatedly across a very important part of your body. But shaving doesn't have to be scary: follow one of the simple regimes in this 2torial and you'll never fear the razor again. And if it's any consolation there's good news: shaving is one reason that men tend to age well. When you shave you exfoliate (i.e., remove dead skin cells from) your face every day. It's like starting every day with a new face. So look at this 2torial as a celebration of rejuvenation. Most shaving mishaps are caused by dull, dirty razors and insufficiently prepped beards. Make sure all your equipment (and your face) is clean, warm, and wet. Don't be macho, be methodical: each minute of preparation is worth ten of face scraping. Gather all of your implements before beginning, and do give your beard hairs a chance to stand to attention. Remember to optimize your equipment: insert a new blade in your manual razor (if it needs it), or clean the heads in your electric. Regarding manual razors, choose whatever you like but consider that: 1.A pivoting head can help negotiate odd angles, funny bumbs, and bony places. If you find it hard to pay a lot of attention to what you're doing, these will be a bit more forgiving than the rigid ones. 2.A single-bladed razor is less irritating than a double-bladed one. Although a double-bladed razor may give a technically closer shave, it does so at the cost of hitting more skin. You'll need to decide if the tradeoff is worthwhile. Step 1