How to achieve a perfect, pain-free shave…

The perfect shave?

It’s something 75% of men do on a daily basis and yet only 1% of us enjoy doing it. It’s time consuming, costly and can cause ingrown hairs and razor burn and it is quite literally, a pain in the neck. So why do you go through this horrendous ritual each day and why, after all these years, have you not found a way of shaving that is fast, enjoyable and pain-free?

If you think about it, the reason is really quite obvious. You had lessons before passing your driving test and you had lessons to pass your exams, but were you ever taught to shave properly? No?

There’s a common misconception amongst men that a good shave is when you put a blob of shaving foam on your face and you shave as close as possible, but scraping your face to oblivion with a razor blade and some foam is actually the cause of why you hate shaving, and the reason you’re suffering from pain and redness.

A great shave, like any process, requires a system. I prefer to call it a shaving regime because it’s a simple series of steps which you put together in the morning shower. It’s so simple, you can master it in just a few days and transform the way you look forever. All you have to do is remember to follow it, step by step, every day.

The first step takes place only once and this step will make the most noticeable difference to your shave. It requires you to examine your beard growth and figure out which direction each area grows. Go on, have a feel. Rubbing your beard in one direction will feel rough and stubbly. This means you are rubbing your hand against the growth. When you rub it in a different direction, it feels smoother and this means you’re rubbing it in the same direction as the growth. Remember which direction it grows in each section of your beard.

For the perfect shave, you will shave with the beard growth, not against it.

The shave begins with hot water and of course, the shower is a perfect source for this. Hot water softens down your beard hairs making them easier to shave so if you’re not planning to shave in the shower, make sure you splash plenty of hot water onto your face before you begin.

The next step will require the use of a scrub. Use about a teaspoon of scrub and use it to scrub your face, particularly in the area you’re going to shave. This will help remove old and dead skin and create a smooth canvas for shaving.

Rinse off the scrub with hot water and rub a quality shave cream into the beard. Unlike most foams, shave creams soften the hair and condition your skin. Take a sharp triple blade razor and shave in the same direction as your hair grows. Stretch your skin behind the razor to ensure it is taut and shave each area only once. Give it a quick check to ensure you didn’t miss any bits out.

When you’re done, splash your face with cold water and pat dry with a towel. Then apply a small amount of moisturising balm to your face.

Your shave is complete. It’s a simple regime which is fast, effective and painless.

Related products: Jason Shankey Exfoliating Face and Scalp Scrub £11.99, Smoothing Shave Cream £11.99 and Skin Soothing Moisture Balm £11.99. Available at jasonshankey.com/shop.php.

Grab your FREE E-book to achieve a pain-free shave at http://painfreeshave.com.

Back, Sack and Crack.

So I’m the male grooming expert for a new glossy magazine and I had to write my article today as I’m working over in London next week. I’m getting a double page spread every month and as well as writing about the male grooming issues men face, I’m answering readers questions.

What was my first readers’ question? “Why on earth do some men get the Back, Sack and Crack treatment?”. Well thanks for that Mr Reader!

It’s a Sunday morning and I’m thinking of where I can take the kids, and you’ve got me thinking about this.

There’s no doubt about it, it’s growing in popularity all the time and we’re getting all sorts of men in for the treatment. Some guys say it makes them feel cleaner whilst others say it gives them an extra inch (if you know what I mean!).

Regardless of the reason, there are of course a number of options for having the look including the use of a body trimmer (less painful but not as close) and shaving at home (ouch!) – not recommended!

Answers on a postcard please. If you have the treatment performed, what’s your reason? My reader will no doubt enjoy your responses. JS.