Shaving Secrets – Mastering the Ancient Art to Become All Man

Shaving… it’s something we all have to do, but few of us enjoy it. Women may complain about how they have a larger surface area to cover when attacking both legs, but even the most persistent leg hair is unlikely to match the rate of growth found on a man’s chin. On top of that, patches and uneven distribution on women’s body hair is something to be embraced as it saves time when shaving. For men, though, patches and uneven facial hair is something to be scorned, and the butt of absolutely every joke your friends make. I should know, my facial hair is scraggly at the best of times.

Yet while there are dangers and annoyances inherent with shaving, no one likes to listen to a man whine about it. So, what shaving secrets must we learn to master the art of shaving? Turns out it’s really not too bad.

Speed is at the heart

When you’re shaving, you want to get the job done as quickly as possible, and that means using the right tools. Electric shavers are considerably quicker than your conventional razor options that require you to run the blades over your face with precision movement. As electric razors typically feature safety foils, there is little risk of damage to your face so you can complete the task as speedily as you like.

Photo by Ace Armstrong
Photo by Ace Armstrong

This has been my weapon of choice since I first started shaving at the tender age of 13, and it’s served me quite well over the years. Which tool do you prefer?

It’s all in the angle

Shaving is more complicated than simply dragging a blade across your face, you need the right angle and the proper pressure for the best shaving results. This is a case of practice makes perfect, but it’s important you work out how to move along the contours of your face without adding any distinguishing features of your own. This is especially important if you decide to try your hand at using a straight razor. When it comes to that, I just have someone else do it.

Go with or against the grain?

Shaving is something of an arcane ritual, like pipe smoking and other manly affairs. As with all these things, there is some difference of learned opinion as to whether it is right and proper to go with the grain or against it. With an electric razor this process is made somewhat redundant as the safety foil means there is little change of damage to your skin, but if you’re using a good old fashioned razor, then you’ll just have to decide which you prefer.

Make sure you understand every aspect of the shaving process before you pick up that razor and show that world that shaving your face isn’t all that difficult. Before long you’ll be a shaving master.

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Chad

Chad is the co-founder of Unfinished Man, a leading men's lifestyle site. He provides straightforward advice on fashion, tech, and relationships based on his own experiences and product tests. Chad's relaxed flair makes him the site's accessible expert for savvy young professionals seeking trustworthy recommendations on living well.

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