Tips for Getting a Close Shave

Getting a close shave can be tough. It’s a pain to stock up on supplies and work on your technique when you’ve been shaving forever, but switching things up can benefit your daily routine if you regularly sport a five o’clock shadow or bumps.

Get a glimpse of these tips to keep your skin a whole lot smoother:

1. Follow the instructions. While it may seem like every cream and soap’s a no-brainer, with plenty of new ingredients and hyper-intuitive items, it does benefit to take a look at the instructions. When products that you don’t use regularly are used right, you’ll get better shave results.

2. Buy a shower mirror! Shaving straight in the shower can save you time in the morning, and with an anti-fog mirror, you can get it done in a flash.

3. Massage your skin before shaving. Time may be of the essence in the A.M., but the better you managed to push the hair up and off the skin, the easier it is to cut it off during the shaving process.

4. Keep things hot. Well, warm at least! Remember to keep the water warm while you are shaving.

5. Consider adding an extra step. Shaving in the shower is a great step for a close shave, but if you need to get an extra smooth shave for a special night, put a hot towel over your face to soften your bristles even further.

6. Become a “razor detective.” Are you constantly battling itchies and irritation? Check out your razor. Sometimes double and triple blades can irritate the skin, and a single blade can work better. Dull blades are equally as bad, so always keep a good selection in your medicine closet so you don’t destroy your face.

7. Do you have very coarse hair? Consider using a cream formulated for curly hair that can grow back in on itself. Nobody likes shaving bumps and ingrown hairs, so have a look around for special creams and experiment. Consider the following brands when you’re getting ready to shave: Tend Skin Air Shave Gel, Zirh Shave Cream, and Aveeno brand creams that all contain special soothing ingredients.

8. Stuck on the same old aftershave? That alcohol-based aftershave may not be the best for you—consider a balm aftershave that soothes instead of stings.

9. Rinse your razor after use. You’ll be pleased with how much longer it lasts when you clean it thoroughly. Just a note, though—it’s not recommended that you rub the razor dry with a towel.

10. Switch it up. You don’t need to be exclusive with your method of hair removal. Give your face a break by using an electric razor and switching to a blade for the weekends.

Styling Your Hair Without the Crunch - Part V: Serum

Never used hair serum? You’re not alone. While serum may seem like it’s not particularly necessary, you may be pleased to know that serums are formulated for guys, and better yet, they can maximize your head of hair to add the appearance of thickness. If you’re the kind of person who wishes he had just a little bit extra up top, serums may be the way to go.

How to Use It

1. Wash your hair normally before applying serum. After you shampoo your hair, rinse your hair with cool water to increase shine.
2. Towel dry your hair. Don’t go crazy! Soak up excess water but don’t scrub your head too hard.
3. Get 4 to 5 drops of serum in the palm of your hand. Apply it to your hair, paying more attention to the ends than to your roots.
4. Allow your hair to dry naturally, and don’t rinse the serum out afterwards!

What Styles Does It Suit? Longer hair will benefit best from “average” serum. This is especially good for those who crave a relaxed surfer vibe but don’t want to produce dreadlocks in the bargain. Swiping in a little serum keeps everything softer. For those who choose hair serum for thinning hair, this product can be used for all hair lengths.

Why You’ll Love It: Hair serum not only maximizes hair thickness, but it also increases shine and reduces tangles. If you’re constantly battling frizz and knots with slightly longer hair, serum can save you some serious work.

Serum Tips

• Use a touch of serum product. Less is more definitely applies to serum use, especially because overloading will just make your locks look lank and greasy.

• Use caution when applying serum to fine hair. It could make your hair look greasy as it weighs down each strand, so in this case, it’s best to experiment before you slick some on.

• You can use hair serum to protect your hair while styling, too. If you use a hairdryer, applying a few drops of the product can prevent excessive damage.

Suggested Products

• NuHair Thinning Hair Serum, for Men & Women, 3.1-Ounce Bottle: This time-released product contains ingredients that can restore hair thickness, as well as oils that can make your hair shinier naturally.
• John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, UV/Thermal Protection Formula - 1.69 Oz: This classic serum provides exceptional shine, and can be found easily at major drugstores.
• Alfaparf - Hair Power Energy Booster Serum for Men 6/.27 oz.: This serum is perfect for those of us with scalp issues.
• Murad Fine to Thinning Hair Serum: Murad’s serums for thinning hair also works well for those who need to build up hair strength.

Styling Your Hair Without the Crunch - Part IV: Hairspray

Hairspray is lightweight and rather useful, so fight its stigma of late when you’re stumped on what hair product to use! As long as you don’t use too much to get a crispy-fried feel, you’ll be very pleased with the results. Hairspray offers a variety of holds and is also perfect for soft-styled retro cuts, like a shaggy ‘80s ‘do or a prep-inspired look.

How to Use It

1. Don’t just hold the hair spray bottle near your hair and spray! You won’t be getting ideal results, and who wants a weird stiff patch in the center of their hair? Start off with holding the can about 8-12 inches away from your hair.

2. Use the appropriate technique for your desired style.

General Styling: When you start styling your hair, all you need to do is spray and brush your hair to get it into the desired position.

Maximum Hold: Style your hair first and then mist it completely. It’s best to move the hairspray can around swiftly as you spray to avoid hard spots. Allow your hair to dry before touching it!

Volumizing: Add height by applying hairspray to the underside of your hair and brushing it upside down. This move is best reserved for flat or very fine hair– you can get some serious volume.

What Styles Does It Suit? You’ll like hairspray if you need to “finish” a hairstyle but you don’t want that piecey, messy thing going on. While hairspray might get a bad rap, it’s even worse to be known as the “Hair Obsessed Guy” who is constantly rearranging his ‘do.

Why You’ll Love It: Hairspray is a highly varied product that can serve many hair types well. Different levels of hold, delivery methods, and protective properties give you plenty of options.

Hairspray Tips

• Be careful. Combining heat and hairspray can be a dangerous combination, so don’t spray product directly at a straightener or blow dryer. It’s highly flammable.

• Many hairspray users keep a number of sprays on hand. You may want to stock up on a few non-aerosol products if you only need slight hold.

• Consider the scent. Look for low-key hairsprays if you don’t want them to compete with your usual fragrance like aftershave or cologne.

Suggested Products

• SCHWARZKOPF OSIS FREEZE SUPER HOLD HAIRSPRAY 9.1 OZ: This styling and finishing spray is perfect for major hold.

• Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray: Paul Mitchell products offer salon-quality results and are always soft to the touch. Fast drying is perfect for anyone who needs every second in the morning to get out the door on time.

• Grande Finale Ultra-Hold 9oz Aerosol Unscented: An oldie but goodie. Don’t let the somewhat stronger scent deter you– it will fade away quickly.

Styling Your Hair Without the Crunch - Part III: Gel

The Basics

Gel can be found just about anywhere, but that doesn’t mean that you can use any kind! If you want the best results and the most agreeable look, consider your hair texture and length and shop accordingly. If you haven’t been doing that yet, don’t worry– I’d been using super-strength hair gel for years without even realizing it. (Hence the reason for all these articles on hair products!)

How to Use It

1. Start with towel-dried hair. Scoop a small amount of hair gel out of the tub or pot– not too much! Aim for about a teaspoon or so to start with, especially if you’re trying out a new brand or formula of product.

2. Rub your hands together and apply the gel to your hair. Be sure to distribute it evenly enough to avoid clumps or sections.
Tip: Apply the gel more to your root area to add extra volume.

3. Continue to sculpt your hair with your fingers until you’ve got the right look, and then give it a blast with a blowdryer for impressive hold and quick finish.

What Styles Does It Suit? Gel is offered in so many different formulas that it’s tough to find one that doesn’t suit your hair type exactly. Chemically treated, short, coarse, longer, fine. . . you name it, you can find the right gel for it.

Why You’ll Love It: Much like mousse, gel may be reactivated with a little water. All you need to do is spritz your hair with a water bottle and then reshape it as desired. If you need major holding action, you can always reapply a tiny bit of gel to keep everything in place.

Gel Tips

• Consider a gel spray to use when you need to set a previously-styled look. All you need to do is mist your finished hairstyle with spray gel, and allow it to air dry.

• Read the package carefully. Gel comes in lots of different qualities and varieties, and they can truly make a difference. Look for gel with the following perks to make your hair healthier and happier: conditioning products, moisturizers, vitamins, and sunscreens. If you live in a tropical or warmer climate and spend time near the ocean, this gets even more important. Sunlight and salt can damage your hair significantly, and in no time.

• Gel is perfect for a no-fuss style, but if you like a perfect style with lots of sheen, you can also try hair wax. See what suits you best!

• Don’t forget that gel can be used for more than just contouring your hairstyle. You can tame flyaways and frizz with a slight sheen applied lightly with the palm of your hand.

Suggested Products

• American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel for Men, 15.2-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2): Apply this gel for serious hold and no flaking in sight.

• Hi-Shine Styling Gel 6 oz.: This product smells fantastic, and better yet, it does exactly what it promises. You’ll see great shine and benefit from its vitamin-packed formula.

Styling Your Hair Without the Crunch - Part II: Wax

Hair wax may be an old standby, but it’s still a fun product to use when you’ve got to create pliable but effective hold. If you think you’re a newbie to the whole wax thing, think again: wax is also offered in forms such as pomade, putty, or styling paste.

The Basics

If you’ve never tried hair wax, it can be pretty strange looking stuff indeed. You’ll probably want to ease yourself into it by using a little, because when you open up a pot of goo, there’s a lot of potential for misuse!

1. Get a daub of hair wax on the palms of your hands.

2. “Warm” the product up by briskly rubbing your hands together. This makes it more pliable to use.

3. Quickly massage product through your hair evenly to distribute the product. Move your hands in the direction that you’d like your hair to go.

4. Arrange your hair with your fingertips to create your look, and you’re done!

Note: Be sure to apply hair wax sparingly. It’s better to start off with a little and build up than to have stiff hair that’s weighed down and greasy looking, don’t you think?

What Styles Does It Suit? Short and medium-length hair looks best with a little added wax, especially if you need some height to go along with it.

Why You’ll Love It: Hair wax product can be varied. Some heavier wax products are perfect for styling heavier or coarse hair, but you can try out a putty for a lightweight hold. Spray wax can even be used for fine hair!

Additional Tips: Try to use a clarifying shampoo to remove wax buildup. Due to the composition of wax products, you’ll find that continued use leads to limp and lifeless hair. Great claifying shampoos include Redken For Men Go Clean Shampoo, Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, and Nexxus Gentle Clarifying Shampoo.

Suggested Products

1. KMS California Hair Play Hard Wax 1.7oz/50ml: KMS is great for creating a sleek look, and it’s surprisingly soft. Expect professional results when you use this product.

2. Ojon Conditioning Finishing Paste: This Finishing Paste is rarely sticky, and it’s made from natural ingredients.

3. BUMBLE AND BUMBLE - SURF SPRAY 4 OZ for Unisex: You can get a wind-styled look easily with this light-hold, unisex spray. You may want to hide this from your significant other– it tends to disappear.

2. BED HEAD TIGI Manipulator Sculpting Putty for Spiking, Dreads, Body & Texture 2oz/50ml: Get this while it lasts. Manipulator may be discontinued, but you can still find it online.