For men: how, what and when to shave so that the skin always remains smooth

Goodbye, beard. Shaving facts every man should know

His face will be smooth if he does not grab the machine immediately after waking up, starts using a shaving brush and forgets about lotions with alcohol.

Previously, shaving was a real ritual, perhaps even an event in a man’s life: barbers and barbers made hot compresses, deftly wielded straight razors, and lubricated the skin with fragrant mixtures. The whole process took at least an hour, and in the end the client appeared in front of his young lady with a face as smooth as a baby’s, fragrant and neat. Modern men spend about five minutes shaving, hastily spritz their skin with cologne and apply the first cream that comes to hand. It's no wonder that their chins end up with patches of stubble, pimples and irritation.

Brew him coffee

To show up for work with the “right” face, men shave in the morning. And not in vain, the skin is rested after sleep, which means that the friction of the razor will not cause any unpleasant sensations. However, this is not a reason for your beloved to grab the machine as soon as the alarm clock rings. The fact is that in the first 10-15 minutes after waking up, each person’s face is somewhat swollen, and it is difficult to shave it smoothly - stubble will inevitably remain in some places. Therefore, brew your favorite coffee and make sure he drinks it before the bath procedures. This break is enough for the face to acquire “normal” shape.

How to choose a tool?

What is the one thing no shave can do without? That's right, without a razor! But it’s not enough to just go to any store you come across and buy a machine (and the price doesn’t matter). A few recommendations will make your choice a little easier.

If the hairs are soft and sparse, buy a disposable one . And not expensive, and effective in this case.

If the bristles are hard, then take a modern machine with several blades and moisturizing strips. This razor will simplify, speed up the process and will not damage the skin.

Don't buy a straight razor! Only experienced people or masters of their craft, confident in their movements, can use it, it’s not for nothing that they call it dangerous. Change the angle slightly relative to the area being treated and a cut is guaranteed. The same applies to the T-shaped machine. If you want to try it in action, visit the barbershop , which has a separate service.

Get me in the shower

Ideally, before shaving, a man should take a shower: under the influence of warm water and steam, his skin will soften and the hairs will rise. But, unfortunately, not everyone has extra time: unlike the weaker sex, who performs a daily feat with hair styling and makeup, the stronger sex prefers to lie in bed. If your lover is a sleepyhead, he should at least wash himself with plenty of hot water before picking up the machine. By the way, if he is going to shave off stubble that has been growing for several days, advise him to make a compress: apply a towel soaked in hot water to his face for 1-2 minutes.

Possible causes of facial hair problems in men

A beard does not grow... Some men perceive this as something abnormal, but is this state of affairs always really a problem, and even more so, a pathology? Answer: no, not always. It is necessary to take into account specific circumstances and specific characteristics of the human body. Below we present the most common reasons why a man may be unable to get a thick beard.

1) Puberty. It is during puberty that it is generally accepted that a young person should develop facial hair. From a physiological point of view, this is indeed true. And many young men are worried that their classmates are already shaving, but they still don’t have a hint of stubble. In fact, you should not rush to suspect that something is wrong. For each person, the process of facial hair growth starts according to its own individual scenario: someone discovers the first signs of a developing beard at the age of thirteen, while someone may need a full shave only after overcoming the twenty-year mark. It follows from this that you should always take into account the individual characteristics of the body, and not panic ahead of time. The latter is addressed to young people who are overly concerned that their development is slower than that of their peers.

2) Hereditary and ethnic factors. The amount of hair on the face and body is genetically programmed. Therefore, a young man interested in this issue should be guided by what his older male relatives look like. Some people grow a thick beard, and the person does nothing specifically to achieve this goal, while for others, the whole range of modern measures helps only in part, simply because it is “written” in the genes. Scientists and doctors have noticed that representatives of different races and different ethnic groups also have different rates of beard growth. Therefore, young men should not be surprised that the facial hair of the neighbor guy with eastern roots will be more pronounced than that of them, representatives of the northern nationality.

3) Hormonal problems. The intensity of beard growth directly depends on hormones, therefore, to the question of what to do if the beard does not grow, in this case there is only one answer: go to an appointment with an endocrinologist, who will prescribe the necessary tests and examinations and identify the cause of the absence or unnaturally small amount of hair on the face in a post-pubertal young man. In case of disturbances in the production of hormones, appropriate drug treatment is prescribed, and most often the problem can be solved. Disruption of normal facial hair growth in adult men can also be an alarming symptom. In this case, the path also lies in the endocrinologist’s office.

Very often, young people are embarrassed by their problem and begin to look for information on how to grow a beard in unverified sources and begin to use various kinds of beard growth products without proper authorization and control from a specialist. In some cases, these are quite serious drugs, such as synthetic sex hormones and anabolic steroids. This approach to business can become a rather dangerous experience and bring many health problems, in comparison with which the absence or insufficient growth of a beard will seem like something completely insignificant. Therefore, we insist that any treatment should be carried out only after approval by an experienced specialist.

Find silicone

It’s hard to say which is better - gels, foams or creams, they are all about the same. What is much more important is not the release form, but the composition. Remember: the best shaving products should contain silicone - it improves the glide of the razor, which means there is less risk of cutting yourself. If your beloved has dry or sensitive skin, a product with chamomile and aloe vera will suit him; oily skin will like a product with extracts of “drying” plants - oak bark, St. John's wort, nettle, etc. For those who experience irritation and pimples after shaving, You will like the drug with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components - triclosan and salicylic acid. By the way, the best shaving products come in metal and plastic packaging, while worse ones come in aluminum and glass.

What does a young man need to know?

What I would like to say to all young people is - don’t rush, you will still have time to get tired of this activity throughout your life. But when the fluff (there is no other way to call it) has already appeared and looks very unattractive, of course it is better to get rid of it.

Everyone develops fuzz at different times, so don't worry if your friends already have it. Your time just hasn't come yet.

Consult your father or older brother, who will show you the basics.

If you have no one to consult with, use the generally accepted rules and the tips described above. Only in this case you can do without professional tools, and all because the hair is soft and easy to clean.

There is no need to immediately grow a mustache or create a fashionable beard. The stubble has not yet become stiff and your mustache will look a little sloppy. After about adulthood, you can start experimenting.

Give me a shaving brush

Most men prefer to apply shaving products with their hands, but give yours a shaving brush. By making circular movements with it, the beloved will loosen the hairs, which will be easier to shave. In addition, the gel applied with a “brush” will lie smoother, which will improve the glide of the razor. Just keep in mind that brushes come with artificial and natural bristles. The latter are more expensive, but this does not mean that they are better. Both “work” well, but at the same time microorganisms do not grow in artificial bristles.

Laser hair removal

Using a laser, you can permanently remove stubble from a man's face.

The method is absolutely painless.

The effect of laser hair removal depends on the number of sessions. The beam of the device penetrates deep into the hair follicle, destroying its structure, which causes the hair itself to become thinner and fall out. The first visit to a specialist guarantees a month of absolute smoothness. After some time, the procedure is repeated. The beard will completely disappear after 6-8 sessions.

Laser beard hair removal has the following advantages:

• effect (bristles are removed permanently or permanently);
• absence of pain, irritation and damage to the skin (if the patient has a high pain threshold, the face is lubricated with an anesthetic or cooling gel).

The disadvantages of the procedure include the cost: one session will be ten times higher than sugaring.

Laser hair removal is only suitable for brunettes and brown-haired men. The laser does not recognize the beard of blondes, because such hairs have a small amount of melanin.

The right razor

The head of the face is not a flat sheet of paper, it has its own relief. In order for the machine to shave smoothly, it must be able to get into the most difficult places and follow all the curves. A floating head razor can handle this task.

Blades The more blades on the machine, the better: what the first does not cut off, the second will clean up, followed by the third and fourth.

A strip with gel But a strip with gel on a good razor is completely optional: it still does not produce enough lubrication for a man to forget about gels and foams. However, it is not difficult to find a use for the strip: by its color you can judge the sharpness of the blades: if it turns pale, it’s time to change the cassette.

Fluff in adolescence

Oddly enough, most problems arise among young men. Before the onset of puberty, fuzz on the face is an understandable phenomenon, but with the onset of puberty, stubble should grow. In order for a teenager to get rid of frizz as quickly as possible, he should learn how to shave correctly:

1. Before shaving, be sure to soften your facial skin.
2. Use only high-quality, sharp blades.
3. Shave hair in the direction it grows.
4. Use emollient cosmetics.

In many ways, the quality of your future stubble depends on the tool. A straight razor is considered the best option, but it requires confidence and proper skills. In adolescence, a regular one will do, the main thing is to change the machines regularly. Vellus hair should be shaved as soon as it appears. And to make your hair harder and stronger, use castor or burdock oil.

Point in the right direction

Your man should under no circumstances shave with a disposable razor - it injures the skin, so buy your husband a reusable sharp razor. As for the process itself, you must get rid of hair according to its height. Some people think that if they turn the razor against the grain, they will get a cleaner shave. In fact, by cutting off the stubble at the root, your beloved will get ingrown hairs with all the ensuing consequences - irritation and suppuration.

You should also start shaving from the cheeks and end with the chin. This is the most difficult place where hairs grow in different directions: if the spouse allows the gel or foam to stay here longer, the process will be more comfortable. If your man has sparse stubble, let him rinse the razor under running cold rather than hot water, and then the razor will glide better.

How else

There are other hair removal options for men who have chosen a smooth face without the textbook three-day stubble. For example, sugaring is a technology for removing hair with sugar paste, which has long been loved by women. Among the advantages of sugaring are the preservation of the result for up to three weeks plus additional peeling with sugar granules, which prevents ingrown hairs. The downside is that the procedure can be painful not only the first time, but also subsequent ones, and many men, despite progress, still view a visit to a cosmetologist’s office as something not masculine enough. For those who want to get rid of hair forever, you can think about electro- or laser hair removal, which provides results for up to several years. However, before this procedure, you should definitely consult a doctor - there are many contraindications.

Wean him off alcohol

Even if a lover managed to leave the bathroom without a cut, this does not mean that his skin is fine: after shaving, microtraumas invisible to the eye remain. To prevent them from “developing” into irritation, they should be treated with a special preparation. According to surveys, lotions remain the most popular aftershave product in our country: men are confident that they are an excellent disinfectant. But this is not true; such drugs, on the contrary, aggravate the process: they dry out the epidermis, which leads to irritation. If your spouse cannot refuse lotions, make sure that the amount of alcohol in them does not exceed 30%. But keep in mind that they are not suitable for those with sensitive skin. They should use gels and balms with chitosan (creates a protective film), keratin (seals microcracks), ceramides (moisturize), aloe vera (heals). By the way, if your beloved uses nourishing or anti-aging cream, make sure that he does not apply them immediately after shaving, because this is a direct road to folliculitis. Such drugs clog cuts and cause inflammation. You can apply the cream 10 minutes after shaving.

Say “No” to your beard the right way!

A very common situation is when a guy has been growing a beard for a long time, following the latest fashion trends, but over time he gets tired of it and needs to remove it. How to do it?

First, make sure you want to remove it completely. Maybe just tidy it up? If you are leaning towards this option, then it is better to contact a barbershop. There they will select a suitable shape for you, remove excess with the help of electric machines, and treat you with special care oils. This way you will become not just bearded, but attractive, stylish and brutal. After a few visits, you will be able to take care of your beard yourself at home.

It’s not enough to just grow it, it’s important to find out exactly what shape suits your face shape. And not every hair growth pattern is suitable for growing. You can also be advised on these issues at a specialized hairdresser.

If you intend to remove your beard completely, then a regular electric razor will not help you. Remove excess length using a trimmer or clipper, and then shave the remaining short hair with a regular machine, using the recommendations described above. The face needs to be well moisturized after shaving, as it has been hidden and not received the necessary care for many months.

Whatever you choose, a beard or perfect smoothness, follow basic care rules. Turn your daily torment into a pleasant ritual and just have fun. Remember, beauty requires sacrifice, and for a man this is not the exception, but rather the rule. And if you are the type of person who observes all the subtleties and enjoys manipulation, then We can only applaud you.

Expert opinion

Vyacheslav Dudov, cosmetologist, manager of the Beauty and Health Center:

– If shaving is akin to torture for a man, I recommend paying attention to special oils that should be applied to the skin instead of gels and foams. They perfectly moisturize and soften the epidermis and provide the razor with smooth glide. In addition, oils nourish and soothe the skin, and most importantly, they are easily washed off. Well, if a man cuts himself, he should not wipe the wound with cologne, alcohol or iodine - the first two dry out the skin greatly, the latter can result in a chemical burn. It is best to wipe the cut with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or miramistine.

Bioepilation

Bioepilation is done with wax or resin. The latter is not recommended for removing facial stubble.

Men rarely use these options, because they cause pain and burning.

This hair removal method is similar to sugaring, but the product is applied in the direction of hair growth and removed in the opposite direction. Wax is used hot or warm. It is sold in jars, cassettes or on strips. The first procedure with such a cosmetic product should be done in a salon, and then you can remove hair with wax strips at home.

Reviews about wax hair removal are mixed: some say that the pain is simply crazy and it is impossible to withstand the process, while others are completely satisfied with the result. In any case, bioepilation is better than shaving, because it prevents ingrown bristles.

Pros:

• comparative cheapness of the procedure;
• good result – up to a month of smoothness;
• Possibility of holding it at home.

Minuses:

• soreness;
• redness, skin injury.

To prevent pain, use a medicinal gel based on lidocaine. It is applied before hair removal and allowed to absorb well.

Depilatory creams

They contain alkaline components that do not damage the skin, but destroy the hair roots and promote hair loss. There are special men's creams, for example, from Cliven Young and Collistar Men. They are designed for thicker and coarser hair and allow you to remove hair in hard-to-reach places, such as on the back.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting a possible allergic reaction, as well as a short-term effect - no more than a month. Dermatologists recommend testing it on a small area of ​​skin before using the cream - behind the ear or in the elbow area. If there is no redness in this area, the product is suitable for you.

Traditional methods

Suitable for girls with hypersensitive skin. The effectiveness of these methods of facial depilation at home is individual and depends on their condition.

Rivanol

This product is sold in pharmacies, antiseptic and healing. The drug is safe and effective for removing facial hair. It removes fine hairs and fluff well. It has a destructive effect on the root, weakening it. To use, dilute 10 g of powder in 1 liter of clean water. Wipe the face in areas of accumulation with the solution once a day. The result becomes visible within a week. It is recommended to use no longer than 2 weeks in a row. Before use, test for an allergic reaction on a sensitive area of ​​the skin.

Walnuts and pine nuts

Kernels are not needed in this tool. Shells and partitions from the core of the nuts are used. Crush and put nut shell crumbs (walnut 20 g, cedar 10 g) into an airtight dark container. Pour in alcohol (70%) in an amount of 150 ml. Hide for a week in a cool, dark place. It is enough to apply with a cotton swab to problem areas before going to bed. The effect of hair removal will become noticeable within two weeks.

Grape juice

In order to get rid of unwanted vegetation, the juice of unripe grapes is used. You need to take a few berries and squeeze them through a clean cloth. Treat your face 2-3 times a day, the follicles will gradually lose color and become thinner. Bleached hairs are gradually removed.

Nettle

To prepare the product you will need:

• nettle seeds 40 g;
• vegetable oil 200 ml.

Crush the seeds, add oil, store in a dark container for 2 weeks before using. For preparation, it is recommended to take fresh raw materials. Wipe once daily. The seeds dry out the follicles, and the oil prevents the facial skin from deteriorating. The bulbs weaken and there is less vegetation.

Hydrogen peroxide

This remedy eradicates melanin. The hairs turn pale, weaken and leave the wrong place. A 3% solution is suitable for use and should be used to wipe the face daily. The result becomes noticeable within a week. Subsequently, the hair becomes thinner, the hair follicles weaken and growth in some places stops forever.

Turmeric

The spice retards hair growth and prevents the appearance of new shoots from the bulb. You need to mix turmeric with water and add it to your moisturizer. Maintain the ratio 2:1. Apply to a clean face as a mask, leave for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with warm water. To eliminate the yellowness on the face characteristic of this spice, remove it after the procedure with a cotton pad soaked in milk.

Datura

The roots and seeds of this plant are used to prepare the product. 150 g of raw material is diluted with 1 liter of clean water. Cook over medium heat until you get a mass of medium thickness.

Recipe 2: pour dope seeds with alcohol (40%), store in a dark container in a cool, shaded place. After 2 weeks you will get a viscous mass that you need to wipe your face with.

Datura weakens the hair structure, leading to hair loss.

Soda

For 1 tbsp. boiling water 1 tsp table soda. Stir until completely dissolved. Use when the mixture reaches room temperature.

Soak several cotton swabs or a piece of gauze in the resulting solution. Apply it to the problem area as a compress. Cover the top with cling film to seal. You need to keep it for a long time, preferably overnight. Repeat until the result appears. The speed of action depends on the thickness and thickness of the hair, maximum 2 weeks.

Iodine

Eliminates coarse hair, slows down the growth and appearance of new growths. If you have problems with the thyroid gland, this solution should not be used.

For the recipe you will need:

• iodine 2 drops;
• alcohol 20 ml;
• ammonia 5 ml;
• castor oil 5 ml.

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Take a generous amount onto a cotton swab and apply to problem areas. Leave on as a mask for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Apply moisturizer. The result will appear after 14 days of daily use.

Experts in the field of cosmetology recommend using cosmetic salon methods or standard mechanical ones. There is no harm to the skin from them, and their effectiveness has been proven. They are suitable for any hair and skin type. Methods involving solutions, masks and mixtures require testing for allergic reactions. Their effect is longer lasting and depends on the condition of the woman’s hair and skin.

Is it possible to permanently remove hair?

• Have you tried all possible hair removal methods?
• Excessive hair can make you feel insecure and unattractive...
• You are waiting with horror for the next execution, remembering that you will have to endure again...
• And most importantly, the effect only lasts for a few days...

Now answer the question: are you satisfied with this? Is it possible to put up with this? How much money have you already wasted on ineffective products and procedures? That's right - it's time to end them! Do you agree? That is why we decided to publish the story of our subscriber Alina Borodina, in which she tells in great detail how she got rid of the problem of excessive hair forever in 1 day! Read more>>

Choose the optimal pressure

It is not recommended to press the razor too hard against your face when trying to remove stubble completely. If after several movements there are still hairs, change the direction - do not follow the hair growth, but perpendicular to it.

Do not scrape the skin with a razor; this will only cause irritation or cuts. Ideally, you need to go through each section only once, maximum 3-4.

Symptoms and forms of alopecia areata of the beard

In most cases, the first sign of this disease is the appearance of whitish skin fragments not covered with hair in the beard area. Few people pay attention to them - similar marks can remain after cuts during shaving, after chemical or thermal damage. However, such defects, as a rule, do not increase in size, but alopecia begins to gradually grow. Hair begins to fall out around the original source, and the bald spot becomes larger and larger. At the same time, as already noted, there are no lesions on the skin itself. It is smooth, even, natural in color, does not flake or become inflamed.

In the beard area, alopecia can take 4 forms, which, as a rule, successively replace each other:

• local – individual hairless spots appear;
• subtotal – growing, the spots are grouped;
• nested - lesions become large;
• total - hairless areas gradually rise upward, including the scalp.

The following stages of disease development are distinguished:

• Progressive. The first lesion appears and gradually begins to increase in size. The skin on the affected area is itchy.
• Stationary. Hair falls out intensively, the skin maintains its normal tone.
• Regressive. Thin vellus hairs begin to grow, they gradually thicken and acquire color. Gradually, the affected area is overgrown with healthy hair.

Alopecia may take several weeks to develop into a noticeable lesion. Moreover, it is very difficult to predict the dynamics of the disease. According to statistics, in approximately 45% of people who encounter this problem, the lesions heal on their own within a year. At the same time, it is also possible to develop a chronic disease, in which one affected area is replaced by another.

Photoepilation

In this case, a laser is used, which acts on vegetation using light with different wavelengths. By heating the hair to high temperatures, the hair follicles die and hair growth is interrupted for a long time.

Facial photoepilation is one of the most famous and effective types of hair removal along with laser. The result will last for several years, and if repeated procedures are performed every year, facial hair may never grow.

Preparation

Want to avoid most of the unpleasant consequences of shaving? Prepare properly for the procedure. Usually men wash their face, but forget about their neck. Don't make these mistakes; remove dirt from all areas where you plan to use the razor.

Use warm, not hot water. You will need a moisturizing soap intended for the face. The usual one, like shower gel, will not work - it dries out the skin.

Pre-steaming the skin has a good effect. It's best to shave after a hot shower. If you don’t have time for water procedures, apply a towel soaked in warm water to the lower part of your face and neck for a few minutes. The compress will help open the pores, making hairs easier to remove.

Soft depilation with cream (4 pros and 4 cons)

Depilatory creams remove hair by dissolving keratin within the hair shaft. This is done using the following chemicals in the composition:

• sulfides and thioglycolate salts - destroy the hair shaft, weaken the connection between protein chains;
• sodium or calcium hydroxide - softens hair, creates an alkaline environment that facilitates the penetration of thioglycolates.

Creams remove vegetation absolutely painlessly. The rate of dissolution of the rod depends on the concentration of the active substances and the thickness of the hair itself.

Facial hair removal products contain fewer active ingredients to prevent skin irritation.

The follicle remains intact, so the effect is short. But it is a little longer than after shaving (from 3 to 5 days), because the active ingredients penetrate the skin and destroy hair not only on its surface.

In addition, to slow down hair growth, manufacturers add special ingredients (substances of plant and synthetic origin).

Depilatory creams can cause serious allergies, so it is recommended to perform an allergy test on the elbow before use.

Advantages Disadvantages

Cleanse your skin thoroughly after shaving

When finished, wash with warm water and soap to remove any remaining foam and hair. You can massage your cheeks, neck and chin by lathering them. Rinse your face with cold water - this technique will help prevent ingrown hairs and close pores.

Apply aftershave cream or moisturizing lotion. It will soften and disinfect the skin, reducing the likelihood of irritation.

Keep things in order

Correct sequence of actions:

1. Simple areas are treated first. Stubble is least common on the cheeks, so they start there. Movements should be directed from the ears to the chin.
2. Then they move to the neck, running the razor from its base to the chin.
3. Then comes the area above the upper lip. Biting your lip, stretch the skin and move the razor from your nose to your mouth.
4. The chin is left for last - here the stubble is the hardest, and the area itself is quite difficult. You can even out the relief in the area under the lower lip by moving your tongue behind the lower row of teeth.

How to create the perfect hairstyle?

Have you ever heard of Johnny's Chop Shop Texturizing Salt Spray? No? Then today you will learn all about its advantages and benefits!

Texturing salt spray is, above all, an excellent pre-styling product. Ideal for creating very flexible styling. Hair will look neatly styled, with a slight natural, noble shine. If you have thin and light hair, then this spray is just for you.

This spray is great for texturing long or curly hair, but won't work on coarse hair. The spray makes the hair a little stiffer and gives it volume, lifts it at the roots and makes styling easier. Using this spray is very simple, just towel dry your hair, apply the spray and blow dry your hair.

By the way, pay attention, this spray is very easy to wash off without leaving any traces and does not require special shampoos. The salt spray contains an invigorating boost of caffeine and provitamin B5 for ideal hair care.