AVOID BARBER’S ITCH: SHAVING TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SHAVE

Are you tired of the itch and pain caused by barber’s itch? Here’s our guide to the optimal shave. 

In my time as a beauty therapist, I have met many types of men. I have had clients from many diverse occupations, from athletes to zoologists. All of them have had the same recurring problem, year after year, barber’s itch.
For those who do not know what I am on about, barber’s itch is a skin condition that can arise after shaving. Barber’s itch, also known as "pseudofolliculitis barbae" is characterized by sore, unsightly and embarrassing bumps on the skin. It is caused by in-growing hairs that curve back into the skin instead of away from it, prompting inflammation and bacterial infection. Does it sound unpleasant? It is! Here is my step-by-step guide to how to avoid barber’s itch whilst giving yourself a smooth, comfortable shave.

Step 1: Shaving Basics 

Shave whilst you are in the bath or shower (or immediately afterwards). Your hair and skin are soft and malleable due to the effect of warm water and are thereby easier to shave. If you are pressed for time, a lukewarm face wash prior to shaving also works. Use a facial scrub to rinse the skin and remove impurities, dry skin and dirt.  

Tip: Good hygiene is imperative. Make sure that your shaving equipment is always clean and in mint condition. Change your shaving blades regularly to avoid working with blunt tools that can permanently damage your skin and hair. This is particularly important for those with lots of facial hair. Bad tools create bad work, so style up and make sure your gear is tip-top. 

Step 2: Shaving Gel and Shaving Foam

Always use shaving gel or shaving foam when shaving. This ensures that the blades of your razor glide smoothly across your face, trimming your beard effectively. Some shaving cream and shaving foam variants contain agents that soften your skin and hair, aiding the shaving process. Less is more when it comes to the application of shaving foam / gel - using too much can prevent your razor blades from effectively reaching facial hair.

Step 3: Shaving Technique  

Alternate the direction that you shave in. Shave in the direction that your hair grows with your first stroke, and with your next, shave carefully against the grain. This minimises the chance of irritation and gives you a close, comfortable shave. Start your shave around the neck area and work your way up systematically upwards. Round off with the area around your cheeks and lips. Short, swift movements are more effective than long strokes.  

Tip: Rinse your face repeatedly during shaving to prevent your razor blades from getting stuck in your shaving foam or gel.

Step 4: Rinse 

Once you have completed your shave, rinse your face and neck with cold water. Doing so ensures that your pores close, reducing the possibility of bacterial infection. Rinsing with warm or hot water may feel better but doing so also keeps your pores open and at the risk of infection and irritation thereafter. Pad your face dry in a clean, dry towel (avoid rough towel strokes that can damage your skin).   

Tip: Spoil your face by adding a bit of toner to remove dirt and hair stumps. Toner also helps make sure that your skin pores close once you are done shaving. 

Step 5: Moisturize: The Masterstrokes

Your smooth, naked skin needs tender loving care at the end of your shaving ritual.  Apply an antibacterial cream to your face when you have finished shaving to add moisture and provide soothing effects to your skin. In doing so you also disinfect any pores contaminated by bacteria. Last but not least, aftershave balm or gel leaves you smelling fresh, attractive and ready to impress the ladies. A good aftershave balm or aftershave lotion is therefore, essential.

Say goodbye to barber’s beard today. At Luxplus you will find a wide range of high quality shaving products at cheap prices. Make sure that your shaving equipment and cosmetics are top of the range and keep our shaving guide in mind the next time you trim your beard.