Do you have facial hair you want to get rid of, or would you prefer to grow facial hair into a mustache and beard? This decision is an individual choice and up to you depending on what feels the most comfortable. This article includes a comparison chart of four different types of razors and considerations, including tips and steps involved in shaving, and website resources.
Getting Started
Think about how you learn best. If you learn best with the use of a model, watch your dad, older brother or a male family member or friend before trying to shave yourself. If you learn best through step-by-step videos, go to https://gillette.com/ or https://www.howcast.com/ website for examples. If you learn best with steps using a check list, use the lists within this article.
Use the method that works best for you to learn this new lesson in life. When first starting to shave, all options can be awkward or uncomfortable. Consider your fine motor skills. Can you control an electric razor or a disposable razor better? Electric razors are larger and can be held in the palm of the hand. Disposable razors are thinner. You will need good motor control abilities to handle this type of razor. Talk with your family member about which option works best for you. All options will feel awkward at first, but with practice, the process will become easier and more natural. Also, remember, as you are learning how to shave you will make mistakes; this is part of the learning process. The first time you shave, you may miss some hairy spots. This is okay too; next time you shave you will try to reach those spots. Each time you shave, try your best.
Important tips for shaving with all kinds of razors:
• Take a bath, shower, or wash your face with warm water before you shave. This helps to open your pores and soften hair follicles, making hair easier to shave.
• Take time to explore smelling and feeling different creams, foams, gels, and after shave moisturizers on your face to see what textures and smells work for your own sensory needs. If none will work, then using an electric razor will be your only option.
• Feel your face for hair to know when it is time to shave again. Teens usually shave every few days at first until their facial hair grows in fuller and then the need to shave may become daily depending on how fast the hair on your face grows.
• Some guys believe if they just grow a beard they won’t have to shave. It will still be important to shave around the edges to get a “clean cut” beard which looks neater.
• Electric razors do make a buzzing noise and vibrate when turned on. Allow yourself time to become use to the feel of the razor by first placing the razor on your hand. Then move to your arm; then, shoulder, until you reach your face. Once you can tolerate the feel of the vibration, start shaving your face.
Consider which type of razor you would like to use to shave. There are four options. Two of the options are electric which include rotary and foil. Both have the blades hidden under the foil areas. A rotary razor has two or three rotating circles called disks while a foil razor usually only has two small bars moving slightly back and forth. Electric razors are often used because of the safety of the device. If you have concerns about possibly cutting yourself, then electric may be the better choice. Two other options are a disposable razor or a razor with a replaceable cartridge. Consideration will need to be given to each type by looking at the cost of the razor, the type of shave, noise of the shaver when it is turned on, a dry or a wet shave, how to use the shaver, and the cleaning needed. Look at the chart at the end of this article to compare the options and discuss with your family member the best option for you.
Using Either Foil or Rotary Razors
Things You Will Need:
• Electric razor (rotary or foil)
• Charger for the razor
• Razor brush for cleaning
Electric razors do make a buzzing noise and vibrate when turned on. By now, you should have tried the tips above to get used to the vibration. You’re going to shave the areas on your face you want to get rid of hair (e.g., on your cheeks, chin, neck, and the area between your nose and upper lip) using the dry method (i.e., no creams or gels). Here are some steps to try with this method:
1. Use a mirror that you don’t have to hold to keep your hands free to shave.
2. Prepare your face for a comfortable shave by taking a shower or washing your face and neck with warm water. Also, use soap to remove oil and dirt.
3. Rinse the soap off your face and dry it with a towel.
4. Hold the razor in the same hand you write with and turn it on.
5. For both types of razors, try to press the razor firmly on your skin but not too hard. This should feel comfortable on your skin. If you press too hard then you could make your skin red and irritated.
6. If you’re using a rotary razor, then make small circle motions with the shaver head on your face. If you’re using a foil razor, then it is best to shave with up and down or right to left strokes. Gradually move the razor around your face.
7. To shave the spot between your nose and upper lip, it can be helpful to curl your top lip over your teeth to stretch your skin.
8. To shave your neck, tilt your head back a little bit so your chin is pointing upward but you can still see in the mirror. Using your face muscle, move your bottom lip upward and hold. This will pull the skin tighter at the neck and make the skin flatter and easier to shave.
9. As you go through each step, feel your face with your free hand to see if it is smooth. This means you have shaven your face. If you feel stubbles (short brittle hairs), you can shave that area again.
10. When you are finished shaving, turn off the razor and clean the foils with the razor brush that came in the box when you bought the razor. Keeping your razor foils clean will help them last longer.
11. Most razor blades last about a year.
Using Either a Razor with a Refill Cartridge or a Disposable Razor
Things You Will Need:
• Towel
• Portable mirror
• Soap and water
• Men’s razor (i.e., suggesting only one blade)
• Shaving cream, gel, or lotion
• Moisturizer (consider with aloe, tea tree oil, or unscented)
To use a disposable or refill cartridge razor, you will need to use shaving cream, lotion, or gel. By now, you have figured out the best product that you will enjoy the smell and feel on your skin. You may need to try several before you find one that you like best.
Consider a razor with only one blade. If you can only find a razor with two or three blades, move it slower on your face. More than three blades are easier to cut yourself so try to avoid this many. Also, know the new razors have a “comfort strip” on the top of the razor to help you balance it on your face at the proper angle. There is less pressure required to create a smooth shave and no buzzing noises with this type of razor.
Every man’s facial hair grows in different directions. Some barbers say to shave the hair in the same direction as the way it is grows and some say go in the opposite direction. Some of you may have fine motor skills that direct the motion that is most comfortable to you. Ask your family member to help you figure out the best direction to shave your cheek bones, chin, neck, and upper lip. Here are some steps for using a disposable razor with cream, gel, or lotion (wet method) holding the handle in a downward angle:
1. Use a mirror that you don’t have to hold to keep your hands free to shave.
2. Prepare your face for a comfortable shave by taking a shower or washing your face with warm water. Also, use soap to remove oil and dirt.
3. Rinse the soap off your face.
4. Put a dollop of shaving cream, gel, or lotion in the palm of your hand about the size of a quarter.
5. Using the fingers on the opposite hand, spread the shaving cream or gel on your face to cover everywhere you have whiskers you want to shave. Watch what you are doing in the mirror.
6. Take the guard off the razor and leave it on the counter while you’re shaving.
7. Wet the razor by holding it under the faucet of running water.
8. Placing the razor on the right side of your face, start at your sideburn. If you are not sure where this is, ask your dad or another family member.
9. With the handle facing down, press the razor on your face firm but gently and then shave in a downward stroke to your chin bone.
10. Pick up the razor before making another downward stroke. Don’t shave over the same spot where there is no longer any shaving cream or gel. This may cut your skin since it is dryer.
11. Rinse the razor after three downward strokes to wash away loose hair in the razor. To rinse, only run the razor under the water. Do not use your fingers on the blade.
12. For a new stroke, move it to where there is still shaving cream. Use the same downward stroke to your chin bone. Repeat this step three times until you reach your nose and lip continuing to rinse the blade with water after three strokes.
13. Repeat this pattern on the left side of your face too. Carefully moving the razor from your sideburns towards your nose and lip.
14. To shave under your chin,
a. Tilt your head back a little bit so your chin is pointing upward but you can still see in the mirror.
b. Using your face muscle, move your bottom lip upward and hold. This will pull the skin tighter at the neck and make the skin flatter and easier to shave.
c. Using the razor with the handle facing down to the chest, place the razor on the chin and shave using a downward stroke.
d. Remember to rinse the razor after three downward strokes.
e. Continue this downward stroke across your entire neck. Be careful by going slowly especially around your Adam’s apple.
15. To shave under your nose and above your lip,
a. Shave your upper lip last by curling your top lip over your teeth to stretch your skin. Make approximately three downward strokes on your upper lip (i.e., left side, center, and right side).
b. Rinse the razor and put the guard back on the razor before putting it away.
16. Wash your face of all remaining cream, foam or gel and dry your face with a towel.
17. Feel your face with your hand to see if it is smooth. This means you have shaven your face. If you feel stubbles (short brittle hairs), you can shave that area again by repeating steps 4-13 or be sure to get the hairs next time you shave.
18. After drying your face, you can choose to use an after-shave lotion or cologne.
19. A disposable cartridge or razor is usually only good for three or four shaves before needing to replace the blade or get a new razor (depending on the kind you buy). One way to remember how many times you have used the razor is to write on the handle a straight line with a permanent marker. When you notice there are three lines, and the razor is hard to pull across your skin (called drag) then it is time to change the cartridge or the razor. If it is still comfortable then use it one more time to equal four times, then throw it away.