It's a dreaded part of my routine every morning, but I know that I need to start my day with a close shave. Here's something you may not know however, if you want a really close shave you may be doing it all wrong. Millions of people are. There's a trick to it (actually several), and it has nothing to do with the number of blades on your razor.

Even though shaving is a task that is boring, time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, millions of people are faced with getting rid of unwanted hair, and everyone seems to be in search of how to get a close shave. Getting a close shave is not as easy as one might think. It is not as simple as splashing some water on your skin, lathering up the shave gel, and taking out the razor. The skin must be prepared, the proper shaving gel, cream or lotion must be used and adequate after care must be taken.

First a little history. Shaving can be traced back to the early Egyptians, who were known for bathing several times a day and removing unwanted body hair using a clamshell. My guess is that they probably weren’t able to get a close shave with such a primitive tool!

Trick number one is to prepare the skin before attempting to remove the hair. After you have chosen a proper shaving gel, this will be one that lathers well and remains on the skins surface; you should massage the gel into the skin instead of just spreading it on quickly. Remember that hair does not all grow in the same direction, so making a few passes over the skin with the razor held in different directions will provide a close shave. That's trick number two.

Professional barbers agree that the number of blades on a razor does not guarantee a better job will be done. If the skin has been prepared correctly, there is no need for a double or triple blade razor, a single blade razor will allow for a close shave.

Now for trick number three. Once the skin has been shaved, it should be rinsed with cool water. It should never be rubbed, but instead patted dry with a clean towel. Many people in pursuit of a close shave are not aware that the act of shaving not only removes unwanted hair, but can also remove two layers of skin! For this reason, it is wise to apply a balm-like after-shave product, instead of one that is alcohol or perfume based, which are likely to irritate the skin. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from razor burn or bumps, using a cream that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide should soothe the irritation.

By experimenting with different shaving gels and creams, some people even prefer to use shaving oils, you will be able to determine which one works best with your skin type. Remember to always use a sharp blade, as a dull one will just drag along the skin and cause irritation, and never shave right after waking in the morning. This is our fourth and final trick. The first thing in the morning your skin tends to be puffy, and a close shave will be near impossible. Waiting approximately 30 minutes after rising from bed will allow the skin to return to its natural, non-puffy state. With a little practice and patience, you to can enjoy a close shave.

So for a close shave let's recap our four tricks:

1. Prepare the skin properly

2. Make several passes with the razor held in different directions

3. Rinse with cool water and pat dry, don't rum

4. Wait 30 minutes in the morning before shaving to allow the skin to return to normal.

That's it. It sounds simple and really it is, as long as you know what to do.

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