This article was published on May 16th, 2020

As any well-groomed gay man will attest, a good shave can make all the difference in how you feel about yourself. But there are a number of persistent and untrue myths about shaving which might be holding you back. Whether you prefer to use a razorblade or beard trimmer, with this handy guide you can ensure you’re getting the most from your shave.

So, what are the common myths about shaving and what should you actually be doing?

Myth: You should shave against the grain for the closest shave

Every man has an opinion, but at the end of the day, you may need to do both—with the grain to start with, and against the grain to achieve the best result. But know your face and your skin, and don’t overdo it. The trick to achieving a better shave will probably boil down to preparation…

Myth: Moisture isn’t that important when shaving

While it’s tempting to opt for the most efficient shave, if you invest a little more time to prepare your skin you might be surprised by the results of your efforts. 

Exfoliating the skin prior to shaving helps to remove dead skin cells and open your pores, which assists in achieving a closer shave and helps to prevent pimples as well as ingrown hairs.

You will also achieve a more comfortable shave by showering beforehand, which removes oil and dirt and softens facial hair while making your skin suppler. For this same reason, you should only shave using hot water. 

Finally, you should always use a shaving product which suits your skin and avoid any ingredients or products if you find that they cause irritation or dry out your skin. You may benefit from investing in an after-shave lotion to help moisturize your skin too.

Myth: A new blade will lead to more shaving cuts

If you consult the website of a razor blade company, unsurprisingly, their advice will be to invest in new blades for the best shave. Coincidentally, the truth is that a new blade should cause less irritation and less injuries than a blunt one. 

So, while it may feel like a new blade causes more cuts, your technique may in fact be the issue. You might be pressing too hard precisely because you’re using an old blade and find that a new blade will be safer when used with the correct amount of pressure.

Myth: How often you shave will impact your hair growth

Grooming should be a part of every beauty routine as an act of self-care. Don’t be fooled into thinking that shaving often will lead to hair growing back faster or thicker, because it’s simply not true. Hair growth, just like hair loss, comes down to the lottery that is genetics.

Whether you prefer to be cleanshaven or let it all grow out, a man’s attention to detail never goes unnoticed. The good news is that you can elevate your shaving game with very little effort, and once you set good habits, you’ll be set for life.