Do you suffer from shaving rash or razor burn? This might be because of sensitive skin or it might be other factors.

Check out our guide below for tips on how to get the perfect shave.

Preparation

The first step to shaving, is to soften your hair beforehand, making shaving easier. One way to do this, is by using warm water, or shaving after a hot shower. Another way is to use a pre shave oil or cream to soften the stubble before shaving, helping to give a smoother shave.

The Blade

A good quality sharp blade is essential for a comfortable, smooth shave. Because of this, it is important to change the blade often to stop it becoming dull.

Also you must consider the amount of blades being used. Cartridge type razors tend to use 3 or 5 blades at once, whilst a double-edge safety razor comes with only one. Less blades passing over the skin means less change of irritation or cuts.

Finally, make sure you rinse the blade often. This prevents it clogging, giving a better glide over the skin. This results in a more comfortable shave.

Technique

Use a light stroke, letting the blade do the cutting. Don’t pull or tug at the hairs. Also make sure you shave with the grain. That is the with the direction of the hair

Good quality shaving soap or cream

Another important factor is your shaving cream or soap. It is tempting to use a can of shaving foam that is widely available

The problem is, they tend to be much harsher on skin than the alternatives.

The ingredients and chemicals found in these sprays can cause irritation and become harsh on the skin over time.

Good quality soaps and creams are kinder to the skin, helping to moisturise and even soften the skin. They are also available in a wide variety of fragrances. Some soaps and creams are even formulated for sensitive skin. The choice between a shaving soap and a shaving cream is down to simple preference. Neither one has a greater chance of avoiding irritation than the other.

After care

The traditional alcohol based aftershave can be harsh on the skin. It is important to invest in good quality aftershave balm, lotion or milk without any alcohol. Not only are they unlikely to sting, but they are designed to sooth the skin after shaving. They also act as good moisturiser for dry or chapped skin.

Frequency

Finally, for very sensitive skin, it is best to shave every 2-3 day not every day.

More information

Wet shaving kit - A beginners guide

Shaving soaps vs shaving cream

A guide to choosing a shaving brush

Facts about plastic pollution

ONE MILLION plastic bottles are bought EVERY MINUTE around the world

100 BILLION plastic bags are used by Americans every year. Tied together, they would reach around the Earth’s equator 773 times

100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million sea birds are killed by marine plastic pollution annually.

Are you concerned about the amount of plastic that you use? Whether it be your bags that you carry your shopping home in. The coffee cups and straws. Food wrap.

But have you considered the plastic used in your razor. Do you use a plastic disposable razor or a cartridge razor that you use a few times and then throw away? Adding to the mountain of plastic waste?

The alternative - a double edge safety razor

This is a traditional razor made from metal. Like the type your granddad owned. The disposable metal blades is held in place by the head.

Advantages of using a double edge safety razor

Plastic free shaving. Around 2 billion razors are thrown away each year.

Reduce costs.

The average cost of a pack of 8 Mach 3 blades is £12.00 (£1.50 per blade) or even more for Fusion blades.

The cost of a traditional double-edge safety razor can vary but start at around £23. but The cost of blades is at least half the price of the Mach 3, so the savings soon add up.

Better, more consistent shave

Electric razors and multi-blade cartridge razors irritate the skin more than needed. Leaving razor burn, ingrown hairs and redness. Using a safety razor will reduce the skin irritation and give you a comfortable shave. This is because you are using 1 blade instead of several.

Download our guide to buying a safety razor

So you have spent time and effort growing your beard. The problem is that the itching is driving you mad. Before you reach for the razor and shave it all off check out our tips below. Tried and tested methods to reduce that itch.

Make sure your wash your beard.

Through out the day you beard will pick up debris from food. It essential that you remove this. You can use a normal shampoo but often this will strip your beard of its natural oils. It is better for you to use a dedicated beard wash or shampoo.

Recommendation: The Brighton Beard Company The Miller's Beard Shampoo Bar

Condition your beard.

You can do this by either using a in shower conditioner like the conditioner you use on your hair. Or use a dry live in conditioning balm. A good quality balm with nourish your beard and help repair it and also prevent split ends. It will also help improve the density of the beard.

A beard balm is also used to help style your beard.

Recommendation: Keltic Krew Chieftain Beard Balm - 50ml

Moisturise your beard.

A beard oil will moisturise and soften your beard. Not only will a beard oil moisturises your beard but it will also soften the skin underneath. This is important as it will help look after the skin and prevent it drying and flaking. Thus reduce the changes of beard dandruff. This will all help to reduce itching.

Recommendation: Captain Fawcett Beard Oil - Ricki Hall

Brush or comb your beard.

Brushing your beard will help the hair all grow in the same direction. This helps to prevent in growing hairs and reduce the itch. Your beard is different to the hair on your head so you need a different brush or comb. When choosing a brush you need one made from natural boar bristles. With a comb choose one made from horn. Using a natural product will help distribute your beards natural oils. This helps to promote healthy beard growth.

Recommendation: Dr Dittmar Horn Beard & Moustache Comb - Large

Look out for ingrowing hairs. Ingrowing hairs should be removed with tweezers to prevent further irritation

Finally looking after your health and eating right can have a big impact on your beard.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep and relax. Also keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. Also there is evidence to suggest that having a diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals is good for both your body and your beard.

So to summarise the best way to maintain a healthy beard that does not itch is keep it clean, conditioned and moisturised. You should brush or comb it often and look out for ingrowing hairs

Struggling for ideas of what to get you dad for Father’s Day then see below for some inspiration

Natural cow horn shoe horn

An unusual gift for dad, these shoe horns are hand made in the UK. The horn used is a by-product of the meat industry.

No 1 dad cufflinks

Show your dad how much he means to you with these cufflinks. Sold in a gift box.

Horn tankard mug.

An unusual but enjoyable way for dad to enjoy his favourite pint

Shaving brush with animal head handle

A wonderful solid cast pewter handle crafted to resemble different animals. The brush will still stand upright if required. Contains top quality silver tip badger hair.

A beard or moustache comb

This handmade GB Kent comb is an ideal gift for dads with a beard.

A shaving brush and soap in a wooden bowl

DR Harris are specialists in traditional gentleman's grooming products. This attractive shaving soap and brush set is a touch of luxury for your dad.

Large Zipped toiletries bag.

This toiletries bag is large enough to hold all a man’s essential grooming kit. So, makes an ideal gift for a dad that travels.

Traditional shaving mug

Does you dad like a traditional wet shave? Then why not treat him to this traditional styled pewter shaving mug. Included a stand for your brush. Hand made in the UK

Durance Vetiver Eau De Toilette

This Durance Edt has an elegant masculine fragrance. The Edt has a citrus and delicately smoked wood scent. It evokes the Provence region of France, an area of natural, magnetic charm.

A 5-piece manicure set.

Dovo are renowned for making quality metal instruments and this luxury 5-piece set is no exception. Each tool is precisely crafted and sharpened to perfection and come in a cowhide leather case.

Bluebeards Revenge ‘The Big Blue Bar of Soap’

The Bluebeards Revenge Big Blue Bar of Soap is chunky enough for even the manliest of hands. It has a simple, fresh and masculine scent.

For more gift ideas check out www.thegroomedman.co.uk