Shave like your grandpa

Cape Town - For a second there, it looked like the world was never going to emerge from under ‘beard fever’.

It was mutton chops, chin curtains and sea captains everywhere you turned. Blame the hipsters if you must but even George Clooney and Ben Affleck succumbed to the trend. But it seems as though it is slowly returning to the clean-shaven look.

Men have come a long way since the razor was invented and grooming traditions might have changed but there are still many benefits to shaving like our forefathers.

THE ART OF SHAVING

A recent study has shown that you use 30 percent less blade force if your hair is damp. That ‘hot towel-lather-shave’ ritual your grandfather used to enjoy when he visited his barber was important. The hazards of shaving such as razor burn and bumps can be greatly reduced by the correct techniques. By washing your face, your skin and stubble absorb moisture making it easier for the razor blade to do its job. Because you use less pressure during your shave, there’s less pulling, which creates a cleaner cut across the hair and results in fewer ingrown hairs.

Going over the same area of skin causes razor burn and shaving against the grain causes ingrown hairs and bumps. Shave in the same direction that your hair grows and use smaller strokes to prevent having to re-shave. If you do spot a few stray hairs, make sure to reapply your shaving gel or foam. Make sure your razor has sharp blades to get a close, irritation-free shave.

MODERN DAY SOLUTIONS TO OLD SCHOOL SHAVING RULES

Old School
Prepping your beard with a hot towel opens pores in your skin and softens your beard.

New Rule
Take a warm shower and wash your body with NIVEA Men Sensitive Shower Gel. The steam will work on your face like a hot towel would.

Old School
Buffing your face and stubble with a shaving brush would exfoliate your skin, and soften and lift hairs on your face. This would also minimise razor drag, which causes irritation.

New Rule
Cleanse your skin with NIVEA Men Sensitive Face Wash to cleanse skin, soften the beard and prevent ingrown hairs.

Old School
Wetting a shaving brush with water and whisking it around your grooming soap would create lather. Applying the rich foam would reduce friction and prevent razor burn.

New Rule
Apply a shaving foam or gel. NIVEA Men Sensitive Shaving Foam and Sensitive Shaving Gel will help protect your skin.

Old School
Using a salve like Alum Block would help ease bleeding from nicks and tighten pores.

New Rule
Apply NIVEA Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm to cool, soothe and help protect skin against irritations.

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