The classic clean-shaven look never goes out of style. It’s been around for decades and still turns heads. It literally means complete surrender – no stubble, no trimmed beard; just a clean and smooth face. And, to ace the clean-shaven look, you need the right partners, organically formulated shaving foam, and a sensitive-on-the-skin razor. 

However, following the correct shaving steps, holding the razor at a right angle and the way you glide the razor to get the closest clean shave are some things you should keep in mind. Let’s get down to the business now!

5 steps to get close & smooth shave - The Clean Shave Cheat Sheet

Before diving into how to get a clean-shaven look, let’s first jot down what all you’ll need to get started:

• High-quality Razor: It's the razor that gets the (shaving) job done, so it is the most important part of the paraphernalia. Choose a cartridge razor with sharp blades (dull ones will cause tugs and pulls while gliding), a pivoting head (to adjust as per the contours of your face) and a good lubricating strip (for the extra cushion of safety) Remember, the number of blades on your razor is directly proportional to the closeness of shave you'll experience. You have options from 3 blades to 6 blades. Pick the one you're most comfortable with. 

• Pre-shave Scrub: A pre-shave scrub physically opens up the pores of your skin and exfoliates it by removing all impurities and dead skin cells stuck inside. This allows more of the hair to be exposed for shaving, thus resulting in a closer shave.

• Shaving Foam: A shaving foam works like a lubricant in the process of shaving, protecting the skin from the razor by creating a layer of protection between the blades and the skin. It also softens the hair strands, so it is easier to cut them. Choose one that is formulated with natural ingredients and is suitable for your skin type. 

• Post-shave Balm: After the process of shaving, your face loses moisture on the top layer of the skin, and also undergoes minor cuts and inflammation. It is quite normal and is mostly not even visible to the normal eye. But a good post-shave balm replenishes that moisture loss and disinfects the cuts, at the same time calming the skin down, making you feel comfortable. Choose a post-shave balm without alcohol so that your skin doesn't burn.

• Clean Towel: Use a towel that you can simply dab on your face to dry it and not rub.

• And, most importantly - PATIENCE! (The more you have, the better it will be)

Now you’re ready to experience your cleanest shave ever in the easiest way!

It’s Time To Prep Up 

#STEP 1: Prep your facial hair by taking a shower or using a warm towel to soften your facial hair and open up the pores. Use a pre-shave scrub to exfoliate the skin and prevent any ingrown hair after the shave. This will also improve the effectiveness of your razor, as no dead skin cells will clog its blades while shaving.

Pro Tip: Trim down your beard if it is longer than 6mm to avoid tugs and pulls while shaving.

#STEP 2: Now take some shaving foam, and apply on the area you want to shave. This will ensure smoother glides and minimize the chance of razor burns, tugs and pulls, and a lot of discomfort. It not only acts as a protective barrier while shaving but also lubricates the surface for smooth and frictionless moves. Even after shaving, it leaves your skin moisturized, preventing dryness, redness, and irritation.

Shave Off Effortlessly

#STEP 3: Now take your razor and rinse it under water for a few seconds to activate the lubricating strip. Hold the razor comfortably and start shaving with short and gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. With a good razor, you won’t have to go over the same area multiple times. Rinse your blade after every few strokes to clean up the buildup of hair and shaving foam. 

Pro Tip: Add more life to your razor by using a RAZOR SHARPENER if you feel the blades are getting dull. 

Post-Shave Pampering 

#STEP 4: After the shave, rinse your face with cool water to remove hair debris and the remains of shaving foam. This will also help close the pores on your skin and keep impurities at bay. Pat it dry with a clean towel (don’t rub).

#STEP 5: Finish it off by gently massaging a soothing alcohol-free post-shave balm on your skin, to hydrate and free it from after-shave irritation and redness. Balm’s soothing and cooling vibe restores and repairs your skin so that it can groove and blossom like a flower. 

Explore organically formulated shaving essentials HERE.

Top 5 Shaving Tips For Clean And Close Shave

• For a comfortable shave, always use a clean and sharp razor.
• To avoid irritation, don’t put too much pressure on the razor.
• Prevent nicks and cuts by not rushing through the process.
• To maintain the sharpness of your razor blades, use a razor sharpener.
• To find all your shaving essentials, keep a shaving stand to store them all.

Pro Tip: Use a razor for sensitive skin if you have skin sensitivity.  

The secret is to shave smarter and not harder

Remember, the perfect shave isn't just about technique - it's also about timing and frequency. Most guys find that shaving every 2-3 days gives the best results. It allows your skin to recover and prevents excessive irritation.

But when to shave is the most debatable question that has been going on for years. Many men swear by their morning shave routine and consider it part of a wake-up routine that helps them feel refreshed and ready for the day. As your face tends to be a bit puffy in the morning due to fluid accumulation overnight, this extra plumpness can make it easy to go for a closer shave. Your facial hair also absorbs moisture while you sleep, making it softer and easier to shave in the morning. 

On the other side, evening shaves have their own benefits. Shaving at night gives your skin time to recover any irritation or redness to subside before you face the world. You're likely to be less rushed in the evening, allowing for a more careful, thorough shave.

Read more: How To Shave With A Safety Razor – A Comprehensive Guide

While personal preference plays a big role, research in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science indicates that skin tends to be most sensitive in the morning, particularly for those with dry or sensitive skin types.

So, the best time to shave depends on various factors like skin type, hair growth rate, daily routine, and personal preference - there's no one-routine-fits-all. It is more than just timing - it's about understanding your skin, using the right techniques, and finding what works best for you. 

However, whenever you shave, don't forget to hydrate your skin, use sharp blades, shave in the direction of hair growth, and always follow up with a moisturizer to protect your skin.

DID YOU KNOW? The average man will spend about 3,350 hours of his life shaving. That's nearly 140 days! So why not make those hours count?

Explore: Shaving Kits For Beginners & Pro Shavers

Your next cleanest shave is just a few steps away!

There you have it - the simple and easy guide to the closest, cleanest, and smoothest shave ever. With these tips and tricks at your fingertips, you’re good to go forth and conquer the world of clean shaves. Your face (and maybe that special someone) will thank you!

Practice makes a man perfect, so don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't magazine-cover-worthy.