The Men's Shaving Routine: 5 Steps to a Closer, Calmer Shave

A great shave is less about the razor and more about the routine. These five steps, used by barbers for generations, give you a closer shave with less irritation, razor burn and ingrown hairs.

1. Cleanse and soften

Shave after a warm shower or wash your face with warm water first. A gentle face wash such as Yon-Ka Men Foam Gel lifts oil and dirt so the blade glides instead of drags. If you have a beard, a dedicated wash like La Biosthétique Homme Hair, Beard & Body Wash keeps hair and skin clean.

Yon-Ka Men Foam GelLa Biosthétique Homme Hair, Beard & Body Wash

2. Build a rich lather

A proper lather protects skin and lifts the hair. Use a shaving brush with Musgo Real Shaving Cream or Musgo Real Shaving Soap. Whip it in a shaving bowl for a dense, cushioning foam.

Musgo Real Shaving BrushMusgo Real Shaving CreamMusgo Real Shaving SoapMusgo Real Shaving Bowl

3. Shave with the grain

Use a sharp blade and light pressure. Shave in the direction your hair grows on the first pass. If you want it closer, re-lather and go across the grain rather than against it to limit irritation.

4. Rinse cool and soothe

Rinse with cool water, pat dry, then apply an aftershave balm such as Musgo Real After Shave Balm to calm and moisturize freshly shaved skin.

Musgo Real After Shave Balm

5. Moisturize and protect

Finish with a moisturizer made for men's skin, like Yon-Ka Men Age-Defense, and daily SPF. Keeping a beard? Condition it with ACTIIV Thickening Beard Oil.

Yon-Ka Men Age-DefenseACTIIV Thickening Beard Oil

Shop our full Men's Shaving & Beard collection, or explore Men's Skincare and Men's Hair.