What Every Man Should Know About Shaving Over 90% of the male population makes shaving the first order of business each day, yet this daily chore is neglected and done incorrectly by the vast majority of men.

Too often the result of a poor shave is discomfort in the form of cuts, razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin. We at Truefitt & Hill believe that the simple pleasure of wet shaving, when done correctly, will make a man look and feel better every morning.

The benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many. For starters, it gives a man the closest, most comfortable shave possible that lasts throughout the day. It also exfoliates the skin (removing dead skin cells) and allows the skin to breathe. The aftershave process restores moisture and soothes the skin. We hope our shaving method helps you enjoy the best shave possible!

Step 1: Prepare Surprisingly, good old-fashioned water is one of the most important aspects of shaving. Wet shaving would not be called what it is without the water! This is not to minimize the need for high quality shave cream, a good razor, and an adequate aftershave product. There are two major purposes for hydration in the shaving process. One is to prepare the skin before shaving and the other is to “activate” the high quality glycerin based shaving cream we re- commend for the closest, most comfortable shave. The key to a perfect shave is to prepare your skin before you apply your shaving cream. If possible shave during or after a hot sho- wer, or apply a hot damp towel to the face for about 2 minutes before shaving. This serves to soften the beard and stimulate the oil glands leading to a softer, smoother shave. Un- softened whiskers are extremely hard on the blade and are the primary cause for short blade life. Believe it or not, your whiskers are tougher than the edge of the blade and when you do not adequately prepare them for a shave, they create imperfections on the edge of the blade that make it very dull. A dull blade is the primary cause for razor burn and cuts. For gentle- men with sensitive skin or heavy beards, we suggest lubricating your whiskers with a small amount of Truefitt & Hill Pre-Shave Oil before lathering. Step 2: Activate Use a glycerin-based shaving cream or soap that lathers with water. We recommend our Tru- efitt & Hill shaving cream or shaving soap for an unparalleled experience. Stay clear of foams, gels, or products that contain numbing agents such as benzocaine or menthol. These will close your pores and stiffen your beard.

Use the shaving cream sparingly. Just a little gives a really good shave. As discussed above, our shaving cream works best when “activated” with liberal amounts of water. The water mixes with the ingredients to create a rich lather.

Step 3: Apply Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers, a good quality shaving brush makes the lathering process much easier. Another benefit of the badger hair brush is that it exfoliates the skin and lifts the whiskers of the beard so they are ready to be shaven.

The more thorough the lathering process, the better the shave. Use a small amount of glyce- rin-based shaving cream and rub onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion and back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce good lather. If you do not have a badger hair brush, cup your hand and place shaving cream in the palm of your hand and mix with water by rubbing vigorously with your other hand. Then apply to face with your fingers using a circular motion.

Step 4: The Shave Use a quality blade with a handle that offers good weight and balance for better control. Remember that a dull blade is the leading cause for cuts and razor burn! The quality of the blade is also very important. While a straight razor is an incredible art form and, when done correctly, gives an incredibly close shave, it is a difficult process to perform on yourself at home.

Blade technology is so advanced these days that it is easy to find good blades that are easy to use. All our Truefitt & Hill razors come equipped with replaceable MACH III blades.

We recommend shaving with or across the grain of the beard, but not directly against it. Failure to do this is the major cause of razor burn and in-grown hairs. Some men find their skin can handle shaving against the grain, but only after shaving with the grain first. Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand while shaving. Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary, not more shaving cream. Repeat the process a second time if necessary Step 4: Follow Up We want to stress that aftershaving is a process, not just a product. After the shave, apply cold water to the face to close the pores and pat the skin dry. It is important to use an afters- have product to moisturize and disinfect the skin.

Truefitt & Hill aftershave balms are formulated with lanolin and aloe vera extract to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Some men prefer using a traditional Truefitt & Hill splash-on aftershave product in the hot/ humid summer months when moisturizing is not as necessary.

Brush and Razor Care Thoroughly rinse your brush and razor after each use. Shake all excess water out of your badger hair brush so it can easily dry.

It is preferred that you dry the badger hair brush hanging upside down to prevent moisture from seeping into the base of the brush. Never store a shaving brush in a closed cupboard where mildew may form. Replace your blade as soon as it begins to uncomfortably tug and pull on your beard.

Our Truefitt & Hill brush and razor stands are a convenient and decorative method of storing your shaving brush and razor. FIRST PASS

For some gentlemen the whiskers on the neck grow in an opposite direction. These men should reverse the order so that they are removing the hairs with the grain on the first pass while shaving the neck area.

SECOND PASS

Please Note: These notes on the use of open razors are intended as a guide. Shaving with an open razor is not easy to master and this guide is not to be considered a substitute for being taught by a Barber.

Truefitt & Hill, London