The Science Behind Shaving

With millions of men daily appearing in public with rashes, razor bumps, irritated skin and cuts on their face simply because they cannot shave properly, Carmelo Guastella, men's grooming expert, shares his seven steps to achieve the perfect shave.

Having been versed in one blade razoring since the age of nine, Carmelo has taught thousands of men the correct way to shave.

"Every day millions of men wet shave incorrectly and harm their skin - even the latest blades and facial products cannot eradicate the potential for damage and irritation." says Carmelo. "Simply put, if you haven't been taught how to shave correctly, you won't be able to shave!"

Forget advanced, turbo or vibrating razors – Carmelo's wet shave is not just about removing facial hair – it's a professional experience teamed with the opportunity to learn the art of shaving.

Carmelo's Seven Steps to achieve the perfect shave:

Step 1. Check how the hair stands
The more horizontal the hair growth, the greater the problems. Hair growing close to the skin is the main cause of razor bumps, in-growing hair and irritation. Take this into account in your preparation: make your hairs stand proud.

Step 2. Evaluate the thickness
There are three main hair types - fine, medium and coarse. The thicker the hair the greater the resistance to the blade. The coarser the hair, the shorter the blade stroke.

Step 3. Consider the density
The density of beard growth varies across your face. The denser the area of hair growth, the harder it is for the blade to cut it. As the density changes so must your blade speed.

Step 4. Look at your skin type
How the skin reacts to shaving can be as a result of skin type. First determine whether your skin is dry, oily, normal, combination, acne-prone or sensitive as irritating the skin can destroy its integrity by breaking down its protective barrier and encouraging bacteria. Adapt your preparation to take your skin type into account.

Step 5. Don't cut corners when it comes to preparation
The more time you spend on the preparation, the better the shave. Apply warm water to the face and prepare the beard area with the Melogy Shaving oil which protects the skin from the blade and helps to soften the hair, easing the shaving process as the blade will meet less resistance. Use a bristle brush to smooth, soften and lift the hair, whilst also exfoliating the skin. This will also allow the blade to move more easily, giving a closer shave.

Step 6. Check your shaving technique
Study your beard growth and take into account the direction of the hair, which varies across the beard. It is important to stretch the skin and follow the hair direction as the primary cause of irritation and razor bumps is shaving constantly against the hair.
Some men are able to shave against the hair growth with no problems, while some men cannot. Shave first with the grain, re-wet the face and go across the grain, and only if your skin can take it re-wet again and go against. Remember, always rinse the blade under hot water before shaving and between each stroke.

Step 7. Banish post-shave laziness
Once you have completed your shave, apply a soothing, moisturizing oil which will be easily absorbed into the skin, restoring the barrier function lost as a result of shaving, and also slowing down the ageing process.

A wet shave is not just about removing facial hair. It is a chance to look after your skin's appearance now and for the future.

Expert male grooming. Naturally.