Facial Shaving Routine

Motion-of-the-Ocean

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For those guys out there who are clean-shaven, multiple choice questions ahead.

First, why do you shave? Is it by choice or is someone, like an employer, making you? For me, most of my career I was clean-shaven because the places I worked for did not allow beards, only a thin mustache. When I final got into work that did, I sported a goatee just because I (finally) could. Although I shaved it off and let it grow back a few times since then, most of the time, including now, my face is bare because I think I just look better (and younger) that way and it just seems more professional when dealing with the public.

What is your primary method or tool for shaving and how long do you make it last? I use disposable razors fairly exclusively and can squeeze at least 3 weeks out of one by shaving 3-4 times a week just because I'm a cheap bastard.

How often do you shave? I will usually only shave 3 times a week on work days and let the stubble run wild on my days off unless I'm going someone important; so by the time I go back to work my face is pretty grizzly, but one of the advantages of wearing masks is no one outside the house will really notice :D.

Do you shave up or down? I've always read the advice that one should go with the grain, not against it, but I find by going up I get a more super-smooth feel, with nary a hint of stubble and I will always do that the first day of the week due to the thick hairs that I allowed to grow back, but after the second and third days I will only shave down as once it is smooth, further close shaves will irritate and slice my skin.

Did anyone teach you to shave and who? While some guys might think it's supposed to be a tradition for fathers to pass onto their sons grooming knowledge, no family member really showed me. It was more a combination of intuition, trial & error and what little hints I could get from reading and perhaps a friend or two (there was no internet or YouTube back then). Consequently I never really passed down the knowledge to my sons, mostly because I still don't think I do a good enough job of it to be an expert. I think when it comes to shaving most of what we learn anyway is more by observing someone else than them actually verbally instructing.

Finally in your experience, do you find your partners either current or past, prefer you to be clean shaven or have some of them expressed a desire for you to grow facial hair and have you done it just for them? Most of the women I've been with have liked whatever state my face was in at the time, however it does seem they expressed more satisfaction when I had a goatee. My wife leans slightly towards the times I didn't shave as well but I think it was more because of the novelty since as stated, most of the time we've been together I've been clean-shaven.

So love to hear other's thoughts. Feel free as well to add anything that I might have missed in my questions.
 

OKCLane

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I started shaving in 7th grade so I’ve been practicing for almost 50 years! Writing that seams surreal because I honestly don’t feel like my age.
We have a “shave shop” here in OKC that specializes in all things shaving and where you can get a straight razor shave. It’s fun pampering and should be done at least once. I’ve had them at some high end hotels so be creative in your search. You can also buy a straight razor, they even have disposable ones. They also sell some that are works of art. I don’t have the nerve to try it myself.
I have a tough beard so I always shower first to soften the hair and prepare my face.
Stop being a cheap bastard and buy expensive blades. My dad was complaining about cuts and nicks and a bad shave. I learned that he was using a cheap disposable and foam from a can. A gift set has changed his life. He’s stunned by the difference and thanks me on every phone call.
Currently the young guys at the shave shop are into the old double edged blades. They are sharp as hell and take a very steady hand, something I no longer have. You must go slowly and carefully but the shave is smooth perfection when done well. You cannot rush this shave. The blades are exceedingly inexpensive, even the high quality German blades. Buy a nice handle if you try this. This would make a good gift from your SO. You will cut yourself. Period.
I use a brush and cake soap but when traveling use Cremo in the tube and still apply it using a brush. It’s a silky smooth cream and gives a fantastic and nick free shave. It only takes a small dollop. They have many products so visit their website. You can buy this brand in the big box stores. Gillette makes a good “cream in a squeeze tube” as well. I bought some while traveling out of town and was pleasantly surprised.
There are so many brands of cake soap. You may find that a nicer department store in the mall near you has a selection. Edwin & Jagger and Truefitt & Hill in the sandalwood scent are my favorites. A Google search will give you hours of reading I’m sure.
Buy a high quality badger brush. You can find kits that include a brush, cup and handle. This is another good gift idea.
I have a mustache and goatee. I’ve always worn a mustache which gave me enough age to buy certain six-pack products back in the day. The goatee came from a hospital stay where I was asleep for a few weeks. Due to a breathing tube and NG tube my bf at the time couldn’t access my chin so I woke up with a goatee and it’s been a 30 year fixture. However, now I dye it weekly so that there’s more pepper than salt.
I’m mostly retired so I don’t shave every day. I don’t go out much these days except for my daily walk. I’m up to 1.5 daily miles since my last back surgery so it’s all good. The mask covers a multitude of sins so it’s easier to get lazy these days.
Don’t shave against the growth. A good razor negates the need. Start a face regimen with cleaning and moisturizer and sun screen. Most people guess my age in the 40’s and can’t believe I’m almost 60. I will admit a little Botox for the forehead wrinkles and crows feet doesn’t hurt.
 

Gj816

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I've had a beard, but mostly I'm clean shaved. I wore a beard for at least a year during my 30's it was ok once I got past the itchy stage.

Mostly I've stayed clean shaved. I only shave twice a week. Now days I shave while in the shower. I used to shower and stand naked in front of the mirror and sink to shave using cream and then gel. I use Gillette sensor 5.

I have had a straight razor shave before at an upscale barber with the hot towel wrapped around my face. While the shave wasn't what I expected, disposable straight razor. I did enjoy the experience.
It was reminiscent of the days when as a boy, I'd watch the barber sharpen his straight razor on the strap. While I waited my turn to get a haircut.

As for how I shave. I shave with the grain. Always left side first. Then I shave against the grain, to get a really smooth as a baby's butt close shave. No stubble. I long for cthe days when I didn't have to worry about shaving, but such is life.
 

ronin001

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I generally Shave every other day. Seldom on weekends

However in November , I do not shave in support of mens Health

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