Achieve and maintain a clean shave with our comprehensive guide

Looking to achieve the ultimate clean-shaven look? We’ve got you covered with our helpful guide on how to get a clean shave. From what a clean shave is to choosing the right tools to achieve a clean, smooth shave, elevate your grooming with our top tips for achieving and maintaining this timeless look.

What is a Clean Shave?

A clean shave is more than a grooming ritual; it's a method that leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh. Clean shaves mean you’re shaving your facial hair completely, usually with a close shave, so you can enjoy a completely smooth, hair-free look. Clean-shaven men project classic elegance and professionalism too, making it a go-to styling choice for many men.

Choosing the Right Tools for a Clean Shave

If you’re wondering how to clean shave a beard, choosing the right tools is the most important step. So, let's dive into the art of tool selection for that perfect clean shave – because, trust us, having the right gear makes all the difference.

When it comes to razors, there are plenty of options, but the key is finding what works for you. A classic safety razor can provide precision, while an electric shaver offers convenience. For the ultimate close shave, we swear by the Gillette ProGlide Razor. Its multi-blade technology is perfectly designed to cut closer and deliver a smooth, clean shave.

At Gillette, we know that a well-groomed beard is just as important as a clean shave. So, if you want to take your grooming game up a notch, explore Gillette's Beard Grooming Kits, designed to keep your beard and skin nourished and smooth.

The key to a flawless clean shave lies in the prep and the aftercare. Before you start shaving, consider using a quality beard and face wash to remove dirt and debris prior to shaving. For aftercare the King C Gillette Beard Balm has a soft, lightweight formula that conditions and tames your beard.

Achieve a Clean Shave with these Simple Steps

Pre-Shave

• Use a gentle cleanser or face wash to wash your face. This helps soften beard hairs and can lift low-lying or ingrown hairs.

• Consider using a mild exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and further lift hairs. Avoid over-exfoliation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Shaving

• Generously apply a quality shave foam or gel. This creates a protective layer and improves razor glide.

• Use a good quality razor with a sharp blade. Ensure the razor is clean and free from debris.

• Avoid pressing too hard; let the razor do the work. Use light, controlled strokes in the direction of hair growth to minimise irritation.

• Rinse the razor after every few strokes to prevent clogging and ensure a smoother shave.

Post-Shave

• After shaving, rinse your face with cold water to soothe the skin and close the pores.

• Use an after-shave product containing moisturising ingredients like the King C Gillette Beard Balm, which contains nourishing argan oil and cocoa butter. This will hydrate and comfort the skin. Look for formulas with aloe vera or chamomile to help reduce irritation.

• Finish with a moisturiser to lock in hydration and keep your skin smooth. Choose a product that suits your skin type.

Can you get a close shave with an electric razor or shaver?

You absolutely can get a close shave using an electric shaver – in particular, try the Gillette All Purpose Styler. This model is waterproof and super adaptable, with several different settings for the closeness of shave or trim you’re after.

• For the best close shave with a Gillette electric razor, use the Gillette ProGlide Razor head on your Styler, which offers a super comfortable, close shave.
• The Styler also works as a close shave trimmer when you use the Precision Trimmer setting, allowing you to go over any difficult to reach areas and achieve crisp, defined lines.
• If you’re after a stubbly look and are searching for an electric shaver that doesn’t shave too close, the Gillette All Purpose Styler is also perfect for you. You’ll get three different comb lengths (2mm, 4mm, 6mm), which you can use for beard and stubble trimming, as well as body grooming.

So, whether you’re wondering which Gillette razor offers the closest shave or which electric shaver doesn’t shave too close, your answers lie within the Gillette All-Purpose Styler. It’s super versatile, usable in the shower or for a dry shave, and it’s perfect for achieving a smooth shave.

What are the most common mistakes men make when they shave?

Here are a few common mistakes:

• Hanging on to the razor too long

Fresh blades provide a closer, smoother and more comfortable shave, and when your razor is dull or damaged, you are more likely to end up with razor burn or nicks and cuts.

• Wiping the blades or tapping them against the sink at the end of the shave

This should be avoided as this can damage the ultra-fine blade edges. At the end of the shave, just rinse the razor thoroughly with water and shake off excess water before storing it. Check out our dedicated article on how to take care of your razor on our blog.

• Pressing too hard on the razor (some men put as much as 1.5kg force on their razor)

The closeness of the shave is largely determined by the quality and design of the razor, not by how hard you press. The best way for a close, comfortable shave is to use gentle strokes. The razor should do the work, not you.

• Not hydrating the beard hair before the shave

Allowing water to penetrate into the hair is key for a comfortable and close shave because dry hair is difficult to cut. In fact, dry hair can have the strength of copper wire. When hair absorbs water, it swells and becomes easier to cut. So, men should wash their face and neck with a mild cleanser or scrub before the shave. Or at least take a shower before the shave and not vice versa.

• Not using a shave prep

It is recommended to use plenty of shave prep. This provides a protective anti-friction layer and improves razor glide for a smoother, more comfortable shaving experience.

• Not using a moisturiser after the shave

It is important to use an after-shave product containing moisturising ingredients to rehydrate, calm and comfort the skin, which can feel irritated, tight, and uncomfortable after the shave.

So, there you have it: we’ve unveiled the secrets to elevating your grooming routine! So, get started by exploring our wide Gillette's Grooming Collection for tools that make every shave a masterpiece. From the precision of the Gillette ProGlide Razor to the variety of Beard Grooming Kits, discover the essentials to craft your confident clean-shaven look.

FAQS

Should I shave before or after the shower?

Shave after the shower (and not the other way around). The warm water and steam of the shower will hydrate and soften the beard hairs and make them easier to cut.

Should I shave with or against the grain?

Most guys find that using light strokes and first shaving in the direction of the hair growth and then following up with re-strokes against the grain provides the closest, smoothest shave with good skin comfort. However, men’s facial hair tends to grow in different directions, so even if a man shaves with the grain (in the direction of the hair growth), some hairs will still unknowingly be cut against the grain.

How do I reach difficult areas on my face, like under the nose, the corners of the mouth, or the sideburns?

Some areas of the face are particularly difficult to shave (such as under the nose, the jawline, the sideburns,…). For those areas, we recommend to use the single blade that you will find at the back of all the razors of the Gillette Fusion5 & Pro family. To use this blade, simply turn the razor over. In this position, the cartridge head does not move up and down, giving men great control. Also, as more and more men have facial hair (like a goatee beard), this trimming blade allows them to shape their facial hair with great control and precision.

How can I avoid “missed hairs”?

Men often report having missed hairs, especially in the more “contoured” areas of the face, such as under the chin, the jaw line and jawbone corner. To help solve this, Gillette invented the so-called “Flexball” technology: a new pivot in the handle that completely reinvented how the cartridge moves and gave it 3-Dimensional motion to respond to every contour of a man's face.