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How to Shave like a Master Barber

FEATURE: LONG READ
Words by Joseph Bobowicz

There’s a right way and a wrong way to keep your face furniture in check. Learning how to shave properly is worth doing – the correct technique prevents cuts, snags, and unwanted scarring, as well as delivering a clean finish that sets you up for the day and week ahead. Adam Grooming Atelier offers luxury treatments based on traditional Turkish rituals, all delivered by master barbers. Here, these experts offer their advice on shaving at home. After the full in-store experience? Book an appointment at Adam Grooming Atelier in Menswear on the Second Floor.

Step 1: Cleanse & Exfoliate
Cleanse & Exfoliate

Preparing your skin lays the foundations for a successful shave. Bumpy or uneven textures require a little more love – exfoliation is key on the days you don’t shave. Do this twice a week. On the days you do shave, use a purifying face wash. Adam Grooming Atelier’s Charcoal Face Wash (available in-store) includes charcoal extract, aloe vera and eucalyptus. Lather the product onto wet skin and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds or longer, allowing the charcoal to work its detoxing magic while the aloe vera hydrates the skin. Then, rinse with water.

Step 2: Steam
Steam

Soft hairs make for a cleaner shave. Steaming achieves this while also opening the pores to expel impurities. At Adam Grooming Atelier, a steamer and hot towel are used in tandem to achieve the desired effect. To recreate this at home, simply fold a small towel in half lengthways and soak it in hot water, wring out the excess, and hold it on the face for a minute or two. Shaving after a shower can help to expedite the process, too. Better yet, invest in an at-home steamer to enjoy the full spa experience in your very own bathroom.

Lather

While gels and foams are handy for travel, they don’t nourish the skin like a quality shaving cream. Adam Grooming Atelier’s Classic Shaving Cream contains coconut oil to soften the skin as well as eucalyptus that cools it. Using a wet brush, swirl an olive-sized amount of product in your hand or a shaving dish to build the lather. You’re looking for a slippery quality to lubricate the blade. Apply the lather to your face with the brush, which lifts any stubble – ideal for textured skin – and allows for a cleaner, safer shave.

Step 4: Shave
Shave

Now, to business. While Adam Grooming Atelier barbers use a traditional cut-throat razor, the ADAM Safety Razor is advised for at-home and beginners’ use. You may even be more comfortable with guarded safety blades – the typical style for luxury razors. Whatever your blade of choice, it’s how you use it that counts. A good shave relies on lubrication, skin tension and blade angle. Never force the blade. If you have elastic skin, stretch it taut with your fingers to avoid nicks and cuts. Initially, shave with the growth of your hair; then, if further tidying is required, work diagonally to it. To avoid damaging the skin, shaving should be limited to every other day.

Step 5: Post Shave
Step 5: Post Shave

Post-Shave

Splash any remaining soapy residue away with water, then reapply a hot soaked towel as you did previously. After one minute, remove the towel and apply your Adam Grooming Atelier Post Shave Balm – a combination of hydrating aloe vera, sweet almond oil that’s rich in vitamin E, essential oils to protect and tone, and rosemary, thyme, and menthol to soothe the skin. Finally, apply a quality moisturiser. Use upward strokes when working this into your T-zone and downward strokes for any areas you’ve just shaved. For remaining facial hair, the Adam Grooming Atelier Daily Beard Oil is a must. Infused with avocado oil, clary sage, cedarwood and wild pine, it softens hair, adds shine and calms irritated or itchy skin underneath.

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