As avid followers, you know we’re keen on ensuring you look and feel your best for a good price. As our avid followers, you also know that you shave and have your different approach to it. The question is, is your way, the best way?

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past 6 months, you’ll have not heard of Harry’s…if you’ve been running around town, you will have.

Harry’s believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to the products you use, so they’ve designed a grooming brand to be effective and to provide a great experience. The team of more than 600 engineers, designers, craftsmen, and chemists make Harry’s products from the finest materials and ingredients to ensure they perform as well as they possibly can.

We have to agree with what they mention in their mission statement. The craftsmanship of their razor, meant the razor glided over our skin and provided a neat shave. They’re so committed to a good shave, they’ve helped us devise these mistakes you may be encountering when shaving, and how to avoid them.

Mistake One: Poor Skin Prep
Many men and women don’t prep their skin appropriately before shaving. Splashing a few drops of water on your skin doesn’t do the trick, and over prepping can cause your skin to become irritated. Men with a bushy beard or heavy stubble do require a little more prep, but generally, prepping your skin doesn’t have to be complicated.

How to Avoid: Gentlemen, shave either during or right after a warm shower. Ladies, try to stick to shaving in the shower. The steam from the hot water allows the outer layer of your hair to soften, giving you a much cleaner and safer shave. If you have a beard, be sure to use an electric razor (set on low) to trim your hair before shaving.

Mistake Two: Not Paying attention to Grain Pattern
If you don’t know which way your hair grows, chances are you’re irritating your skin when you shave.

How to avoid: When your hair is growing out, slide your fingers across your skin so you can physically feel which way your hair grows. When you shave, you want to first shave in the direction your hairs because the hair is still long. Your second pass should go against the grain, since the hair will be shorter, thus relieving your skin from any tugging.

Mistake Three: Too Much Pressure
Despite popular the belief that pressing down harder will give you a closer shave, it actually leads to lots of painful cuts and nicks.

How to avoid: Gently glide your razor across your skin, being careful to avoid too much pressure. Using shaving cream can help the razor move smoothly, giving you a much closer shave.

Mistake Four: Using Too Much Or Too Little Shaving Cream
Not using the appropriate amount of shaving cream can have the same irritable consequences as not prepping your skin correctly. Too much shaving cream will cause your skin to become too slimy, leading to a higher risk for cuts. On the other hand, too little shaving cream will not allow your hair to soften up, leading to a rougher shave.

How to avoid: Always use an almond sized portion of shaving cream. If the area you’re shaving is larger, then it’s okay to add a little more, but be careful not to add a lot more.

*Helpful tip: Shaving creams that also provide hydration, like Harry’s shaving gel will give you soft skin and a smooth shave.

Mistake Five: Using Products Not Made For Shaving

Using body wash, soap, and shower gel can seem like a nice alternative when you’re out of shaving cream. However, products that are not designed especially for shaving can cause trauma to your skin and razor. Soap removes dirt and oils from your skin, contributing to a rougher shave.

How to avoid: Stick to products that are made for shaving

Mistake Six: Improperly Storing Your Razor

If you leave your razor on the shower ledge or bathroom sink, you’re accelerating the dulling process of your razor. Bacteria and excess water will quickly diminish the blade. However, leaving it in a drawer or cabinet can lead to the growth of bacteria.

How to avoid: Invest in a quality razor stand, such as this one. It’s designed especially for keeping your razor above water and bacteria, letting it dry before your next use.

Mistake Seven: Using An Old Blade

Using a dull razor is the easiest way to end up with lots of cuts and nicks, no matter how well you prep your skin.

How to avoid: You should be changing out your blades every 6-8 shaves. While that may seem like a lot of runs to the store, subscription services like Harry’s ensure you receive quality razors right to your door. You can even customize your own delivery schedule based on how often you shave, so you never have to worry about when to change out your blade again.

Try Harry’s for yourself and make practice, perfection. Start your trial for only £3.95 here.