A Close Shave

Learn the proper way to shave to avoid cuts and bumps, and get a baby soft feel. Plus, how to trim your sideburns and shave your head

Shave in the Shower to Prevent Bumps and Razor Burn

If you develop redness, rash, or ingrown hairs because of your morning shave, try shaving in the shower. After a few minutes, the hot water opens your pores and softens your whiskers more effectively than a quick splash or two from the sink. Plus, nobody asks questions as long as you’re in there.

Work the Angles

For an especially close shave, go with the grain, then lather up again and mow gently against or across your whisker weft.

Don’t Put Your Two Scents In

If you wear fragrance, use an unscented shave cream. You don’t want her nose sniffing a mixed message.

Be Paternal

“If you’re a strap-and-blade guy, let her catch a glimpse of you shaving,” purrs one of our female colleagues. “There’s something elementally male about it. Oh, I don’t know, maybe it just reminds me of my daddy.” Paging Dr. Freud. . . .

Where to Buy: Norelco electric razor, $170, philips.com; Nivea for Men Fresh Cooling After Shave Balm, $6, nivea.com; Anthony Logistics Electric Preshave Solution, $12,anthony.com.