How To Achieve The Perfect Shave At Home

A haircut is no longer the only aspect of male grooming routine men are paying more attention to. Regular maintenance opportunities like a Traditional Wet Shave are offering guilt free time for some male 'time out' indulgence. Taking 45mins and using luxury shaving products, steaming hot towels, face massage techniques and finishing products, it really is the only way to look perfectly spruced.

Although a Traditional Wet Shave has the benefit of someone else taking the hassle out of a shave as well as giving you the closest shave possible that allows a two or even three stubble free days, it is not always a daily option. So below Hayley, Joe and Co.'s resident barber, give some tips below on the perfect wet shave at home.

"Firstly, prepping your skin is a must. This does not need to take long, just a splash of hot water and a wash with a mild face wash will do. A face scrub can also be use after in circular motions to get rid of any dead skin cell build up but this only needs to be used a couple of days a week as it can be harsh on the skin (we use DR Harris Exfoliating Cream£10.50). Then rinse off with warm water or a soaked flannel. Using a small amount of base oil rubbed into your stubble and under you shaving cream (such as Almond oil) can help achieve a smoother shave but it's not a must. I would also recommend a shaving cream instead of a foam as I think foam has the potential to clog the razor (see other options below). A good quality shaving cream applied with a shaving brush or finger tips in a thin layer will sit well on the skin and has the added benefit of moisturising so preventing dryness after the shaving process is finished (we use DR Harris, Almond Shaving Cream £18.50). I would recommend using a high end razor with more than one blade and start at the sideburns working in a downward motion until the shave is complete, rinsing the blade properly in between. Wash off any excess shaving cream and splash with some cold water to close the pores. Then finish with a slick of good quality light moisturiser suitable for your skin type, something that will sink into the skin and leave no greasy residue (we use DR Harris Aftershave Milk £24.50). This will help to stop your skin from drying out and should help to calm some redness. A splash of cologne is optional!"

Top Tip: If you were to add one product into your current shaving routine, Hayley recommends Salt Rock as this helps stop bleeding and sterelises the skin helping to prevent razor rash. Best used after your shave is complete and apply to a damp face gently rubbing all over shaved areas paying particular attentions to areas that appear sensitive. 

Bloc Osma Available at Joe and Co. £7.00.