lifestyle leader

STEP ONE: PREP

Always shave after or at the end of a shower, to soften the beard, open the pores, and cleanse the skin. Use a great quality shave cream like Metro Men's Grooming Ultimate Shave Cream. If you have a tough beard or very sensitive skin, you may wish to apply a Metro Men's Grooming Pre Shave Oil before you apply shaving cream. This will help further soften the beard and reduce razor drag.

Shaving cream is ideally applied with a brush (badger hair is best) to soften and lift the beard. Place a pea sized amount of cream in the deep in the center of your brush and smooth the bristles together. Next, wet the brush well with hot water and apply to the face in a circular motion.

A good prep is vital to soften the beard and minimize irritation. Also, make sure you change your blade at least once per week - dull blades play hell on your face.

STEP TWO: SHAVE

Use a clean, sharp razor such as the Gillette Mach3. Start by shaving WITH the grain (the direction the hair grows). This will minimize cuts, irritation, in-grown hairs and razor burn. Glide the razor gently over your face. Avoid applying pressure and rinse your blade often. If you must have a closer shave, re-lather and shave lightly against the grain. If you cut yourself, apply a moist alum block on the area to stop bleeding. After shaving, close the pores with a rinse of cool water.

If using a shaving brush, always hang the brush to dry with the bristles facing downward.

STEP THREE: REPAIR AND PROTECT

Many men make the mistake of stopping with step two, but the following is important to keep your skin healthy and protect from signs of aging. After rinsing with cool water, moisturize and protect your skin with a few pumps of Metro Men's Grooming Post Shave Repair. This will help soothe and moisturize the skin and promote healing.

GETTING GOOD HEAD

FIRST TIME HEAD SHAVERS, TAKE NOTE:

Remember, a shaved head is not for everyone. If you are extremely thin, have an oddly shaped head or scalp problems, then a bald head is probably not for you. If you decide to go for it, remember it will always grow back if you don't like it. Shaving your head will dramatically change your appearance and may take a bit of time to get used to. Many men look great with a shaved head. But to pull one off, you must have confidence in your look. Always shave your head for the first time at the start of the weekend to give you time to get comfortable with your new look (and get some color on your white scalp) before you face your friends and colleagues. Allow yourself a good half hour to get the deed done for the first time. If you think you're ready, here goes....

NOTE: THERE IS NOTHING MORE UNATTRACTIVE THAN A BALD HEAD FULL OF BUMPS, RAZOR RASH, AND IN-GROWN HAIRS. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU PREP THE SCALP, SHAVE PROPERLY, AND PROTECT AFTERWARD. DO NOT SKIP ANY OF THE STEPS BELOW. THE FIRST TIME YOU SHAVE, THE PROCESS WILL TAKE ROUGHLY 30 MINUTES. WITH TIME AND PRACTICE, YOU WILL GET THE ROUTINE DOWN TO UNDER TEN. GOOD LUCK.

STEP ONE: THE PRE-SHAVE (FOR FIRST-TIMERS)

The first step in shaving your head is to remove as much of the hair as possible. Using a hair clipper with no guard, buzz the hair off as close to the scalp as possible.

STEP TWO: PREP

Always shave your head after or at the end of a shower, to soften the hair, open the pores, and cleanse the skin. Your shower should last at least 10 minutes. During the shower, lightly soap a washcloth and with a slight pressure glide the cloth all over your head against the grain. This will lift the hair for easier shaving. Rinse your head and the washcloth remain in the shower for few additional minutes. Next, apply a good shave cream and let it stand for a few minutes to soften the hair even more. I swear by Metro Men's Grooming Ultimate Shave Cream. Stay away from gels or products which contain menthol, which will close your pores and stiffen the hair. Shaving cream is ideally applied with a badger hair brush to soften and lift the hair. Never skimp on the preparation. This is vital to a good head shave!

First time shavers should exfoliate the scalp before applying the shaving cream (veteran baldies, should exfoliate twice weekly). Use a loofa or special facial scrub.

STEP THREE: SHAVE

Always have a hand mirror available so you can check the shave from all angles. You don't want to miss anything. Also, shave your head at the sink and make sure you have bright lighting. Proper lighting very important.

Use a clean, sharp razor such as the Gillette Mach3. Start by shaving WITH the grain (the direction the hair grows). This will minimize cuts, irritation, in-grown hairs and razor burn. Glide the razor down the sides and back and then from back to front on top. Avoid applying pressure (you don't want nicks or cuts) and rinse your blade often. Take it easy, pay attention, and be patient. You don't want to rush or get clumsy during this process.

After completing the shave, apply a small amount of lather to your hands and rub your entire head, checking for rough spots (sometimes you can't see them), especially behind the ears and on the back of the neck. Shave over any missed places. If you must have a closer shave, re-lather and shave lightly against the grain. Remember, shaving an area over and over can cause razor burn, so try to avoid it. If you cut yourself, apply a moist alum block on the area to stop bleeding. After shaving, close the pores with a rinse of cool water.

If using a shaving brush, always hang the brush to dry with the bristles facing downward.

Shave your head daily. The process will be easier if you do.

STEP FOUR: REPAIR AND PROTECT

You will need to hydrate and protect the skin. Finishing with a good gel or balm is key to leaving the skin soft, smooth, and protected..

Remember, you should always wear sunscreen on your head. The skin on your head is more sensitive and very susceptible to skin cancer. First time shavers will want to get some color on their scalp. I recommend the use of a self-tanning cream rather than exteneded sun exposure. With time, your scalp will develop color and you will not have to apply self-tanning cream Be sure to buy a high-quality self-tanner and test it on a hidden part of your body to make sure the color looks natural. You don't want to walk around with a big, orange, bald head! : )

Now, go out and proudly show off that bald head of yours