For many men, shaving the face is part of the daily grooming routine that provides more pain than pleasure. They do not put a lot of thought into buying supplies and their goal is to remove facial hair as quickly as possible without nicking the skin. Paying a professional to receive an authentic barber shop shave is a luxury that most men do not even consider but there are many reasons why they should. Experienced barbers use a straight razor and warm lather when shaving clients. The thought of using an old-fashioned straight razor intimidates some men. In the hands of a professional, it is the ideal tool for the job. The result is the smoothest facial skin possible and with the proper technique, nicks and cuts are rare. Preparing the face is as important as shaving technique. Lathering the skin dislodges dirt, softens the hair and holds it upright for the blade. It also creates a smooth surface allowing the razor to glide effortlessly over the beard. Steaming softens the outer layer, or cuticle, of the hair. It also stimulates the oil glands to provide additional lubrication. Other benefits include soothing and relaxing the client, so he will remain motionless during the process of shaving. The professional will skip the steaming process if the face is irritated, chapped, or blistered. Proper technique involves using one hand to hold the razor while the other stretches the facial skin to facilitate cutting the beard. The blade is more likely to cut loose skin. At the same time, stretching too tightly will cause irritation. Maintaining this delicate balance requires practice and a great deal of precision. Most professional barbers will follow up by shaving the neckline below the ears. The final step is a brief shoulder massage. A barber shop shave is a pleasant experience and a treat for those individuals who want to take their personal grooming routine to another level. The Art of Shaving (www.theartofshaving.com/) is a growing company at the forefront of the rapidly expanding men's grooming industry. Considered the world's leading expert on travel kits, barber shop shave and more.
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