Transmasc Shaving Guide
If the -mones are -moning, then you’ll have noticed you’re growing a lot of hair... everywhere. Let me tell you how excited I am for you! As thrilling as that is, taking a razor to your face is daunting. It’s not entirely different from shaving other parts of your body, but because your face is precious, you want to take extra care to reduce irritation.
Gearing up: Ensure you have a fresh, sharp razor and plenty of shaving cream.
Soften your skin and hair by simply washing up with your favorite facial cleanser and some warm water. A clean face will reduce clogging your razor with oil and dead skin cells.
Exfoliate! This is an optional step, but it can change your world if your skin is consistently irritated after shaving. A quick pass with some salicylic acid provides an extra opportunity to unclog pores and remove dead skin cells. Ultimately, this will reduce your odds of getting a nasty case of folliculitis.
Apply your shaving cream generously! I like those that are made for sensitive skin. You know, those that feel rich to touch and have skin-soothing oats or Vitamin E? But whatever floats your boat, as long as you promise me that you’ll never ever shave dry. Shaving cream is a protective layer between you and your razor— reducing the friction during your shave will minimize irritation.
Hold your skin taut and then shave in the direction of hair growth. Keeping your razor close to the skin and with the grain will prevent razor bumps and razor burns. Remember to give your razor a good rinse and smack against the sink every now and then to clear out any clogs.
Keep it going till you’re nice and smooth!
Post-Shave Care:
Your skin will be a little… spicy! Whether you feel the heat or not, shaving is not a fun time for your skin. The razor passing over your skin scrapes away the outer layer. Combine that with a dull razor or a dry shave, and you're in for dehydrated, itchy, tender, and hot skin. Suboptimal shave or not, a decadent, fragrance-free moisturizer is the best way to give your skin the recovery it will so desperately need. And if you’re extra red— a cold compress with a gua sha stone will reduce redness and inflammation. Give your razor a final rinse before storing it in a dry place to minimize bacteria and rust buildup.
Shaving with acne?
Testosterone can do many fabulous things for you, but acne is not one of them! If your acne is making it impossible to get a clean shave, try some of the following tips:
Opt for an electric trimmer. Longer hair can get caught in your razor and tug on your skin when you shave. Trimming off excess hair will help you get a more comfortable shave.
Press as lightly as possible on the down stroke to prevent nicking any irritated flareups
Avoid active breakouts! You don’t want to irritate a fleshy pimple further; shave around it if you can. Cutting into it while you shave can spread the bacteria onto your freshly shaved face— potentially causing more acne.