Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Most boys can't wait to grow up so they can start shaving. Often they practise with their father's razor. However, as adults, they soon discover the 'joys' of razor burn and ingrown hairs. Fortunately, getting a clean shave does not have to be a torturous morning routine.

Once upon a time, men were not so big on grooming, but today they take pride in how they look. Once they would only go to a barber for the regular trim and shave. But as Sharon Samuels, managing director of Totally Male Club Spa Salon, says, most of their customers come in for manicures, pedicures and therapeutic massages. She notes that most men come in to get a haircut and shave. She also said that some will do a clean shave or go a little more stylish by leaving a goatee.

Razor bumps

It is important that men know how to do a proper shave without leaving those awful razor 'bumps'. Below are tips that will help you get the perfect shave that will leave your skin smooth and soft.

1 Shaving when the skin is dry leads to razor burn and red slashes across the chin and cheeks. First, cleanse your face properly by using warm or hot water to soften the beard.

2 Moisturising before shaving is also a good idea. Use a gentle, creamy shaving lotion to soften the hair and make shaving easy.

3 Select proper shaving tools (for example, electric shears or disposable razor blades) suited for all skin types.

4 Make sure you clean blades of your electric shear/razors before shaving.

5 Make sure your razor is sharp. Old, blunt blades spoil a shave. They drag the skin and do not give a clean shave.

6 For better shaving control, the razor handle should be heavy.

7 Hold skin in place while shaving. Never stretch skin excesssively.

8 Do not pluck ingrown hairs, ease strands of hair out of follicles, and then shave.

9 Always shave in the same direction.

10 Short strokes are a better option than a long drag as they give a cleaner shave.

11. Do not use alcohol to clean face. Use a toner or astringent that has less alcohol.

12. Rinse your razor in hot water.

After you are through shaving, it is important to clean your razor/shear. To clean, rinse in hot water, then in alcohol, before replacing cover. Also, disposable razors must not be reused more than three times. Before reusing your razor, rinse with alcohol or spray with disinfectant.