Preparation
A better shave starts before
the razor touches the skin.
Shaving for Black men should begin with
softened facial hair, and enough
lubrication to reduce unnecessary friction.
softened facial hair, and enough
lubrication to reduce unnecessary friction.
Preparation matters most when
facial hair is coarse or tightly curled.
facial hair is coarse or tightly curled.
Rushing into a dry or poorly prepared shave
often leads to more pulling,
more passes, and more irritation.
often leads to more pulling,
more passes, and more irritation.
Set the skin up well before you begin.
Technique
Shave with the hair,
not against it.
The shaving technique for Black men should
follow the direction of facial hair growth
whenever possible.
follow the direction of facial hair growth
whenever possible.
Use controlled strokes, light pressure, and fewer passes.
Chasing an extremely close shave can increase
irritation, especially for men who are prone to
razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
irritation, especially for men who are prone to
razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
The goal is a clean result
without repeatedly
working over the skin.
without repeatedly
working over the skin.
Razor Bumps
Control closeness before
chasing smoothness.
Razor bumps often develop when tightly curled facial hair is cut too close and grows back into the skin.
If bumps keep returning, adjust the technique.
Reduce pressure, limit repeated passes,
and avoid cutting unnecessarily close.
and avoid cutting unnecessarily close.
Post-Shave Care
The shave is not finished
when the razor stops.
Post-shave care should keep freshly shaved skin comfortable and properly moisturized.
Repeated irritation can also leave behind
dark spots after the skin settles.
dark spots after the skin settles.
The better approach is to reduce the irritation
causing the mark while supporting the skin afterward.
causing the mark while supporting the skin afterward.
Related Disciplines
The Standard
A good shave should leave
the skin in better condition.
Prepare the skin.
Follow the direction of growth.
Use controlled technique.
Avoid unnecessary closeness.
Care for the skin afterward.
A strong shaving routine for Black men is
measured by the finished result and the
condition of the skin, not simply by
how close the hair was cut.