How to get the closest shave at home

Shaving is a lost art. Many brands today will try to sell you the most technologically advanced electric razors, which aim to get the job done as quickly as possible. Sure, they may be an efficient, faff-free solution, but electric razors will never be able to give you a shave as close as the old fashioned, manual way.

If you want the closest shave possible, there’s really only one way to go. That is, with a brush and a safety or straight razor. One of life’s great modern luxuries is a wet shave at a barbershop, but for ultimate convenience, the same result can be had at home. You’ll need a bit of time, patience and the right technique, but once you master it, a wet shave every few days can be both a relaxing and rewarding way to look your best.

If you’re looking to get the closest shave in the comfort of your own home, follow these five simple steps. Put down the electric razor and go classic. You won’t regret it.

5 steps to a close shave at home:

1. Have a hot shower first. This ensures your facial hair will soften and your follicles open up, giving you the best chance for a good shave.
2. Give yourself a home-made hot towel treatment. Fill the sink with water as hot as you can stand. While you’re doing this, put your shaving brush in the sink to soak. Spray your towel with a fragrance or ADAM Kolonya spray. Add Olbas oil to the water and mix it in if you want an enhanced steaming effect. Fold the towel in half longways and then roll up. Dip halfway in and then wring out before repeating on the other end. Hold against your face for as long as you can feel the heat. Breathe and relax!
3. The next step is to lather your stubble using a shaving brush and ADAM Classic Shaving Cream. Put an olive size amount into a shaving bowl, then dab and swirl your shaving brush in it for a minute or so. Once the soap lathers up and melts down into the brush, start vigorously brushing your face in a circular motion. Use up as much of the cream as possible for a good, even coverage, (but remove lather from any skin tags or moles so you don't cut them). Bonus tip: to tell if the lather is ready, make sure it has a good slippery feel between thumb and index finger. Ensure it feels wet, not greasy and that the lather doesn’t run between your fingers.
4. Shave with your razor of choice. How you shave depends on the razor type - eg if using a cut throat or safety razor, then shaving angle, blade approach and skin tension are crucial. It is not advised to go against the ‘grain’ or the growth pattern of your beard. So go with the grain in parallel strokes, and if you need to get closer try a diagonal stroke.
5. Once you’ve finished shaving, hydrate and soothe your skin with a post shave balm. You ideally want one with cooling ingredients such as eucalyptus or menthol. ADAM Post Shave has menthol and almond oil for helping the skin to recover. It also moisturises and reduces puffiness. One of its key ingredients is black cedarwood oil, which has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces soreness and minimises blemishing.