A clean shaven head is perhaps the most basic of hair styles available to men and women.

However, in order to successfully get a clean shave that is nick free, some very basic techniques need to be adhered to. If you’re a first time shaver, once you have shaved a few times, you will quickly develop and learn a routine that works best for you and your particular hair and scalp.

If your just getting started though, here are some very basic tips that works for both new head shavers and long time head shavers.

Before you get started, ensure that you have the proper shaving items to include a new and suitable razor/blade, a good shaving oil or gel and luke warm water.

HB_classicTo make the process easy and less time consuming, what remaining hair you currently have, make sure it is trimmed down to its lowest point. A pair of hair clippers without the guard should work well for this. At this point do not worry about a perfect trim, you just want to get the hair as short as possible at this point.

Now you are ready to get wet. If you prefer to shower first, the hair will be softer and easier to cut. Softer an wet hair reduces the chances of razor bumps. If you prefer to shave and shower afterwards, then get your head wet as possible. Do not use hot water, you will want to use luke warm water. This preserves the natural oil you have on your scalp. Hot water will dry your scalp out.

Perhaps the most important step is applying your shaving lubricant. When applying your shaving gel or oil, be sure to massage it deeply into your scalp. This softens the skin as well as the stubble hair.

You are all set at this point and ready to take it all off.

A good starting point is to start with hair that is softer and less dense, usually the sides of the head and then the top. By saving the back of the head for last, this gives the stiffer and more coarse hair often found on the back of the head more time to soften and results in a more comfortable shave.

Use slow strokes with moderate pressure ensuring that the skin does not fold up with the direction of the razor/blade. This will result in nicks.

Shaving against the grain will result in the closest shave, while going with the grain will not result in a close shave but will yield the least irritation. Depending on the type of hair and your skin sensitivity, going over the same area twice may cause irritation and discomfort. If you’re a first time shaver, its recommended that you do not go over the same area twice or three times at the most.

Your post shave routine is just as important as your preparation. Once again, this will be totally dependent on what routine you develop.

But no matter what your routing, you are going to want to clean yourself up, particularly if you have nicks.

If you prepared properly as described above, your scalp should feel comfortable with little to no irritation. A simple wash with luke warm water and towel dry should suffice.

Now you can reach for the aftershave. Your aftershave should contain a Aloe Vera or Vitamin E complex in it, this should soothe and protect the cleanly shaven head. At all costs, avoid aftershaves with alcohol in them, this dries out the skin and will burn like a fire immediately after shaving.

Game over, keep it low and clean.