A Gentleman’s Guide To Shaving: Where Should A Gentleman Shave?

This one is relatively simple, and it all depends on whether you want a beard or not. If you grow a beard, whatever the length, make sure it is well trimmed, washed and groomed. If you’re craving a clean shaven face, make sure you prepare your face and shave properly. Before shaving a beard off, trim it down to be close to the skin. You will then need to open the facial pores with warm water, which is most effective after a hot shower – It is then safe to take a razor to your face. Use quality shaving products and pre-shave oils to prepare your skin, followed by soothing aftershave.

It’s generally not recommended that men shave their armpit hair completely off, but 68% of men in the UK (men’s health) admit to giving them a little trim, mostly for aesthetic reasons. If you choose to cut back on the armpit hairs, make sure to use a good pair of scissors to trim unruly hairs back.

It is up to personal choice whether you shave your chest hair or not, but we don’t advise it. Hair grows quite coarsely in the chest area which means you would have to keep on top of it to prevent it from becoming rough with stubble, and this is a large surface area to have to shave everyday. However, a trim every now and again is beneficial to keep it looking neat, and the best way to trim your chest hair is simply with sharp scissors. Make sure your torso hair and chest hair are uniform.

There is no right or wrong whether to shave your back and shoulder hair. A negative is that the hair may increase your body heat which can be uncomfortable in warmer seasons, or maybe you simply don’t like how it looks. There’s really no way of “taking care” of your own back hair, as it is tricky to trim when it’s behind you. You can however ask your friend or significant other to shave or trim your back for you, or for a longer lasting smooth area, go for a professional wax. If you’re going for the full shave, make sure to take it all off. Across your back, and all across your shoulders.

Not many men will opt for a clean shaven leg, as ‘manscaping’ focuses mainly on the upper body. But there’s no reason why you can’t shorten your leg hair if you feel it will suit your aesthetic better. Use a clipper with a longer attachment, and be careful. You can always go shorter, so start longer and work your way down if you need to. If you do wish to clean shave your legs, a new razor can be used 5 to 10 times before being ineffective.

We would recommend leaving your forearms well alone, as similar to shaving chest hair, this would require major daily upkeep to avoid prickly skin. If you have hairy biceps this usually spreads from the armpits which can be less slightly. Bicep hair tends to be finer, therefore it is easier to shave them completely. It’s important that you blend, so take everything off on the shoulder and bicep, then let it get longer as you make your way down towards your forearms, where hair no doubt grows with more purpose.

This really depends on what you have going on elsewhere. If you have decided to shave or trim your chest, you should aim for your stomach to be shaven to a similar level. A common concern is that if you shave your stomach it will grow back darker. It will not grow back any darker or thicker, but it can appear more visible. This is because the hair will grow back from the point at which it was cut meaning it loses its taper. The only way to avoid this would be to wax it so that a new follicle replaces it.

Did you know that the average gentleman’s beard grows approximately two millimetres per day? With this in mind, there’s no escaping the shaving routine. If you want a clean shave, you will need to shave every two to three days to maintain it, or three to five days if you just want to keep a beard and body hair trimmed and neat.

We’ve perfected the techniques over many years to reveal to you the art of shaving. Use these valuable steps below to avoid skin irritation and achieve the perfect shave for a flawless, smooth complexion, every time.

Here’s a shaving secret: A good razor is important but the quality of the products you apply can make a significant difference. Pre-shave lotions and oils help to hydrate the skin in preparation. Then a shaving soap or cream with a good lather will soften and raise the hairs so they are easy for the razor to catch, and to finish, an antiseptic aftershave will protect any nicks and cuts.

To get smooth skin after shaving, it is important to start with open facial pores and softened hair, which can be achieved with steam, hot water and hydrating products such as lotion and face oil. Fill a sink with hot water and soak a flannel to moisten your face, or even better, shave straight after a steamy bath or shower.

Lathering soap with a badger hair brush and opting for a good quality shaving soap helps to build a thick foam that’ll raise your whiskers when applied with a circular motion over your face. Lifting the hairs in this way lets the blade get to the base of each strand to provide a closer cut. Lathering also helps soften the hair further and protects against razor rashes and burns.

First, wet your razor blade with hot water. Then position it on your face in the direction of hair growth.

Modern razors are designed to work with relatively little pressure, so don’t push the blade against your skin, let it glide to reduce the friction. The slippery lather will help to prevent nicks and cuts, and you’ll see smoother skin after your shave.

The best way to shave is to use slow short strokes, which helps to avoid drag marks against your skin. Do this until your face is clear from all lather, wetting the razor occasionally.

Finish with Czech and Speake Aftershave to soothe and protect the freshly shaven skin.

Discover the unique and meticulously designed tools and aromatic shaving products in our award winning grooming range:

Our range of Men’s Aftershaves are developed to moisturise, soothe, protect and invigorate the skin post shaving. All Czech & Speake aftershaves contain antiseptic properties, which helps to close the pores and prevent skin blemishes.

Our No.88 Aftershave Shaker is a popular post shaving product scented in our most signature fragrance. Headline notes of bergamot, sandalwood and geranium create a smell that is powerfully alluring, with a richness that is long lasting.

More convenient 50ml versions of three of our best aftershave scents were recently added to the range, including classic No.88, Neroli and Oxford & Cambridge. Neroli Aftershave Shaker 50ml has a light fresh simplicity that is ideal post shave, while Oxford & Cambridge Aftershave Shaker 50ml contains lavender which is wonderfully soothing.

Our range of men’s shave razors and brushes are crafted from sustainable material in unique designs that blur the lines between contemporary and traditional.

Our aluminium range of shaving razors and brushes come in matt black for No.88 or silver for Oxford & Cambridge, to pair with the scented shaving soaps. These products are chic and minimal in aesthetic made from solid turned anodised aluminium. The razor is perfectly weighted – the very best for shaving, legs, face, stomach alike.

The Zebrano Wood Shaving Set contains a brush and razor crafted from sustainable Zebrano wood, which contains distinctive natural streaks of colour. A highly decorative yet functional kit.

Czech & Speake Shaving Soaps are scented in either No.88 or Oxford & Cambridge, crafted with a traditional soap making process and formulated with natural essential oils and coconut oil which help to create a creamy thick lather. This means that only a small amount of shave soap is needed to be used each time, lasting considerably longer than shaving foam.

For a complete set, Czech & Speake offer men’s shaving sets which are perfect as luxury gifts.

The aluminum Shaving Set & Stand holds together a razor, soap dish (with No.88 or Oxford & Cambridge soap) and brush seamlessly with a stand. The classic concept combined with a minimalist design makes the Czech & Speake shave set stand out from the rest. A miniature travel version in the two fragrances and colours are also a popular choice.

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