#FIRSTIMPRESSIONS

I’ve been asked to answer two questions… (1) How does someone determine if they have a tough beard? and (2) How do guys with tough beards get a more comfortable shave?

So let’s start by first identifying if you have a tough beard.

Here are a few of the signs:

• You have an afternoon shadow, not a 5 o’clock one.
• You cannot seem to get you beard moist enough to shave.
• It feels like you are “tug” shaving instead of “wet” shaving.
• Your blade dulls after one shave…a bit pricey huh?

Do any of  these describe your beard?

So, how can you enjoy the shaving experience like the guys on the Gillette commercials? ...

If you’re one of those guys that likes to give your face a break from shaving during the colder days, it can definitely make the Spring transition a sensitive one. Here’s how to make your first shave the best of many for the warmer days ahead!

Step1 - The Removal – first remove the bulk of the beard before even thinking about putting a razor to your face… An inexpensive pair of trimmers or clippers will do

Cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Especially, for parts of the skin that are shaved several times a week or for some, every day. A freshly shaved face is already more susceptible to being dry, sensitive and irritated. And can be no match for what these cold winter months can bring with them. Unless, of course, you come prepared to fight a battle your face can truly win.

Here are several tried-and-true steps:

THE MORNING SHAVE

Pros.

• Shadow Fighting - Some beards can be both darker and tougher, so a morning shave can help to prolong the dreaded  5 o'clock shadow.
• Rise & Shine - we all have our ways of waking up

A good shave can reveal a lot. A clean face, the shape of your jaw… and for some darkened skin. If you have noticed darker skin on your face from shaving it isn't just the lighting… it is indeed a "real thing" that may actually be happening to you!

Let's start with WHY it's happening:

The aggressive nature of shaving, whether it's with a razor or...

Many of my clients tell me (before I shave them) that they have sensitive skin. The first thing I ask is if their skin reacts to certain products that are applied to their skin. If their answer is yes, then I keep this in mind with the products I use during the shave. But, 9 times out of 10, they answer is no, that the irritation occurs after they shave themselves.

So what should you do?

The most important recommendation I pass on to them is to keep the skin hydrated! Sure, we must remember to maximize the moisture on our skin when shaving, but during the day and night the skin