Shaving, Beard Design, and Facial Hair Services
Domain 5: Shaving, Beard Design, and Facial Hair Services
This domain tests safe shaving and beard shaping: preparation, lather, razor angle, skin tension, strokes, aftershave, symmetry, and sanitation.
Core rules
- Consult: ask about skin sensitivity, medications, bleeding disorders, and recent cosmetic procedures; avoid shaving irritated or broken skin.
- Prepare: a warm towel and cleanser soften hair; apply lather; keep skin taut.
- Razor angle: about 30 degrees for a straight razor; use short, controlled strokes; shave with the grain first.
- Beard design: establish natural lines - the neckline about one finger above the Adam’s apple or at the jaw curve; the cheek line follows natural growth; check symmetry on both sides.
- Finish: cool towel, aftershave or balm; avoid alcohol-heavy products on sensitive skin.
- Sanitation: fresh blade, disinfected tools, no double-dipping.
Worked example
A client with coarse beard hair and sensitive skin wants a clean shave. Reasoning: soften with a warm towel, use a fresh blade, and shave with the grain first to reduce irritation. Hold skin taut and use light pressure. Finish with a cool towel and fragrance-free balm. If redness or razor bumps persist, recommend a physician or a different service rather than a closer, against-the-grain pass.
Traps
- Shaving against the grain first on sensitive skin.
- Using a dull blade or too much pressure.
- Setting a neckline too high or too low.
- Forgetting to check symmetry.