Shaving, Beard Design, and Facial Hair Services
Preparation and technique
A safe shave begins with consultation, skin assessment, and proper draping. Warm, moist towels soften the beard; lather is applied in the direction of growth. The razor is held at a shallow angle (about 30 degrees) with light pressure, and strokes should follow the grain for a standard shave. Against-the-grain passes are for close shaves and increase irritation risk.
Beard design
Beard design shapes the beard to the face: establish the neckline (typically just above the Adam's apple, following the jaw curve) and the cheek line (natural growth line, not too high). Use clippers and trimmers to taper, then finish edges with a razor or liner. Symmetry and the client's growth pattern govern the design.
Safety and hygiene
- Use a fresh blade or properly disinfected razor for each client.
- Stretch the skin to prevent nicks; keep the skin taut and the blade moving.
- Stop at any sign of irritation, razor burn, or infection.
- Never shave over moles, lesions, or inflamed skin.
Traps
- Assuming more pressure equals a closer shave - it causes razor burn.
- Placing the neckline too low (below the Adam's apple) or too high on the cheek.
- Using a dull blade - the most common cause of razor burn and nicks.
- Forgetting that hot towels should not be used on inflamed or broken skin.
Rule of thumb
Light pressure, fresh blade, follow the grain.
Worked example
A client requests a sharp beard line. Correct approach: map the natural growth line, set the neckline just above the Adam's apple, taper with clippers, and finish edges with a fresh blade and light strokes.