Shaving, Beard Trimming, and Facial Hair Services
Prep and skin management
A comfortable shave starts with softening: a hot towel and lather open the follicle and soften the hair, which reduces tugging. Skin stretching with the free hand keeps the skin taut so the razor glides and cuts cleanly. Beard trimming follows the same logic - comb the hair out, cut against the comb, and finish outlines with trimmers or shears.
The three basic strokes
The freehand stroke is the everyday stroke; the backhand and reverse backhand strokes let you reach the opposite side of the face while keeping the wrist in a safe, natural position. Hold the razor at a shallow angle (about 30°) - laid flat it skims without cutting, too steep it scrapes.
Safety and sanitation
Use a fresh blade for each client, dispose of blades in a sharps container, and never shave over moles, inflamed acne, broken skin, or a contagious condition. Nicks are stopped with styptic powder or alum. A bleeding nick converts the razor into a blood-contaminated item that must be cleaned and sterilized, or discarded.
Traps the exam loves
- Shaving against the grain on sensitive skin promotes irritation and ingrown hairs; go with the grain where possible.
- A dull blade causes razor burn and cuts; the fix is a new blade, not more pressure.
- Hot towels and warm lather are prep; cold towels and astringents come after to close the pores.
- A shave is not a facial - massage and heavy product belong to a separate service.
Rule of thumb
Taut skin, shallow blade, short strokes, with the grain.