Shaving against the Grain » How to do it right | Instructions

A very common question we men ask ourselves when it comes to shaving is: Should one shave against the grain? Or in which direction should one shave to achieve the best result?

We clarify and show you what to consider when shaving against the grain so that you feel fresh again.

Shaving with or against the grain: What does it actually mean?

Shaving with the grain means that the shaving tool is moved in the direction of your hair growth.

Shaving against the grain, on the other hand, means that your razor works against the direction of hair growth. This technique is popular among barbers because it promises a perfect, beautiful result.

Expert Tip: Barbers even shave in a third direction, namely across the grain, which means horizontally to the direction of growth.

They use different tools, yet the razor is often employed.

You can own one too - check out the shaving products.

Shaving against the grain: Advantages

Shaving against the grain has several advantages:

1. Smoother result: the cutting effect is deeper, resulting in smoother skin.
   
   
2. More attractive visual result: especially if you have dark facial hair or strong beard growth, the result against the grain looks better; you have fewer areas where the hair darkly shows through.
   
   
3. Fewer stubbles: Since fewer stubbles remain when shaving against the grain, the risk of ingrown hairs is lower.

Why shouldn't you shave against the grain?

Disadvantages naturally exist as well:

1. Higher risk of injury: shaving against the grain increases the likelihood of cutting yourself.
   
   
2. Skin irritations: Another reason not to always shave against the grain is your skin. Shaving against the grain puts more strain on it. It becomes more easily irritated.
   
   Therefore, use this technique perhaps only every second or third time.
   
   
3. Folliculitis: Regularly irritating your skin increases the risk of developing folliculitis.

Guide: How to Shave Against the Grain

When shaving against the grain, you should keep a few things in mind to achieve a truly impressive result. We explain how to do it optimally.

1. Determine the Direction of Hair Growth

To shave against the grain, you first need to identify your hair growth direction. The direction of hair growth on the face is not uniform for everyone and not at every spot.

Hair grows in different directions.

Determine the direction of your beard by running your fingers flat over your skin. It will feel rougher in one direction - this is against the grain.

2. Proper Preparation

Once you know the growth direction, start preparing. The harder your beard hairs, the longer you need to soak them. A hot shower or a hot towel is recommended.

For particularly tough stubble, soak for up to three minutes - as shaving against the grain requires softer hair.

Then apply a high-quality shaving soap with a shaving brush or a gel. This makes your hair softer and helps it swell. Afterward, you can start with a high-quality razor.

Do you know our 4 types of shaving soap? Here you can buy shaving soap.

3. The Shave

A bit of technique is required for shaving against the grain. But you'll definitely manage it, we promise.

It's best to do it like the professionals and shave in three different directions sequentially:

1. In the direction of hair growth - this removes most of the stubble.
   
   
2. Horizontally (from right to left or vice versa)
   
   
3. Against the direction of hair growth

If you choose to shave against the grain as the third shaving direction, you will achieve a perfectly smooth result. Also, try to shave without pressure and work calmly with light, steady strokes. This helps avoid skin irritations.

Here you can buy our safety razors, there's something for every taste. Also, feel free to check out our other shaving products. You're sure to find something you like.

Also, don't forget to provide sufficient care with aftershave and lotion!

Does shaving against the grain lead to more beard growth? Is this really true?

There is a persistent myth that shaving against the grain leads to more beard growth. However, we have to debunk this. No shaving method in the world stimulates hair growth.

Conclusion

Shaving against the grain is worth it - you will be thrilled with the smooth, perfect result.

But be sure to allocate enough time for it and use high-quality wet shaving products.

How do you like to go against the grain? Let us know how you handle it!

More informative posts for you - click through

• How to Avoid Shaving Burn
• Basics of Classic Shaving