PRE-SHAVE TIPS

Don't place your computer beside a wet sink. We recommend printing this guide out and keeping it nearby. But we have a feeling by the 1000th Ritual you'll probably have it down.

Prior to shaving you should take a hot shower or place a warm towel over your face. If there's a steam room nearby, even better. If a guy calls it a Shvitz and starts hitting you with an oversized leaf, just go with it. The heat will soften your skin, open your pores and condition your facial hair.

If you go with the hot shower, use a face scrub or exfoliate to help lift the hairs and cleanse the skin so you can avoid dirt and bacteria going in your pores, which is one of the contributors to red bumps and in-grown hairs. (Exfoliate coming from Ritual)

Use a sharp blade. Razor companies purposely don't tell you how many shaves they recommend for each blade. But don't be that guy who uses the same blade for 6 months. And while we're here... don't be the guy who drips water all over the entire bathroom to the point that it looks like a monsoon passed through. A sharp blade will give you a closer, less irritated shave. Change them more often.

Always clean your razor blade prior to shaving with Razor Rinse; on contact it kills harmful staph bacteria, the primary cause of razor burn, unsightly red bumps, and in-grown hairs. Plus, Razor Rinse will lubricate your blade for a smoother shave.

Don't leave your razor blade laying in still water (i.e. Shower Puddle). Leaving the blade in water is an open invitation for bacteria and rust to attack. You'll end up with a dirty, dull razor. Razor blades get dull because of oxidation, or microscopic rusting. Water that sits on blades between shaves causes oxidation. Ergo, drying your blade between shaves promotes its longevity. One study in the Chicago Tribune found that drying your razor can increase its life up to 122%.

Hey, you. With the shaving brush. Read this. We know you're enjoying your rich lather from your soft bristles, but don't think you can just cleanse your face and razor, but still use your contaminated shaving brush. You need to either dip your brush in Barbicide (the blue stuff at your barbershop) or massage a liquid based antiseptic into the bristles. (Badger Bristle Shaving Brush coming from Ritual).

If you want an even softer shave, try dabbing your face with Pre-Shave Oil before applying shave cream. (Pre-Shave Oil coming from Ritual)

Using a shave brush or your hands, apply The Whip to your face. It's only the best shave cream in the world for the most comfortable shave in the universe. Avoid foams, gels or other products-they won't cushion your face and soften your beard. Look for shaving products that contain Lidocaine, such as the The Whip, it tends to open pores for a gentler shave.

SHAVING TIPS

Before you start shaving, take a good look at your razor. It is your tool. It is your friend. You don't need to squeeze it so tight that you lose feeling in your hand, and you certainly don't need to jam it against your face. That won't give you a closer shave, just more irritation and a better chance to get nicked. Like a golf club, grip the razor gently and let it do all the work.

Always shave with the grain on your first coat. This is no time to be a rebel. If you go against the direction your facial hair grows you're just asking for ingrown hairs and razor burn. Remember, your face and neck are different lots of land-the grass could be growing in different directions! Once you've given your face a "once over", you should re-lather with The Whip in areas you want to shave against the grain for a closer shave and smoother skin.

POST-SHAVE TIPS

After shaving, rinse face off with warm water then dab face dry with your towel before applying The Balm velvety post-shave gel to soothe and refresh your skin. Avoid after-shaves that contain alcohol, they can irritate, dry your skin and cause ingrown hairs.

Nicks. Cuts. Falling off your bike. All of them can happen. The difference is that only two of them can happen while you're shaving. Before you reach for that tiny corner of toilet paper to stick to your face, try an antiseptic ointment-it will stop the bleeding, heal the wound and not look like you just murdered a roll of toilet paper. (Antiseptic Ointment coming from Ritual)

Shaving gets rid of protective layers of skin that shield your face from the sun's harmful rays, so it would be wise to use a sunscreen if you're going to be outside after your shave. A moisturizer cream can also replenish necessary nutrients and hydration that is lost during your shave. (Face Moisturizer with SPF coming from Ritual)

Now you're ready for work, a date, a trip, a party, a fight or just a pint of beer. Either way, make sure you remember to put on pants.