How to Get a Perfect Shave

There’s a fine art to shaving — especially when the weather is warm and you want to keep things trim and embrace the sun on your face. We turned to shaving expert Victor Medina, manager of Long & Short Barber on the fourth floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle. Here, he shares his top tips for how you can upgrade your grooming routine and get the perfect shave.

Timing is everything. Shave first thing in the morning. As beard growth happens gradually during the course of the day, an afternoon or evening shave will dull a shave’s effectiveness.
Prep your skin. Use a high-quality pre-shave oil: It sits on the surface of your skin, helping blades glide smoothly and reducing irritation. Then wrap your face in a warm wet towel to open the pores.

Lather and repeat. Create a generous lather, preferably using a shaving brush and bowl. For the perfect shave, your beard will generally need two passes.
Get your technique right. Shave using a delicate but firm stroke, and make sure to stretch your skin for the ultimate glide and coverage. Rinse your blade every few strokes: This will help to lessen the dullness of the blade and keep a clean and visible surface area.

Don’t neglect post-shave care. Always use an after-shave lotion or balm, preferably an alcohol-free, non-greasy formula, which will provide the best relief and protection after shaving.
Stay on top of things. In between shaves, use a beard balm or oil to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and moisturized. This will also limit in-grown hair and skin irritation, while promoting healthy beard and stubble growth — which is particularly important if you want to transition back to a beard in the winter.