Which direction should I shave my face in?

Question

I normally shave with a gilette fusion razor in an upwards direction to get a really close shave, but I end up cutting my face a lot and it's painful afterwards. But if I shave downwards, it's less painful but no where near as close. Anyone have any idea either how I can have a closer shave in a downwards direction, or a less painful shave in an upwards direction, or perhaps which one is better?

Answer 1

Actually, really get your face wet and resoap often. I shave in both directions to get it all taken care of

Answer 2

Wow, you should always shave in a downward position. It's called the "direction of the grain", i.e. the direction your hair is growing in. It's the direction that barbers also cut your hair in.

You should get a sharper razor, one from a different brand, or get a....gee whats the name.., an electric razor, if you feel you are not shaving close enough

Perception: Remember, just because you think you are not shaving close enough does not mean that you are not shaving close enough. Because innately all reasonable men want a clean close shave, your mind might be telling you that you don't have a close shave, while your shave is certified C3 (that's a cool slang for Cut, Clean, and Close).

The fastest way to get this done!! Vote me for best answer and all your shavings from this morning onwards will be close. Okay, that was a joke, but you get my drift from the previous paragraphs.

Answer 3

Shaving upward (against the grain) can cut hairs off below the skin level and cause ingrown hairs (they curl up under the skin and can get infected). A sharp blade is the only way to get a close shave. Personally, I use a Norelco electric razor, and it does a pretty good job without taking any skin off or cutting the hairs below the skin level. They're fairly expensive, but I'm not sure there's any difference in the cost in the long run, after you buy disposable razors, shaving cream, after shave, etc. Plus, you can shave the hair on the back of your neck without killing yourself.

Answer 4

It may take longer, but shave downwards first, then shave in the opposite direction to get closer. This will give you less cuts, or at least did for me. I use an electric now and it gets very close.

Answer 5

I heard an *expert* (from gillette, no less) once, who said you should always shave in one direction, downwards.
However, I prefer a closer shave, So I first shave downwards (to remove 90% of the growth) and then upwards, pulling the skin taut, with my other hand.

Answer 6

I think you just have to do it the opposite way the hair grows, if it grows in an upwards direction, then shave in a downwards direction. That works for me, and I rarely cut my face. Hope it works for you bud!!

Answer 7

I am an indian ,so basically every 3 days i have to shave.The shaving direction doesnt matter a lot but the best is towards downwards as it diminshes the cuts on ur face .as u shave and pratices more often ,you should be able to know how depth should you shave and sooner ,shaving in all directions doesnt matter

Answer 8

There was something on Discovery channel about a barber who had been in the business for about 50 years and he said about not shaving in an up motion because you can cause ingrowing hairs and not downwards as it irritates the skin and rips the hairs out, he said to shave sideways if you understand me, I did ever since and it's great, also moisten/heat up your skin shave after a shower is best and easier.

Answer 9

Mach 2 blades are the only ones worth buying.
They give a nice smooth shave in any direction.

Answer 10

i find that having a hot shower before a shave is the best method for me,otherwise use a moist hot flannel(as hot as you can stand) and leave on face for 1 minute before shaving..these 2 methods opens the pores and softens the bristles and skin ensuring a close smooth shave every time and without the cuts and sting etc,it depends on which way your facial hair grows also regarding to which direction to shave,everybody is different,there is no ruling on shaving up or down,i have to shave up for my cheeks,down and across on my chin,down under my chin and across and down above my lip,that gives me a perfect close shave for me as like i said,it depends on which way your grain is,also use clinique for men(highly recommended but not cheep)use a facial scrup and leave for 1 minute then rinse,apply nivea shave gel(sensitive)for shaving,after shaving use clinique M gel or M lotion,this is a moisturiser and combats the burn.NEVER put after shave direct on your face,put on neck only.good luck hope this helps,i know its more info than you probably wanted but it helps me and hopefully helps yourself and others.