If you are like most men, you probably don’t pay much attention to your neck when you shave. And we get it—we mostly focus on how our face looks, so our necks usually get little to no love. If you are one of these men, however, maybe you should rethink your whole shaving routine.
Not only is the neck area sensitive and more prone to irritation, but missing a few neck hairs here and there can make you look incredibly unkempt and sloppy, especially if you are growing a beard. That’s why every man with a beard must dedicate a little more time to their neck, so If you are wondering, “Should I shave my neck when growing a beard?” the answer is yes, and here’s the right way to do it:
Choose the Right Tools
To get the best possible shave on your neck or face, the first thing to consider will always be the type of razor you should be using. There are two obvious choices when it comes to your neck: The double-blade razor and the more classic, single-blade safety razor. If you are going for a clean look, we mostly recommend using the single-blade safety razor, as it can be easier to maneuver around the neck, and it does a better job of preventing irritation and burns.
Now, if you have a beard, you may not need a razor, but you must know how to trim a beard neckline. If this is your case, then a trimmer might be the best choice for you. If you are going with a trimmer, make sure it comes with adjustable guards so you can shape your beard more precisely. You should also use a more modern trimmer that does not heat up so rapidly, as hot trimmer blades can irritate the skin around the neck.
Careful Preparation
Choosing the right razor or trimmer is only the first step when it comes to gathering the right tools for a perfect neck shave. In addition to a good, reliable razor, your shaving routine should always include creams, lotions, or balms to help prepare your neck for a smoother shave while also protecting your skin.
Make sure you have a cleanser specifically made for facial hair, though natural face cleansers can also be used. This ensures your skin and beard are free of excess oils or dirt, which may cause the razor to get stuck and cause unwanted accidents. After thoroughly cleansing your face and neckline beard, you may want to try applying some beard oil. Many men have found that using beard oil on the neck before shaving cream can reduce redness and irritation.
The final step in your pre-shaving routine should be a shaving cream to lubricate and protect the skin during shaving. But please, avoid anything that comes out of a pressurized can! These creams and gels can often dry out the skin, so it’s better to go with a naturally-formulated cream if possible.
Use the Right Techniques
When it comes to technique and skills for shaving your neck and jawline beard, the main point is to keep your strokes and overall motions gentle and smooth. As always, your first strokes should go with the grain without repeating strokes. Strokes should be light to avoid irritation, and they should not overlap—or at least overall as little as possible.
TIP: Lather your neck first and shave it last. This gives the stubble more time to hydrate and soften, leading to a better neckline beard and overall better shave.
After your first set of initial strokes, rinse your neck with warm water and re-lather before continuing to shave. This time, shave across the grain to get rid of all the hairs you missed and achieve a closer shave. If you still need to reduce your stubble after that, rinse and lather again before continuing with additional strokes.
If you have sensitive skin, be careful going against the grain. If you feel any instant discomfort or notice signs of irritation, simply start going with the grain again.
Don’t Forget Your Post-Shave Routine
For the best shaving results and optimal skin protection, you must have proper shaving products and routine. Right after you are done shaving, rinse the neck thoroughly with warm water. This will help remove any lingering lather residue and hairs that might clog pores. For the finishing touch, use a balm or lotion to soothe and refresh the skin on your neck. Just remember always to choose products that use fragrances derived from natural ingredients like essential oils.
Let’s face it; you don’t need to dedicate so much attention to your neck every time you shave, especially if you are not growing a beard or if you are just staying home. However, these tips mentioned in the article can make a huge difference when you are out on a date or having a job interview, so it’s important to keep these tips in your repertoire for whenever you may need them.