Well apart from its thick, glossy looking nature that makes for a seriously impressive beard, black hair can be a tough one to tackle.  Afro hair is extremely curly due to its thick, tightly coiled structure and unfortunately guys – this isn’t good news when it comes to shaving.  Curly hair is much more likely to become ingrown than straight hair as it often curls back on itself and grows back into the skin causing irritation.

Skin care products for black males are crucial to a good shave. Having the right products on your side when shaving afro hair means you can get that clean shave you desire without sacrificing your skin. That’s why we’re here to give you some tips on choosing your products:

Products

• Use products that contain natural oils like Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel instead of products that contain alcohol as they can dry out the skin and leave it with an ashy appearance.
• Use a pre-shave oil as this will soften the hairs and moisturise the skin before you begin shaving.
• Use an exfoliator as this helps to loosen the hairs and bring any hairs that are curling back on themselves upwards.  
• Use a moisturiser made with natural products as this will not only hydrate the skin and keep it from becoming dry but it will also keep your skin tone even.

Routine

Wet shaving is the way forward for those of you out there with sensitive skin. Not only does it open your pores but it also softens and hydrates the hair making it easier to cut. We also suggest using a shaving cream or foam to help moisturise and soften the hair for easier cutting.

We know that when shaving afro hair you’re prone to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. That’s why we suggest that you shave in the same direction as your hair growth to cause less irritation.

Don’t apply too much pressure. Try shaving downwards in gentle strokes to achieve a clean and sensitive shave. The shaver already glides across the skin cutting the hair so any added pressure is unnecessary and only increases the chance of irritation.

Shaving for men with black skin is a task that requires extra time and care. As razor bumps are often caused by people shaving too quickly and are prone to those of you shaving afro hair – it’s important to take things slow.

Try to shave every other day instead of every day. Allowing your skin enough time to heal is very important but by shaving every other day you still cut the hairs before they have time to curl back on themselves and cause ingrown hairs.

After care is extremely important. We suggest using a soft bristle brush and warm water to massage the face for a few days after shaving. This helps to keep the hairs from curling back on themselves and becoming ingrown. You can also use a daily moisturiser made with natural products to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Technology

First of all, swap your razor for an electric shaver. It allows you to cut the hair directly at skin level or just above, ensuring you get a clean looking shave with less irritation.  There are many electric shavers for men on the market but how do you know which to choose? When shaving afro hair you need to choose a tool that’s tough enough to tackle your hair type whilst also being sensitive and we’ve got some suggestions for you.