First, you’ll need to determine the direction of your hair growth. I’m now inspired. Unfortunately, the cons prevail over the benefits in case of this approach, as it also leads to razor burns, damaged hair follicles, and ingrown hair. The Answer: use what works best for you. Also, apply very little pressure when you shave. 1. Against the Grain is dedicated to the quest for the perfect shave. Not in the sense of a return to tradition. Also, if you know for sure you have sensitive skin, I recommend sticking to shaving with the grain. You may not realize it, but razors don’t just simply cut when they pass over your face. What happens when you shave against the grain is that the razor blade tugs the hair before it cuts it. Shaving against the grain. Shaving against the grain may give a closer shave, but it increases the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Let the razor do the work! Shaving against the grain can give you a closer shave. They actually lift first and then cut. If shaving against the grain still sounds like something you want to do, purchase the right tools. The first blade cuts, but as it does, it lifts the hair, letting the next blade cut lower. Pressing down on the razor will only cause cuts. Shaving Against the Grain. When shaving against the grain … Here’s how you can shave against the grain while minimising shaving irritation. Anything more and you risk cutting yourself; anything less and you won’t cut the whiskers. Shaving against the grain can cause ingrown hairs and razor bumps. But rather, a better way of doing things. On your first pass, only shave in the direction your hair grows (down the leg), and if you have very sensitive skin, don't shave upward at all. Shaving against the grain is a great way to achieve a closer and faster shave. F*ck Big Shave! There’s a bad rumor out there that this gives you a closer shave because it allows you to “shave more” of the hair follicle. This is the principle behind multi-bladed razors. Basically, shaving against the grain pulls your hair away from your skin, because it gets almost “trapped” in the blade itself. While shaving against the grain helps you get much closer to the skin, it also increases the risk of skin irritation, razor bumps, or even razor burn. While going "against the grain… I’m no longer resentful of shaving. Gillette shares shaving tips on one of the oldest shaving debates: with or against the grain? This is what people are talking about when they say to “shave with the grain” — to move the razor in the same direction that the hair is growing. If you go the other way, you are shaving “against the grain,” which, while it does get even closer to the skin, can result in those red razor bumps that come with ingrown hair. Hold the blade at a 30-degree angle. When shaving against the grain, you are passing the razor in the opposite direction of your natural beard growth. 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