Step 1 –  Set yourself up over a sink with a mirror in front of you. If your beard and moustache are longer than stubble length then remove the excess hair with a beard trimmer on its shortest setting. If you’re unsure then use this rule of thumb - if you can grab the beard hair between your fingers it’s too long to shave with a razor. If you go straight in with a razor on a beard much longer than stubble you’ll damage your skin and end up with nicks, cuts and razor rash.

Step 2 -  Get yourself a pre-shave cream or shaving oil. This will soften and lift the stubble to allow a smooth shave. Massage the cream into the stubble of the beard and moustache area not forgetting underneath the chin and neck.

Step 3 -  Whilst the pre-shave cream is still doing its job. Replicate the barber shop hot towel experience by running a flannel under hot water and then wring it out and lay it across the face whilst still hot. Leave for a minimum of 2 minutes, remove the flannel and rinse the pre-shave cream from your face with warm water.

Step 4 –  Apply shaving cream, ideally lathered up in a shaving bowl using a shaving brush, but if you don’t have this set up yet, just apply with your finger finger tips in a circular motion. Don’t forget to apply under the chin and neck.

Step 5 –  This is the first pass with the razor. Make sure the razor is clean and wet and use downward strokes only. Rinse the blade regularly and continue until the whole beard and moustache area have been shaved. Rinse off any remaining shaving cream with warm water and re-apply.

Step 6 –  This is the second pass with the razor. Make sure the razor is clean and wet and use upward strokes this time, being careful and paying attention especially around the nose area. Rinse the blade regularly and continue until the whole beard and moustache area have been shaved. Put the razor down and use circular strokes with your fingertips to feel where any remaining areas of stubble may be lurking. If needed, apply some more shave cream, if not and it’s looking and feeling good, rinse off all traces of the shave cream with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel but don’t rub your face. 

Step 7 - Run a clean flannel under cold water, wring it out and lay across the shaved skin pressing it down firmly to make sure it's in contact with the skin. Leave for 2 minutes.

Step 7 -  Moisturise and soothe. This a very important step, the skin is sensitive now and needs to be calmed down and soothed to prevent soreness, redness and razor rash. After shave balm is good for this as it contains ingredients designed specifically to soothe and calm the skin after shaving. Apply gently with fingertips and leave to dry. Don’t apply cologne or after shave to freshly shaved skin as it will sting and irritate the skin.