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Shaving is a crucial life skill for boys, and an optional life skill for girls. For boys, it’s right up there with breathing and opening bottles with your teeth. Do it properly and you'll benefit until you're 100 years old (or until you decide to grow a beard).

When to start

Growth (or bumfluff, as it’s clinically known) can kick in anytime between the ages of 12-17. It's up to you when you want to remove it. But remember, once you start - there's no turning back.

Wet or dry?

Dry razors are easier to use and less likely to carve your face up. A wet shave is closer, smoother and generally better for your skin. There are some fancy electric razors that are almost as effective, but they don't come cheap.

Step by step

It's worth getting someone else to show you the first time you shave, like a dad or an older brother or a hairy woman. Then you're on your own…

1. Loosen up your face with a warm flannel. You could also try an exfoliating scrub to clean off dead skin.
2. Shave one section of the face at a time, spreading gel/cream evenly. Don't push the razor too hard against skin, it should be sharp enough. If not, change it for a new one.
3. Shave with steady, short strokes. Be patient: rush and you'll cut yourself, guaranteed. Go 'with the grain' (in the same direction the hair grows).
4. Rinse your face and then check to see if you've missed bits.
5. Use a water-based moisturiser to prevent dryness and flaky skin.
6. If you want to apply aftershave straight after, be warned: it stings!

When?

Most people shave in the morning, but the evening is actually better because your skin has had a chance to moisten and soften up naturally.

Ouch

Cuts will happen. You should use a styptic pencil to seal. Or be a real man and use a blob of toilet roll.

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Copy by Kevin Darling