Most men find using an electric shaver less messy, quicker and more convenient than a wet shave. However the reason most black men choose them is because they don't offer as close a shave causing less razor bumps.
Wash and dry your face prior to shaving, this will make your stubble stand up and remove dirt, oil and grime which might obstruct the shaver. Ideally shower before shaving and, if you have time, soak a towel in hot water and wrap your face in the warm towel to soften and open the pores.
Apply shaving primer, preferably 'Black-Skins Electric Shave Primer,' this will lubricate the skin enabling the shaver to glide over the skin with the least amount of friction, greatly cutting down any irritation that may occur. It will also soften the stubble making it easier for the shaver to cut through the beard.
Lightly pull the skin taut over the area you're about to shave, this will slightly lift the whiskers for a closer shave and shave against the direction of the beard growth, do not press too hard. (You may have to discontinue this method if you still suffer from ingrowing hairs, shave without pulling the skin tight and in the direction of the hairs growth. See dealing with an ingrown hair
Shave the tender areas of your face first; as you shave the razor will heat up, especially if you shave areas where the stubble is thick such as the moustache first, the extra heat may cause irritation in tender areas.
After shaving splash after shave toner to condition, sooth and calm the face, or use moisturiser to re-hydrate the skin, many people prefer to use both, toning first then applying moisturiser, a grooming routine copied and proven from women's beauty regimes.
It is advisable to clean your shaver after every use.
To clean foil shavers lift the head and brush away the beard dust, avoid touching the screen as it's fragile. The cutter is under the screen, this is where you really need to brush out the dust from the whiskers, as this build up will hinder the shavers performance.
For rotary head shavers you can remove the head and brush underneath the three cutters. Resist the temptation to try and tap the heads on the sink to remove the hairs as this can damage them. You won't need to remove the cutter and combs from the retaining plate too often, if you soak the cutters in liquid and lubricate them once a month that should be enough.
The cutters and the screen on your razor will need to be replaced about once a year because over time they will become dull and no longer work as effectively.
