Whether you grow a beard or not, there are times when you need to get your beard in shape. There are a few unfortunate souls among us, who, even if they tried to, cannot grow a proper beard and need to keep things clean. Others among us, have very strict workplace environments and dress codes that need to be adhered to.

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And then there are a few who simply don't like the idea of growing a beard and would much rather have smooth and non-prickly skin. No matter where we stand on this spectrum, most men at some point in their lives come across a situation where they need to shave their beards, be it in order to give it a shape, or just to clean it off.

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There's no denying this, as much as some guys hate shaving, there's no one on earth who enjoys a shaving experience that is all jagged, rough, and leaves your neck and cheeks all red and bloodied, and no matter what we do, we simply can't make our shaving experiences smooth enough.

Or so you might think. Here are a few neat cheats and tricks that are actually super quick and require zero additional efforts that ensure a shaving experience that's smoother than cutting butter with a hot knife:

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Warm water helps your skin loosen up its pores and makes your shaving experience much smoother. It also helps by softening up the hair and the uppermost layer of the skin, which should make for a relatively smooth shaving experience.

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If you keep your strokes long, your blades tend to collect more gunk, scum, hair and debris. Keep your strokes short and wash your blade in warm water in between strokes. That way, you will have a sharper and more effective blade do your bidding.

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Speaking of blades, always try to go for a fresh blade. Now, we know using a fresh cartridge every time you shave is not feasible, therefore, we suggest you store your razors, especially the open ones away from the bathroom, and in a dry place.

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Most of the irritation that you face when you shave comes from the dirt and gunk that gets into the skin, as your blade removes the uppermost layer of the skin, along with the hair. It's always a good idea to take a warm shower before you shave, or at least, wash your face thoroughly, exfoliating vigorously, before shaving.

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This is a trick for those who tend to go a long time between shaves and normally are trying to shave their beards off. Massage your beard with a wet conditioner, and wash it off, just as you would do with your hair after shampooing. Once you're done, proceed with your regular shaving routine as you would. The conditioner softens up your skin and your beard, making things a lot easier.

Trust us, these tricks, and a dope shaving kit, and you're all set.

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