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Should you skip shaving and save yourself from potential razor burn, or should you get a nice close shave and save a loved one from certain whisker burn? Learn to shave correctly, and you'll solve this burning question to everyone's satisfaction.

• Step 1: Shave around lips

  Shave the remaining areas above and below your lips. For a closer shave, contort your mouth as needed.

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  Step 2: Fill sink

  Fill your sink or basin halfway with warm water.

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  Step 3: Wet a washcloth

  Wet a washcloth with the warm water and hold it to your face for a few minutes to soften the hair and open up your skin’s pores.

• Tip

  If you don't have a few minutes to spare, just wet your face directly with warm water. It's better than nothing.

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  Step 4: Check the blade

  Check to see if the blade on your razor is fresh. If not, replace it. Shaving with a dull blade increases your chances of cutting yourself.

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  Step 5: Apply shaving cream

  Squirt a small amount of shaving cream into your palm and, using the fingers of your other hand, spread it evenly over your stubble. Watch what you’re doing in the mirror.

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  Step 6: Shave one side

  Concentrating on one side of your face, start near your sideburns and slowly drag the razor downward in the direction your facial hair grows. Use light but firm pressure.

• Tip

  Shaving against the natural direction of your facial hair can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs.

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  Step 7: Shave other side

  After every few strokes, rinse off your blade in the sink to keep it from getting clogged with hair. Continue shaving, and when you’ve finished one side from your ear to your jaw line, move to the other side of your face.

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  Step 8: Shave chin and neck

  When you’ve finished both sides, tackle the trickier spots—your chin and neck. Shave more slowly and carefully in these areas, stretching your skin with one hand while shaving with the other.

• Tip

  If you cut yourself, use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding. If you don't have one, press a small piece of tissue or toilet paper onto the cut.

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  Step 9: Check your face

  Check to see if you missed any spots on your face, especially just under your jaw line. If so, go back and shave them. You may want to reapply some shaving cream.

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  Step 10: Rinse and dry face

  Rinse your face with cool water and remove any remaining shaving cream, then pat your face dry with a towel.

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  Step 11: Apply aftershave or moisturizer

  Apply aftershave or moisturizer to revitalize your traumatized skin. Now go get ’em, handsome!

• Fact

  Some cave paintings depict ancient man removing facial hair by using two seashells as tweezers.