Make hair removal a slick operation with these six simple rules .

When it comes to grooming and, in this case, shaving, things can get unnecessarily complicated. Superfluous ointments, ostentatious razors and over-the-top advice can make the simple act of running a blade over your face seem a task of gargantuan proportions. So it is with some relief that we introduce grooming brand Harry’s to MR PORTER. Harry’s was founded in 2013 by Messrs Andy Katz-Mayfield and Jeff Raider, who were frustrated with other shaving brands on the market, which they perceived to be overpriced and limiting. Given their passion for simple, well-designed shaving equipment (which you can shop and learn more about by scrolling and clicking, below) we thought the men behind Harry’s would be well-placed to impart some no-nonsense, nifty advice about the act of shaving itself. So we asked co-owner Mr Raider for a quick guide to the perfect shave. “Before we started Harry’s, I went to a bunch of traditional barbers to learn how to shave properly. As a regular guy, I wanted to share my thinking with everyone else. Above all, we think it’s important to keep the process as simple as possible.”

“Before you even think about shaving, you need to understand your facial hair,” Mr Raider says. “Everyone’s is different. Look in the mirror and figure out in which direction it grows.”

“Next, it’s time to apply a good shaving cream or gel; something that contains moisturising ingredients. It’s a mistake to start shaving immediately after you’ve applied it to your face. Count to 100 or check your phone while you let the cream sink into your skin and soften your facial hair – you don’t want to feel like you’re shaving copper wire. About two minutes should do the trick.”

“We recommend that you shave in the shower or after the shower. Whatever you choose, hot water will open your pores and create a cleaner surface for shaving.”

“To reduce friction and irritation, you need to shave in the direction of your hair growth. We recommend that you go ‘with the grain’ first. Once you’ve gone with the grain, if you want a closer shave, you can then go against the grain. What you mustn’t do is shave across the grain.”

“Once you’re done, remove any excess shaving cream by patting your face rather than rubbing it. When you shave, you remove a layer of skin, so be very careful as your face will be sensitive.”

“Finally, we recommend that you put on a post-shave balm. Our balms contain ingredients such as cucumber extract, liquorice and milk thistle, all of which soothe and moisturise your skin.”

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