Calling all men - ever wondered how to get a really good close shave and soft, smooth skin.  Rebecca at the Groom Room in Wellingborough has put together her top 10 tips! 

1. Shower first, or rinse your face with warm water to soften the beard.  Never shave cold, or apply   shave products to dry skin.
2. Ideally use a top quality brush (as top barbers do)  bristle resistance helps raise the beard and softness helps create a creamy, less aerated lather.
3. Use a small amount of shave cream (such as men-u shave creme) that has a high concentration of lubricants and moisturisers to provide optimum slip without drying the skin. 
4. Spread the lather in a circular motion, ending in an upward stroke to stand your beard up and away from the face.  If you haven't got a shaving brush, spread the shave creme between wet palms and apply like a face pack, stimulating and spreading with fingers.
5. Use a good quality, sharp, clean blade and rinse it under hot water often.  Don't use products that are prone to clog like multi blade razors.
6. Shave in the direction of the beard growth, starting with the sides of the face and neck area, then the moustache, and the chin.  One of the most common causes of shaving rash around the collar line is caused by shaving against the grain, without realising, the hair here often grows in a different direction.  Gently stretch the skin to create a flatter surface for your razor to get a smoother shave and avoid cuts.
7. To get an even closer shave apply some more lather to the areas you wish to shave again.
8. After shaving rinse the face with warm water and apply a good face wash that contains tea tree oil and witch hazel for antibacterial and soothing qualities (try Men-u healthy facial wash)
9. Rinse with the coolest water that is comfortable and pat dry with a clean towel.
10. Finish off with a good moisturiser that is an aftershave balm and moisturiser combined (such as men-u facial moisturiser lift) Avoid using alcohol based after shave products as they can cause irritation and the skin can become dry. 

If you've never had a professional shave I would definitely recommend that you try the Groom Room, Wellingborough!  It's excellent value too.

(All men-u products available at Groom Room, Wellingborough)