The gentlest Variant is actually shaving with the dash, because skin irritations can usually be avoided in this way. But sometimes this variation just isn't as close and smooth as you'd like, which is why you end up shaving against the grain. But what does that actually mean? Shaving against the grain means that your razor works against the direction of hair growth. So when your hair grows down, you shave up with the razor. This technique is particularly popular with barbers because it promises a perfect, beautiful result. But many of us now also use this technique for everyday shaving. Here they come Advantages for shaving against the grain: 1. Smoother result: the cutting effect is deeper, making your skin smoother. 2. Nicer optical result: especially if you have dark, dense beard hair or a strong beard growth, the result looks nicer against the grain; You have fewer places where the hair shines through darkly. 3. Less stubble: By leaving less stubble against the grain, there is less risk of ingrown hairs. And here they come Disadvantages for shaving against the grain: 1. The risk of injury is greater: those who shave against the grain cut themselves more often. 2. Skin irritations: Another reason why you shouldn't always shave against the grain is your skin. Shaving against the grain puts more strain on her. She gets irritated and irritated more easily. So maybe only use the technique every second or third time. It's best to pay attention to your skin and see how it reacts. 3. Beard ringworm: those who regularly irritate their skin risk developing beard ringworm You should pay attention to these things if you want to shave against the grain: Determine the direction of growth your hair by simply running your flat finger or a credit card over your hair - feel the resistance. One good preparation is, as always, the be-all and end-all. Before you shave, clean your skin with warm water to open your pores and then apply enough shaving foam or another shaving product. Give the products a little exposure time to soften your hair well. Then you can start shaving. shave first of all with the direction of growthto trim your hair. Also make sure to shave as gently as possible and work calmly with light, calm shaving strokes. If the result is not yet smooth and thorough enough for you, you can be careful again afterwards against the grain shave. This is how you achieve the smoothest result and avoid skin irritation. Hold your razor under water briefly between shaving strokes and tap it out to continue to enable a clean shave. After your shave, it is important that you take good care of your skin. It is best to use a fragrance-free, moisturizing aftershave lotion for this. Also make sure that you do not expose your skin to direct sunlight after shaving, as it is very sensitive.