If you shave on a regular basis, you might think you know everything you need to about getting a close, smooth shave that leave you looking your best. However, if you've been shaving the same way for a dozen years, you might want to take a closer look at how you're doing it. Because if you're like me (and most folks I talk to), there's a chance you're still doing things the hard way.

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Hack #1: Proper Preparation

The most important things you can do to get a good, clean shave happen before you even pick up your razor. First and foremost, according to Our Everyday Life, you need to use heat and moisture to soften up the hair and make your skin's pores open up. You can splash a little hot water on your face (or wherever else you're shaving) if you don't have a lot of time, but it's a better idea to use a hot towel, or a full shower with plenty of steam to make sure your skin is warm, relaxed, and clean.

This is the reason cowboys and pirates always have hot towels wrapped around their faces before a shave, for those who were curious.

For serious shavers it's also a good idea to apply some pre-shave oil or lotion to soften up the hair and skin as well. Remember that dry skin is more likely to snag and get irritated than moist, soft skin.

Hack #2: Use The Right Lather

There are a lot of fancy creams and shave gels that claim to be the best when it comes to making your beard stand up straight to be shorn, but they don't usually get the job done the way you might expect. If you really want to get a smooth, clean shave your best bet is actually to use the conditioner you have in the shower (especially if it's the good stuff), or a natural, glycerin-based soap. Natural soaps made with lye moisturize your skin, work up to a good lather, and allow for a smoother shave that does less damage to your skin than detergents commonly sold as bar soap.

My personal recommendation for a big-name is, oddly enough, is Ax shampoo and conditioner (I use Phoenix, myself, but most of their scents give you the same results). If you want to use a more natural soap, though, I've also had good results with Dr. Squatch, as well as bars like Bali soap or Amish Farms.

If you really want to get a good lather with soap though, don't be afraid to get a shaving brush. These are the kinds of brushes you see in old-timey movies. Ever wonder why men are so clean-shaven in those black and white films? Part of it has to do with their barbers and the soap they use to make their shaving lather.

Hack #3: Seriously, One Blade Is Enough

Will one of those five-bladed ginsus give you a smooth, clean shave? Sure it will! It will also cost a ridiculous amount of money, use a lot of resources, and be un-recyclable once you've finished with it. When it comes to shaving it's important to remember that less is more, and according to Art of Manliness you should look for a single-bladed razor.

We're not talking about those cheap, .25 blades you see at the supermarket. We're talking old-school safety razors. If you've never seen one chances are your dad or your grandpa has one. They're a razor with a metal handle, and a mechanism at the head that allows a single razor blade to be put in or taken out. Those single blades are cheap, sharp, and they can be completely recycled.

For those who want to become true shaving gentlemen, though, there's no blade better than an old-fashioned straight razor. These blades take practice and skill to use properly, but there's no closer shave in the world. Also, as an added bonus, you'll stop needing new razor packs every few weeks! When properly combined with the right soap, the right routine, and taking a few extra minutes out of your day to really pay close attention to your shave, a razor like this can make you into a whole new person.

Hack #4: Always Go WITH The Grain First

While it might be instinctual to shave against the grain to get the most hair on the first pass, try shaving with the grain first. Pamper your face, get it lathered up, and then do your first pass in the direction your hair is growing. Once the first pass is done, then shave against the grain on your second pass. The result is going to be fewer ingrown hairs, less irritation, and a much smoother, closer shave than you would get with a single pass.

Hack #5: Provide Proper Aftercare

Even if you shave with the best natural ingredients and get your technique honed to a keen edge, your skin is never going to take being shaved particularly well. That's why it's important to make sure that you exfoliate dead skin on the regular (for men this should be done once every week or two), and use moisturizing lotion to touch up with when you're done shaving.

Real talk, here, something like a caffeinated aftershave balm can go a long way toward making your skin feel smoother, and less irritated, after dragging a razor sharp shard of metal over it. But ake sure you keep your skin healthy and moisturized between shavings in order to minimize irritation, redness, and razor burn.