The joy of a clean shaven face

Who’s got a clean shave?

Matt Damon, Zac Efron, and Orlando Bloom enjoy a clean shave. So do Superman, Spiderman and Batman. The message is clear: if you want to be a super-hero, or simply adored, cut out the facial hair.

Where does the clean shave come from?

In 30,000BC, Stone-Age Man first discovered flints. Men have been shaving ever since, encouraged by ever-evolving shaving methods and the magnetic effect that a clean-shaven face seems to have on women.

Key elements of a clean shave?

No visible hair in the beard, moustache, sideburns, neck or cheek areas, preferably accompanied by none visibly sprouting from the nose or ears either. Eyebrows are allowed (in the plural), but should be kept short.

Optional extras?

Hairdo: short back and sides. Clothing: this beard style is clearly made to go with a Don Draper suit, although in fact any smart-to-casual (not Hillbilly) wear will complement the clean shave nicely. No piercings.

Impression the clean shave gives

Smart, classic, professional. A man with nothing to hide. (Or to hide behind).

Hot or not?

The clean-shaven look is very popular, but the clean shave doesn’t last forever. If you’re a hairy guy, keep your shaver with you for a quick once-over. A five O’clock shadow doesn’t look great at lunchtime.

Did you know?

Man is the only clean-shaven ape of the entire species. Now isn’t that something to be proud of?

Get the clean shave with the best shavers

Clean shave specifications:

- starts from halfway down your ears, or only slightly lower

- is preceded by a short, neat, slim, clearly shaped pair of sideburns

- may be performed on a dry or wet face (with shaving foam or cream)

- requires a clean face and maybe a touch of aftershave

- has outgrown itself when you can either see or feel stubble appearing

Top clean shave tip:

If you’ve got sensitive skin, a wet shave can help you avoid ending up with red spots.