Step 1: Pre-Shave Preparation

The most important step to improve the quality of your shave is to soften your beard, and make your skin more fexible. If you skin is flexible, then you will reduce the amount of nicks and cuts you will cause.

This is done by first applying a lot of heat and moisture to your face. The easiest way to do this is to have a shower before you shave. After your skin is sufficiently moistened, apply the OM Natural Shave Balm. Massage this into your beard until it is completely absorbed.

It is important to use a Pre-shave that does not contain any toxic ingredients like sulfates or dimethicones. These can enter you blood stream and cause problems with your internal system.

Step 2: Using OM Lye-free shaving Cream

In order to make soap, pioneers used to mix potassium hydroxide (lye) and fats. This would cause a chemical reaction called saponification. It is a very violent reaction involving a lot of heat (don't try it at home). Lye was used because it is a very basic compound. It is used in very aggressive cleaning agents. Because of its basic nature, it is very harmful to skin. This is why our shaving cream is lye-free.

To begin, make sure that your brush is very wet. Shave off the access, then dip the tips into the OM shaving cream. Begin lathering the soap directly to your beard. At first, it may seem like nothing is happening. This is due to the abscence of lye. Don't worry, just add more water to your brush, and continue lathering. Do this until you have developed creamy, dense lather.

You are ready to shave.

Step 3: Shave-a-way!

The hard work is done (and it only took a minute or two:). Now, enjoy the feeling of shaving wihtout irritation or nicks.

OM lye-free shaving cream is made with Willowherb. The Native South Americans used Willowherb to treat acne and irritated skin. As a shaving agent, it's anti-inflammatory properties are nearly insurpassable.

In other words, nicks should disappear, and you should get a very close shave.

Remember when you are shaving to shave with the grain, so check the direction of your beard grain.This means that along your neck, you may have to shave upwards.

Step 4: Rinse and Hydrate

Now that you are done, your skin should feel...well, it should feel like your skin! just smoother.

Now is the time to rinse your face with cool water. This will seal your skin. Note how your skin feels. Because of its natural qualities, the OM-way to shave leaves your natural facial oils intact. Your face should feel soft, smooth and hydrated.

Dry yourself down with a clean,white towel, and apply OM Natural Shave Balm one more time. This will had a thin layer of cooling hydrating, and prevent breakouts. Remember not to touch your skin too much. This can activate the sebaceous glands causing excessive oiliness.