Before you break out the razor, use a trimmer to avoid clogging the razor. Shorter hair is easier to work with, plus it lessens the need for you to have to pass the razor over the skin more than once.

Exfoliating and using shaving cream allow the blade to glide easier. Because dead skin cells tend to dull the razor blade, using a good exfoliant helps remove them and improve the shaving experience. Shaving cream lubricates the skin and makes it less likely for you to experience razor burn or ingrown hairs, sometimes called razor bumps.

It might seem like common sense, but a well-maintained razor is a high-performing razor. Remove residue from shaving cream and any excess hair or moisture to keep your blade in good working order.

Keeping blades in a drier environment with cooler temperatures rather than face down in soapy water lessens the chance of rust appearing. Using a razor stand outside of the shower is a great way to keep razors working well for longer.

If you travel and need to bring your razor, invest in a carrying case or, at the very least, wrap your razor in a paper towel so that the blades don’t get dented or dull in transit.

Use warm water to rinse your razor and activate the lubrication strip on it. Rinsing also helps remove any leftover shaving gel or cut hair that might make it harder to shave.

Keep your razor sharp and free of debris by rinsing it each time you use it. You’ll prevent razor burn, bumps and irritation from happening.

You may be tired of rinsing by now, but before you store your razor, it’s important to clean it off once last time so that you’re caring for it properly.

If you live with other people, keep your razor in a separate place to avoid sharing. If you get nicked or cut when using a razor someone else has used, you could develop an infection. Plus, sharing razors is unsanitary.

At the first sign your razor is getting dull, you should replace it. You may notice it’s getting dull if it pulls at hair when shaving or feels rough on your skin or if you develop more skin irritation after shaving than you have in the past. Razors typically last five to 10 shaves, so keep track of how often you use one to better estimate when you’re going to need to replace it. If you’re able to and your razor is designed for it, consider sharpening your blades as it may make them last longer.

A strop is the traditional tool used to sharpen razors. While a strop is most often made of leather, you can also use denim. We recommend using an old pair of jeans or a canvas tote.

Before you begin, lay the fabric down on a surface that is both hard and dry. Be sure the surface is also clear of other objects since you’ll be moving your arm in quick motions.

Use warm water and soap to clean the blade before you begin. Soaking the razor for 15 to 30 minutes will help remove dirt or hair. Be sure to dry it well before you strop the blade.

Work your razor with the fabric’s grain about 20 times using short, quick strokes as you push down the fabric.

Now that you’ve worked the blade with the grain, work it against the grain about 20 times in the same way as before to evenly sharpen the blade. If you do have a leather belt or leather strop, run the blade up and down the belt’s softer, suede side to achieve the same effect.

Another way you can sharpen your razor is with products like a whetstone – also called a honing stone, which works well for straight razors.