What does shaving with the grain mean?

Shaving with the Grain: Yea or Nay?

When you're shaving, there are two basic options available to you. You can decide to shave with the grain, or you can bravely shave against it. The first method involves shaving in the direction of hair growth, and the latter method is the complete opposite. Shaving with the grain is advised for most people, with the opposing method best saved for specific areas or stubborn hairs.

Finding the grain

Before you can shave with the grain, you need to find the right direction. This is often obvious, and there's a simple trick when it's not. You can determine the direction of your hair growth by simply running your hand across your face. When it feels smooth, you're going with the grain. When it feels rough, you're going against it.

Keeping it smooth

Shaving with the grain offers many benefits, and it's generally recommended. This is particularly true if you have sensitive skin or if you suffer from razor burn. Going with the grain prevents your hair from pulling, which helps you to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs. While going against the grain can give you a closer shave, the damage you cause is normally not worth it.