Author: Rachel Cichowicz

Happy summer, Penn Staters! With the transition in seasons, it’s due time for a new fashionable start, especially in terms of hairstyles. For our gentlemen readers, a short new ‘do might be the solution to update your look. A short style looks tidy, sophisticated and appropriately-edgy.

As the sweltering summer months approach, a sleek and shaved look is the easiest way to keep cool while looking dashingly dapper. This Fashionisto looked seasonally chic with a buzz cut, which went particularly well with his hair type and the shape of his face. A summer shave keeps you physically cool when the temperature rises and is exceptionally easy to upkeep. It not only makes a serious statement, but adds a bit of bounce to your step. This timeless style is honestly effortless, as there is no need for additional products or styling, and dries in a matter of seconds. With a buzz cut, there are no morning mishaps or bad hair days.

Not all buzz cuts are created equal. There are a plethora of options available for every facial shape and sense of style. Whether you wish to channel David Beckham’s flawless follicles or Zinedine Zidane’s close cut, the array of options are endless. Before you grab the clippers, be mindful of your head shape and hair type. With a quick consultation for your stylist, you will be on your way to a simple, low maintenance and incredibly stylish new look.

The Gentleman’s shave is undoubtedly an art. The wet-shave method is slightly extensive, but the results are nothing less than legendary. While winter whiskers are standard for the chillier months, a clean-shaven face is much more suitable for spring and summer. With resources like The Art of Shaving and Dollar Shave Club (to name a few), there’s no reason for you dapper dudes not to be impeccably groomed. If the winter months made you a bit lax in your shaving routine, transitioning back into the task can seem a bit tedious. Never fear, handsome reader, there’s a few simple steps that will aid you in perfecting that baby-soft face.

The perfect shave, like anything else worthwhile, is a process. This stylish, clean-shaven Fashionisto prefers the four-step process, highlighted by Gillette’s The Art of Shaving, which produces optimal results. Their exceptional tools and luxe line of skincare products turns the chore of your morning shave into a delightful task. Any lady will tell you that the key to obtaining smooth skin is exfoliation so, first, start with an exfoliating facial wash or scrub. Baxter of California, a great men’s grooming line, recommends this initial step to lift hair and remove dead skin to produce a closer, more comfortable shave. After you rinse off the exfoliant, either use a preshave oil or a hot wet towel to soften your stubble and open your pores. Just a tip: always try to shave after or during a hot shower. Next, lather up with a foamy cream to protect your skin. Once you’re well lathered, take a sharp blade with a manageable handle and shave in the direction of the hair growth. If you want an even closer shave, reapply cream and gently go against the grain. Finally, rinse with cold water to close your pores and apply a moisturizing facial cream to soothe and hydrate your skin.

That’s it! Lather up, gents. Go out and get yourself a great blade, good products and a couple of minutes to give yourself a premium shave. While certain products may be a bit more of a splurge, I find that you get what you pay for with skincare – so invest a bit. It is your face, after all.