The ThatsSmoooth Shaving Protocol: Step-by-Step Guide for Men of Color
The ThatsSmoooth Shaving Protocol: Step-by-Step Guide for Men of Color
Most men shave the way they were taught — which usually means the way their father shaved, or the way a commercial told them to. For Black men and men of color with wavy, curly, or coiled hair, that approach almost always ends the same way: razor bumps, irritation, and ingrown hairs that make you consider growing a beard just to avoid the process.
The ThatsSmoooth Shaving Protocol is a precision system engineered specifically for textured hair and melanated skin. Every step has a purpose. Skipping steps has consequences. Here's the complete protocol.
Before You Begin: Know Your Grain Pattern
Drag the back of your fingers across your beard in all directions. The roughest direction is against the grain. Hair grain patterns often change below the jawline and at the neckline — map yours before you shave. Always shave with the grain first. This alone eliminates a significant percentage of razor bumps.
Step 01 — Pre-Shave Prep
Wash your face with warm water or the ThatsSmoooth 3-in-1 Exfoliating Beard & Facial Wash. Apply a hot towel to your beard area for 2 to 3 minutes — this opens pores and softens textured hair, making it significantly more pliable and receptive to the blade.
Step 02 — Pre-Shave Oil
Apply ThatsSmoooth Premium Natural Pre-Shave Oil over the entire beard area. Rub in thoroughly and allow to fully absorb before proceeding. This is the most skipped step in shaving — and the most impactful.
Pre-shave oil creates a protective layer between the blade and your skin, makes coiled and curly hair pliable so it can be cut cleanly, and dramatically reduces the friction that causes tugging, tearing, and the below-surface cuts that trigger razor bumps.
Step 03 — Shaving Cream Mask
Apply the ThatsSmoooth Shaving Cream Mask to your beard area. For best results, use the ThatsSmoooth Synthetic Silvertip Shave Brush in firm circular strokes — this lifts every textured hair strand upright and builds a rich, consistent lather that the blade can glide through cleanly.
The Shaving Cream Mask is not a standard shaving cream. It is simultaneously a precision shaving lubricant, a detoxifying Dead Sea Mud skin mask, and an anti-aging treatment. Leave it on for 2 to 3 minutes before shaving for the full skin treatment benefit.
Step 04 — The Shave
Use the ThatsSmoooth Classic 2-Piece Single Blade Safety Razor with a fresh Super Platinum Double Edge Blade. Hold the razor at a 30-degree angle and guide it — never press or apply pressure. Let the weight of the razor do the work.
Shave with the grain on the first pass. For a closer shave, re-apply Shaving Cream Mask and shave across the grain on a second pass. Never shave against the grain if you're prone to razor bumps.
Step 05 — Post-Shave Restore
Apply a cold towel to close pores immediately after shaving. Pat dry. Apply the ThatsSmoooth Premium Natural 3-in-1 Aftershave & Facial Balm immediately — don't wait. This seals micro-cuts, neutralizes inflammation, and begins the skin rebuilding process.
Use the Aftershave Balm as your daily moisturizer — not just on shave days. Consistent use improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines, and keeps your skin condition improving over time.
Get the Complete System
The ThatsSmoooth Essentials Shaving System includes Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream Mask, and Aftershave Balm — the three-formula protocol in one kit. The Elite Shaving System adds the razor, shave brush, and blade 15-pack for the complete hardware and formula experience.
Engineered for Black men, Latino men, and multicultural men of color with textured hair. As featured on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Roland Martin Unfiltered and David Meltzer's PLAYBOOK podcasts. Also available at Belk. $50 Free US shipping. 30-Day "No Fuss" Guarantee.
