How To Wet Shave Properly (5 Easy Tips For The Best Result)
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This outline works for shaving with a straight razor and also for shaving with a classic DE safety razor – some of the points will actually also help you get a better shave if you are using disposable razors as well.
There is no point in having the best razor – if you don’t know how to use it properly, right?
Here are 5 easy tips to follow for the best wet-shaving result:
1. Preparation
A key ingredient for the perfect shave is hot water. When hair absorbs hot water they get softer and become easier to cut. It is therefore recommended to shave after taking a hot shower or bath. Alternatively, you can dip a towel in hot water and put it on your face for a minute or so. To further soften the skin and hair, it is recommended to use a shaving oil before applying shaving cream, foam or gel. This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin or very strong hair-growth. For everyone else, oil is not a must, but it makes shaving smoother and better. We also recommend cleaning your face before shaving. Try to avoid common hand soap, since it can dry out the skin. Instead, use a cleanser as it will do the same job as a soap without drying out the skin.
2. Use a Good Shaving Product
To achieve a good shave is recommended to use a shaving cream or shaving soap of good quality along with a shaving brush. When you apply cream or soap with a shaving brush, this lifts the hairs, moisturizes the beard and removes dead skin cells that lie on the skin. Using a shaving cream or shaving soap and brush will not only achieve a better shave, but you can also save money in the long run. This is because it requires small amounts of shaving cream or soap per shave since the best shaving brush will create a good and rich lather from a small amount of shaving cream. Products from the grocery store will usually be cheaper but are not even close to having the same quality. The more expensive products often contain aloe vera, vitamin E and other ingredients that nourish the skin, and they do not contain harmful ingredients that cheaper products may contain.
Last update on 2021-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. The Right Tool
Even the best shaving cream will not give you a good shave if you use a dull razor. We, therefore, recommend replacing the razor blade after 5-10 times of use or when you notice that the blade begins to become dull. This will vary from person to person, depending on the beard and what kind of barber products being used. As mentioned earlier, it is also recommended to use a shaving brush. These vary widely in price and quality. You get what you pay for, but if you are completely new to wet shaving, a cheaper brush like one from boar bristle will do the job until you become more experienced.
4. Shaving
Rinse your razor in hot water before shaving. Begin with your cheeks first, this allows time for the shaving cream to work longer on more difficult areas such as the chin and under the nose. Shave with the hair in short strokes. This avoids red dots and irritation. Shaving against the hairs will cause them to grow inward and form razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). To further prevent razor bumps, use a post-shave treatment after shaving. Avoid pressing the razor too hard against the skin, it should just slide smoothly over. When you have finished shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close pores and dry it with a soft towel.
5. Moisturizing
After shaving it is important to use a moisturizing cream that soothes and calms the skin. Shaving wears on the skin and dries it out. For men with sensitive skin, it is important that the aftershave does not contain alcohol.
How to Wet Shave Using Straight Edge Razor
Here is the thing. Using a straight razor is a little more complex. It needs an entire article to explain it in detail and comprehensively. For this, here is our guide to straight razor for beginners – an article on how you can use straight razors to shave. There are also many straight razor starter kits available.
This outline works for shaving with a straight razor and also for shaving with a classic safety razor – some of the points will actually also help you get a better shave if you are using disposable razors (shame on you!).
Get some quality time for yourself, find the time to shave with your quality razor. Let your mind flow where it wants when you are preparing for shaving, lather up or nourishing your skin. It will for sure do you lots of good.
Last update on 2021-02-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
