1. Prep
Gather your shaving kit:
Safety Razor
Brush
Shaving cream
Bowl
Post-shave product
Clean, dry towel
Prep the beard for a clean shave to soften the beard for easier shaving and lessening the chance of skin irritation. An easy way to soften the beard is to shave right after having a hot shower. The hot water and steam should hydrate and soften facial hair sufficiently for shaving. Otherwise wet the beard with hot water or place a hot wet towel on your face to promote hydration and softening of the beard. Proper preparation and checking that the blade is sharp should prevent pain or pulling of the skin and hair.
2. Lather
Soak the shaving brush in water.
Place a small amount of shaving cream into the shaving bowl.
Dip the soaked brush into the shaving cream in a swirling motion and apply to the beard, smoothing out the lather of shaving cream.
3. The Shaving Technique
This way of shaving takes practise and practising on the arm first is advisable to create confidence in using a safety razor on the face.
Use light pressure (as the weight of the safety razor is enough to shave the beard).
Angle the blade between 30 and 35 degrees. The best way to angle the blade (and prevent cutting the skin) is to hold the tip of the handle and place the top of the head directly on your cheek, with the handle parallel to the floor then slowly lower the handle until the blade cuts the beard.
Shave with the grain to avoid ingrown hairs and minimise cuts.
Aim for reducing the beard instead of removing the beard to prevent skin irritation. It is recommended to pass the razor over the face several times instead of long strokes.
4. The First Pass which is with the Grain
Study the direction of the hair growth prior to lathering up the beard so that you shave with the grain instead of against it as this is easier on the skin.
After the beard prep and lathering, ensure the skin is tight as loose skin increases the likelihood of cutting yourself. For example, use the other hand to pull the skin tight or use your tongue from the inside to make the cheeks or skin around the lips protrude.
Avoid using strong pressure as gravity will help the razor to gently glide down the skin. Use short and slow strokes.
Once you have more confidence shaving with the safety razor, you can increase the stride of the strokes as this creates an enhanced cutting motion.
Pay special attention to areas where hair grows in a different direction. Remember to keep the skin tight and shave with the grain.
5. Rinsing the Razor Head
Rinse the head under running water or in a basin filled with water after a few strokes.
The shaving cream protects and lubricates the skin so re-apply shaving cream before shaving the same area again.
Dry shaving cream clogs up the razor and will not protect the skin. Wet the shaving cream and freshly apply some more to dry areas before shaving the area.
6. The Second Pass which is Across the Grain
Apply shaving cream to the face again and shave against the grain – meaning at a 90-degree angle, vertically to the direction of hair growth.
Pull the skin tight and shave using the same technique as before and at a 90-degree angle.
7. The Third Pass which is Against the Grain
This is recommended for thicker hair as this method cuts hair below the skin level and smooth skin can be felt even after 24 hours.
This method can feel more aggressive on the skin and it can lead to irritated skin in some areas as the hair might be cut below the surface of the skin. Practise makes perfect.
8. Close the Pores and Pat Dry
Splashing the face with cold water or ice water will close up the pores.
Pat the skin dry with a clean, dry towel.
9. Soothe the Skin with A Post-Shave Product
Some post-shave products are more fragrant than others – this dries out the skin and it is not recommended to use these types of post-shave products.
We hope this guide has helped you learn how to shave with a safety razor, and enjoy the benefits of a close, smooth, and comfortable shave. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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