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Trying to hack it all of in one stroke is not manly; it's at best lazy and at worst the kind of overcompensating senseless bravado that will get you killed some day... or at least get you a jacked up face.
Also, to follow up on John Herring's post, if you don't have time to clip your month old beard before shaving, use much smaller strokes to prevent the razor from getting clogged with long hair.
I heat my towels by microwaving a damp towel (soak the towel in water, then wring out 80-90% of the water) for 30-60 seconds on high.
If you have some lemon or lime juice, splash it onto the tell before microwaving it for a great scent.
Or at least thats what I decided after a few years with cheap disposables and easily-dulled and expensive electrics. I can get away with a beard, but I still use an electric razor for my neck and cheeks.
2. Shave three times: once with the grain, once across it, and once against it. Neck and mustache areas may only require (or tolerate) two passes.
2.5 (Each pass of the blade is a stutter: a one inch path, followed by backing up by about 2/3 inch, repeat until you've mowed your way. Then start again parallel to that path. )
3. Keep a small tupperware container filled with rubbing alcohol to a depth of about 1 inch. Immediately after shaving, dunk the head of your razor in the alcohol and swirl it around for a few seconds. This has two effects: 1) it removes the water from your blade, prolonging its corrosion-free life, and 2) kills any bacteria that may are on the blade, thus reducing irritation from your next shave.
It's also a good idea to dunk the razor before your shave for the same antiseptic effect, but rinse thoroughly before actually shaving. Otherwise you risk a "Home Alone."
4. A Tupperware container for your shaving soap is also great idea. Glad (I believe) makes these nice round threaded-lid containers that are about 3 inches deep by 4 inches wide. Perfect size for your soap, and can easily be sealed for travel (with just enough room for your brush inside). You should, of course, keep it open between shaves to let it dry out a bit. You don't want it all gooey the next time.
1)Growth-you want to actually have some hair to shave, not just little stubble. We're talking about 2 days worth.
2)A clean/new razor
3)a relaxed face-that means relax take a hot shower. This will steam you up and relax and also open the poors. You don't want to start shaving once you wake up because you're still too puffy.
4)a good lather-use whatever shaving cream you want, but be sure to lather up and lift all those hairs.
5)shave 3 times-yes that's right 3 times. First with the grain (down), Second across (side to side) and then finally against the grain (up). This will get you as close you as need to go.
6.)Cold water. Rinse off in cold water to close those pores
7.)Pat dry don't rub, or best of all just air ddy
Using some sort of face scrub afterwards is also useful to stop nicks from developing into small zits.
With / Across / Against school , with short repeated strokes and testing with your hand.
Very important:
Take some time testing out different blade types / blade angles before deciding old style wet shave isn't for you. Do it on a long week end, or some vacation time, if you don't want your coworkers to think your trying out for a gang that practices scarification ....
Every so often, (about once a month or so) I go for a 2-3 days without shaving. On the day that I finally shave, I feel like a new man. It is a refreshing experience and it is more gratifying to shave a 3 day old nascent beard than it is to shave day old stubble.
Choose me, please! That set would make a terrific Christmas gift for my dad, he needs it desperately (though he does not know it yet).
I tend to be very methodical and take my time. I'll usually enjoy at least fifteen, sometimes even thirty minutes for the whole process. I'll be extra, EXTRA careful and every swipe of the razor is always careful and deliberate. This way, I never miss anything and rarely cut myself. Haste makes waste.
If you shave every mourning, I suggest waking up a few minutes earlier to have a relaxing shave. I've found this is a great way to focus myself in the mourning. The zen shave.
1. The blade that you are using can make the difference between a clean shave and a bleeding face - yep i said bleeding because it happened to me when i shaved 2 or 3 days after. A sensitive skin and the wrong type of blade can ruin your zen moment. Right now the best blades i have access to are wilkinson blades...but you can use whatever is best for you. GET GOOD BLADES!
2. Use a shaving CREAM. None of that stuff that comes in a can. That stuff has more chemicals that although will help you with your face, on the long run they are not good for your face. Half a year ago i switched to the stuff that comes packed like it's toothpaste (had a guest that once mistook it for toothpaste). It's not expensive at all. It was the cheapest one i could find at the time (less than 1$ per piece) compared to the rest of my shaving set...out of which my razor was the most expensive one (8$) at the time. I tried using foam and gel just to feel the difference. They are cold to the touch, but although the blade moves easy on my face, my skin feels threaten by these products...they feel...unfriendly.
3. Temperature is your friend. Make sure you Warm your face well before starting the shave. Use Warm lather. I use hot water with my blade but i will give it a try with cold water. At the end of your shave use lukewarm water to clean your face, then make it Colder to close your pores.
4. I never wipe my face or my head after shaving. I leave them wet. Sometimes i apply a creamy aftershave for my sensitive cream, and sometimes i don't. In any case i seldom get an irritation nowadays. But when i do use a creamy aftershave i also like to have my head, face and hands wet. I don't know why but it's just smoother to apply the aftershave and i don't have to wipe my hands. I just put the leftover aftershave on any part of my skin and let my skin absorb it.
(http://tinyurl.com/692lc5)
"What you do is, you rub your stubble with hair conditioner. Leave it a couple of minutes, then wash it off. Then shave normally. Makes it really easy to shave. No scraping."
Doing this in a hot shower helps.
• use heat
• wet your face
• lather up
• shave slowly and thoroughly
• use lotion after shaving
You can heat your canteen cup full of water in the field by placing it on near the back exhaust panel of an M2 Bradley for 30 seconds. Use gloves when handling the canteen cup to prevent burning. Great way to get hot steaming water in the field.
The mornings are always rushed. But, rushing through your shave will mean your shave won't be even and close AND/OR you will be more likely to cut yourself.
My tips are the following:
1. A good badger hair brush is a must - they're a bit expensive, but well worth it.
2. I use one of those "coffee cup warmers" (the little hot plate type deal that you plug in to keep your coffee warm) and keep my shaving cup with the lather in it on that. Helps to keep the lather warm. When lathering up for pass 2 or 3 (yes, it does take more than one pass for a good shave), the warm lather feels absolutely fantastic on your face.
Before you jump in the shower fill your sink with hot water and put your shaving mug into the water ( the water should not be deep enough to overflow and soak the soap). This accomplishes two things
1. You already have warm water at the sink faucet. This means you don't have to wait for the hot water to get there when you want to shave.
2. It will keep your shaving lather warm when you whip it up. Warm lather is a much more pleasant experience.
Begin with tools very similar to what you are going to give away. Use the hottest water your face can stand, and look pensive as you take precise and decisive strokes. Also, it's best if you shave in a white undershirt and finish with a liberal dab of Old Spice. It also helps if you rub your scruffy face on a small child's belly to make them laugh before you begin. I'm not sure if that impacts the quality of the shave, but it certainly was part of his ritual when me or my cousins were around.
As far as against or with the grain, I think it really depends on the individual face. For me I go against the grain and I very rarely get ingrown hairs.
I know, I said it would sound silly.
Also, instead of a hot towel I prefer steam. Get the shower real hot and just sit it the steam that it produces for a minute or two, always gets me the best shave.
Also I prefer to go against the grain also, never have in grown hair and is always a bit closer and lasts a bit longer
I find the Mach3 razors to be reasonably durable and provide a nice close shave when using the With/Across/Against method. I wouldn't be opposed to trying a safety razor though
I keep a disposable in the car and at the office for those rare instances where I find a spot that I missed. (Hey when you're up and shaving at 5am sometimes things are a little foggy!) Often it's not enough that anyone else will notice, but I can't stand it when I find a few stray hairs!
1. Get a professional shave at least once. Even though it's your face, they might tell you something you don't know. For me, they pointed out some of the directional oddities of the way my beard grows. My neck has thanked me ever since.
2. If possible, shower before you shave. The water and steam will make your face happy. Not a news flash, I know, but it makes a huge difference.
Next, if you don't subscribe to the method of the classic razor, at least get one tub of shaving cream (like Taylor's of Old Bond St.) and the brush. Prepare it in a warm mug. Much, much better than any more contemporary creams.
Finally, it took me many months to become good at the wet-shave, so be patient. Once you get it though, there's no going back.
I discovered this by consistently trying to rush a shave because I was getting up in the morning with barely enough time to shave, and rushed what should be a careful, peaceful process.
Using a safety razor takes time to do well, and the results, when done right, are outstanding. Rushing the process leads to uneven beard length, nicks, and even the occasional slice.
My tip is to wake up at least an hour before you shave, get some coffee in you, and take your time to set up your shave, and your day, right!
I also recommend using styptic swabs instead of pencils. Pencils tend to melt over time with exposure to water, and they sometimes leave a white powdery residue on your skin.
Oghma
Shave after you come out of a bath or shower. By this time the hair has been softened and the pores of the skin opened. This will result in a closer, cleaner shave.
Also, when shaving, be sure to pull the skin nice and tight. This prevent skin irritation and redness
If the wads of toilet paper or styptic pencils are just not doing it for ya anymore, you might want to try ChapStick the next time you nick yourself shaving.
it does actually work pretty well on the smaller cuts, however, you probably do not want to use the lip balm on the bigger cuts and I would recommend staying away from the flavored stuff; it leaves a weird color on your face
My baby would looooove this set though! :D
Use an electric trimmer first if you more than a week or two of growth. Then, I like to shave gently with the grain. And Finally, if I'm going for an ultra close shave, I'll rinse and re-lather for a third shave against the grain. Go slow and don't worry about getting everything in one pass.
It works so effectively for me, I never have to worry about what to with a cut. I don't get any.
To show her that you love her back... let her help.
* Cheap shaving cream works best. I know this goes contrary to what is being promoted, but it works.
In that regard, I second or hundred or whatever the with/across/against method. It doesn't take as long as you think, and it's well worth it.
Also, try to avoid drying your face off, even if you plan on putting hot water or a hot towel on your face before the shave. The cycle of wetting, then drying, and then wetting again robs your face of the moisture it absorbed during the shower.
And I agree with everyone else: a cold rinse is, in fact, a must.
It turns the bathroom into a steam-room, and keeps a sudden cool gust from causing my beard to tighten u\p.
1. A DE safety razor is questionable for carry-on in the US, and straights are a definite no-go! Since I don't want to chance losing it, I use a single-blade disposable razor when traveling by air. My razor of choice for this use is the BIC Metal razor, which can be found in bulk at Amazon. It has a fixed angle head and metal safety bar, and it really operates like a very light DE. Disposable razors are acceptable for carry-on travel.
2. Since the liquid limits are very low, I will either carry a very small tube of latherless shave cream, which can be sometimes hard to find, or a cake of shaving soap. If I bring the shaving soap, I carry my cheapest shaving brush inside a used prescription pill bottle. That way I didn't have to spend money on an overpriced travel brush, but the head of the brush doesn't get mangled up in travel.
But one of the biggest differences is the use of a brush and cream (taylors , with a nice scent). It just makes your morning better and you feel pampered which is in itself a good thing
Also the cost difference means you dont feel bad throwing away old blades.
You should apply the lather only twice -- the first time to shave "with the grain," and the second time to shave "against the grain." When shaving, complete each stroke and then rinse the razor free of hair; otherwise, the blade won't cut effectively and you'll be "tugging" at the hairs rather than cutting them.
Finally, I end the shave by washing my face in hot water, followed by a cold-water rinse, and then applying a moisturizing aftershave. Specialty shops have nice ones with manly scents.
Also nothing smells like a man more than the smell a good smelling shaving cream leaves behind.
This makes sure that the hairs are cut, not pulled out, and the blade can only cut hair, not skin.
My second piece of advice would be to drop the safety razor and go for the straight razor. If your afraid of running one of these potential weapons over your face, check out www.shavemyface.com for a useful PDF that walks you through all you need to know. The first time I used a straight razor I cut myself seven times, but a couple of weeks later I was shaving nick free with some of the smoothest skin I've ever felt.
Art of Shaving as a very good one. But it's a bit pricey.
American Crew has a good one as well but with sensitive skin the Tea Tree oil is a bit too much for me.
It really helps, along with a badger hair brush and a good cream. By the way Taylor of Old Bond Street Avocado is excellent for a sensitive face! A sharp razor too.
DO shave with the grain first, across the grain next, then against the grain.
DO NOT be afraid to use your wife's nice face lotion afterward (as long as it doesn't smell like her or Jean Nate.)
DO take your time and go slow, even with safety blades.
In summation, I heartily recommend rinsing after a shave with some kind of spray, rather than running water. A nice, refreshing lukewarm towel is fine, too.
Get an inexpensive set of beard/trip clippers so you can
1) Clean up the line on your sideburns, no matter how long or short they are.
2) Trim that fuzzy, curly growth that grow over the tops of your ears between haircuts.
For the short-haired gentlemen like myself, have a wife or girlfriend or someone you trust trim the growth along the back of your neck to remove the fuzz and create an even line. You can use clippers or a razor here depending on how much you trust the person doing it.
Finally, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a real, barbershop, straight-razor shave once in a while. A good barber will be happy to do it and it is a great way to relax--like a day at the spa for us guys...
Also, make sure to soak the brush in hot water before building lather. I typically fill my later bowl up with hot water and stick the brush in it before I shower, so as soon as I get out of the shower I can hit the shave.
Your whiskers will be softer and will cut easier with a good razer.
This works for me and may not work for someone else so i guess my best shaving tip is this: Experiment! No matter how many shave guides you read chances are that you will never find one that is exactly suited for your skin and/or beard type
.
Trail & error people.
Shaving is an adventure not a science.
1) Shave right out of the shower, or at least after warming your face with hot towels to open the pores.
2) Lather up well with your badger-hair brush
3) Shave against the grain, relather, across the grain, and if necessary, relather and against the grain.
4) This is important: with each pass, aim for *beard reduction* not *beard removal*. Too many people hack away at their faces with Mach 3s trying to eliminate the stubble in one pass.
5) Don't use any pressure: let the weight of the razor do it. Holding the safety razor at the end of the handle helps remind you of this: holding it too close to the blade tempts you to push too hard.
6) Use the proper angle: the blade should be about thirty degrees from your face. The best way to get this is to rest the blade flat on your face first, and then turn it up from the back of the blade to the proper angle. Placing the blade on vertically and rolling down is more likely to cut you.
7) Take your time, and enjoy the experience!
Use cold water to close them back up. (also feels very refreshing)
Doing this will not only help you get a closer shave, but will also clean your skin better.
The best way I've found to maintain your cartridges for as long as possible, and maintain their sharpness, is to make sure you dry them off after you are done shaving. Corrosion is the main cause of cartridge degradation, and why they feel like they are tearing your skin off after just a couple shaves (they are...)
When I'm done shaving, I always pat the razor thoroughly dry with a towel, and will occasionally oil them with a few drops of a light household oil (3-in-1 oil works well, though I suppose olive oil or canola oil would work just as well.) If you have a small cup or container you don't mind parting with, you can also use that as an oil reservoir to store the razor, cartridge down, in between shaves.
I switched to a straight(or cutthroat) razor when I started a new job in sales. At my previous jobs I had been able to shave every few days, as I was not in front of customers. Once my position changed, and I was needing to make "first impressions" on an hourly basis, I needed to shave, and also avoid annoying ingrown hairs that made me look like a 14yrd with bad acne.
A straight razor, properly wielded, can shave closer than any disposable, and leaves virtually zero ingrown hairs. Not to mention that nothing boosts your manliness quotient like completing a menial task with a deadly weapon.
Next Step: mow the lawn with a series of Claymore Mines.
Get a blow put about a cup of water (enough to soak a small towel) into it then ad few drops of lemon juice into the water then ad a small soft towel. Place in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Go sit in your lazy boy chair and kick back and relax when 45 seconds is up have someone come wring out the towel and place on your face till the towel is between lukewarm temp and hot.
Wrap a HOT towel around your face.Get all that hair nice and soft.
Take thee thy badger-hair brush and whippeth (whip it good) a thick cuppa suds using William's MUG soap.
Work it in. you want to try and imobilize that stubble.
Take your razor-now, I really didn't have a lot of preference, with maybe the exception of the injector blade straight razor i used for a while-anyway, take your razor and use short strokes. Not long strokes, short. This lets the whiskers get out of the way of the edge.
Be Mindful. one second's inattention and you're cut. If you really space out, you're gonna find all the styptic in the world's not gonna stop the flow.
Rinse.
If it's a special occassion (no whisker burn on her) Rinse. Lather. Repeat.
But in all honesty, I gave it all up over 10 years ago for the triple-headed buzzer.
1. was face with warm water
2. put some shaving cream on your face and lather well using shaving brush
3. Shave gently, avoiding cuts, on one direction (the direction of your hair growth) to prevent ingrown hairs. Make sure you have a good, clean, shaving blade.
4. after shaving, wash up with luke warm water..and dab your face with a towel..
5. do not forget to use after shave or any moisturizer..this will keep your face fresh and healthy..
and oh yeah, girls will start falling for you soon after this :)
Another tips is to enjoy some of your shaves. I bought a Rolls Safety Razor years ago and will occasionally set aside extra time to go through the "trouble" of using it. This is a relaxing ritual and it shaves much closer than any multi-blade razors I normally use.
Ed
I swap out the fluid every couple of months and replace the blade about once a year. Great gift for yourself or someone you love.
I once did this, and blood literally dripped out from that microscopic cut for about 3 days.
Sounds like a lesson a number of us have learned over the years.
If you have long facial hair, you should trim it down with a beard trimmer before using a blade.
Also, I like to use a razor with multiple blades. This reduces the amount of strokes which reduces irritation.
Keep a styptic pensil handy.
While the multiple blade design appears to work decently, however when it comes to creating sharp lines along your sideburns or other manly features the result is often crooked lines. Safety razors are certainly the way to go.
Get yourself a fog-proof mirror and shave in the shower after you wash your face. My shave has been closer and smoother since trying this, plus it saves me a little time if I have to get ready in a hurry.
Don't use dull blades. Replace them more often than you think you need to. You'll regret it the first time you cut yourself.
Also - shaving after a shower is really nice - your beard is very moist.
I also prefer moisturizing lotion (something as chemical free as I can find) rather than an alcohol based "aftershave" - keeps my skin smooth and not irritated.
If you've just finished shaving, look up in the mirror, and realize that you look like a victim in a Freddy Krueger flick, simply get a washcloth, run the hottest water you can get out of the tap over it, and press firmly on the cut(s) for about 5 seconds. Repeat until the bleeding stops, and you'll find that, not only is there no longer a bloody cut, but you aren't even MARKED.
This trick has saved me for countless dates, business meetings, parties, etc.
1. Don't shave for a few days prior - If your job can afford to let you grow a 3-day beard, go for it. Hairs that are a little bit longer are easier to cut cleanly the first time. Think about having to cut down a tree vs. a stump.
2. While in the shower, use your wife's conditioner on your beard -- massage it into your skin and let it sit for about 2 minutes before rinsing it off. The better the conditioner, the softer the beard. Keratin, the stuff your hair is made of, is about as hard as copper, so keep that in mind. Conditioner helps the razor cut through the first time, allowing for a smoother, cleaner shave. Best shaving comes right after your shower.
For other tips, be sure to read the other posts. If you're worried about bleeding or cutting yourself, just do the downstroke (with the grain). If you followed my tips, you'll be impressed how nicely your safety razor can perform in just one direction. Also, if you haven't purchased one by now, safety razors are the way to go. It makes it much easier to start with a fresh blade, and the shave is nicer all around.
I have acne prone skin and found out a long time ago that a cold blade reduced the skin irritation allowing for pimples to develop.
I have also found that showering after I shower allows me to cleanse the skin and remove unneeded oils from the shave gel/lotion/soap.
Also, be aware that although some of the new, high-tech, multi-blade, super, fantastic disposable blades with "slick" strips may appear to effectively shave your beard for a few weeks they do build up bacteria and can cause severe infections when they do cut your skin.
You have to take your time -- let your beard soak under a hot towel for long enough to absorb the moisture. Rub in the gel or cream thoroughly -- use a bruch if you like. Don't rush the strokes so you don't get nicked. Take time to check the reults with your wet fingertips and re-shave as needed. It's not rocket science but there is an art to it.
I can understand.
Here's my simple tip. You'l wonder what the hell you were doing without it.
Sorbelene cream under the lather (soap, foam or whatever you prefer) works a charm every time. It gives a little moisture to make it run over your skin, while cutting the beard free.
Have a great one!
L
Good luck son, you'll need it.
-Gregor
PUT IT ON YOUR MIRROR.
once you wipe it off, it will keep the mirror from getting fogged up from the hot water while you shave.
short, sweet, and simple.
Enjoy.
After you've got your beard good and soft with hot water, and you've wet the brush with the hottest water you can and lathered it up really well with the shaving soap -- let a few drops of that very-hot water onto the tip of the brush before applying the soap to your face. It'll feel warmer, even to a face that's been treated with a hot washcloth just moments ago, and you'll be surprised how much difference it makes to the brush, even though it'd been in that hot water just moments ago before the lather.
Makes a difference! Really!
Ted
2. Shave the heaviest growth areas last - it gives the shaving foam more time to warm and soften the bristles.
3. Finish with a splash of cold water to close the pores and wake you up for work.
I also try not to shave too high on the cheeks so that I don't have stubble creeping into my eyes like my junior high math teacher. In all seriousness, those hairs are better left to be plucked or trimmed with scissors.
I love old-school shaving though, I hate when I'm in a situation where I have to use a Mach3 or something. My only advice to some people that haven't wet shaved yet is to make sure you use short quick strokes, don't push hard, and make the first pass with the grain.
Here's a tip for anyone who's run out of shaving cream, but still wants a really close DE shave. In a pinch, you can use Hair conditioner. That's right! The same stuff that makes your wife's hair so lovely and soft can also be used to soften your whiskers. Just apply to a wet face and let sit for a minute or so. Trust me, you'll never get a closer, nick-free shave (this technique works especially well in the shower or bath).
Happy shaving!
Shaun
Lather your face with a gel shaving cream.
Just yesterday I was reading old posts and stumbled upon the article again and followed that up by passing two hours looking for razors & supplies on Ebay.
This blog has become, quite accidentally, my connection to a simpler world.
Thanks!
If all else fails, grow a beard. You'll look like a badass ;)
1. Shave in the shower. If you need, get a little mirror and wipe it clean so it stays clear, but you may as well get used to relying on feel instead of look.
2. Ivory soap & a brush easily trump canned foams or gels for comfort, ease of use, and cost. I find a thick lather isn't necessary, just enough to keep everything lubed and smooth. I probably prefer Ivory because it's what my grandpa used.
3. On the face, I like once with and once against. Head, just once against (up/back). If you are getting ready for a date, use a new one and take an extra pass, you stud.
4. Pat, don't rub. Seriously.
5. Use some goo that doesn't smell much or get greasy, and remember that aftershave doesn't have to burn to work. If you do your whole noggin, SPF aftershave is an excellent idea.
And this may not apply to many, but don't be afraid to try your entire head if you think you might pull it off. Maintenance is easy, you gain an intimidating aspect, and it's just plain awesome when on your first date, she asks, tentatively - "Can I touch your head?"
But that shaving set does look nice!
I use "real" shaving cream (the same stuff that's shown in the picture of this kit) not the compressed chemical stuff you buy at the drug store. I lather it with a badger brush and keep it warm, which also really helps lubricate my shave.
Takes a little longer, but it's a relaxing process for me.
The greatest tip I can offer is to try and treat shaving like a hobby, not a chore. You'll not only enjoy yourself more, but you'll also get a better shave as well. Take your time and research everything you can about your equipment, take your time and get to know your face and its curves.
Trust me, you'll begin to love to shave!
Here's my best advice
1. shave often- nothing hurts more than trying to shave once the hair has gotten too long. If you do wait a long time before that next shave, use some clippers to trim it down first.
2. Take at least two passes. First pass strictly with the grain. Then lather up again and hit everything a second time.
Steve
Fill the sink with very warm water. I like to add a splash of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Oil Soap for a refreshing fragrance. (If you are using canned shaving creme, use hot water and let the can sit in the water until it cools a bit.)
Soak a wash cloth in the water and hold it to your face for a while to warm your face and soften your beard. I especially like this on chilly mornings or when I am tired or stressed.
Whisk up some lather using warm water, and apply liberally to the face, massaging it into the hairs and skin.
Shave with short strokes, moving with the grain, rinsing well between strokes.
If your skin tolerates it and it is a 'close shave' kind of day, re-lather and shave again against the grain, but I generally only do it when there is a good reason.
Use the wet washcloth to wipe most of the residue from your face, drain the sink, and rinse with cold water. Rinse the razor in the cold water and put away in a way that lets it quickly dry.
Splash some cold water on your face for a final cleaning, and pat dry. Treat any wounds. Apply a splash of after-shave or lotion.
1. Shave in the shower. The steam really softens the beard.
2. A little conditioner applied to the beard a few minutes before shaving can really soften it, too.
3. Don't dry your face after shaving, just apply a little aftershave and let it airdry. Skin needs all the moisture it can get.
The razor: whatever kind you use, I've found there are some benefits to both keeping the blade cool as well as hot. A cold razor does make it less likely to cut yourself, but the feeling of a hot blade across your face and through that stubble is soothing and usually makes for a closer shave. I prefer the latter, since with enough practice you can keep the cuts to a minimum. I don't remember the last time I cut myself shaving. I think it was high school.
Get to know your face. What I mean by this is shave at least a few times with no time limit in place, and really see how hard you can comfortably press the razor against your skin, since this is different for every person. In my opinion you should always leave a lot of time to shave, it'll definitely come out better this way.
It's been mentioned before, but try not to make long strokes. Smaller strokes help you avoid cuts and get a closer shave. I would also recommend shaving against the grain (up or to the side) for those hard to reach spots, or, once you "get to know your face", for all of your face. Shaving upwards will give you a significantly closer shave, although there is a slightly greater chance of cutting yourself. Whenever I shave against the grain it gives me up to a day before I have to shave again, which allows me to take my time shaving more often.
Other than that, get yourself some good Charlie "Bird" Parker playing in the background, or (although I prefer the Bird) Dizzy Gillespie. It's the perfect way to change shaving from a chore to a fun activity. Just don't get too into the music or you might cut your lip off. If you don't know who either of those musicians are, you need to spend quite a lot of time on this website.
Happy shaving!
So, the only thing I care to add to Pop's standard tools, is a dime size dot of good olive oil, and finish with cold water.
Shower, or splash on some hot water, pat dry, and massage a tiny bit of oil on your beard before you apply the lather. Shave (Properly, taking your time, feeling with your fingers for spots you missed) then rinse your face again with hot hot water. Then a last few rinses with cold cold water. Pat your face dry- never rub. Apply some after shave, and I guarantee- your face will be as smooth as glass.
Another tip I've found works is, if you're short on shaving cream, use smooth peanut butter. But I'd advise against it if your wife or girlfriend is allergic to peanuts. Doesn't actually smell too great either... but it makes for a clean shave!
In the 30 or so minutes that I spend making breakfast for my kids, getting the paper, etc, before I shower and shave, the Old Spice softens my beard, makes my face less oily, and keeps me smelling good for when the lady of the house gets up.
Brushing your teeth first versus shaving first prevents you from getting any shaving cream in your mouth that you may have missed wiping off. Letting the hot water run slowly while you brush will get it warm enough for when you are ready to shave. The warm water you use while shaving will soften the hair and make for a better shave. And lastly, most homes have a common hot water pipe that connects the bathroom to the hot water heater. So when your ready to jump in the shower you've have nearly instant hot water which will save you time. Showering last has the added benefit of washing away any last trace of toothpaste or shaving cream.
Also, learn the direction the grain of your beard goes as it's not all in one uniform direction, make a map, and NEVER shave against the grain unless you know the map by heart. I read this tip from a book, LeisureGuy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving (I posted the amazon link in the website option).
Give your beard enough time to grow... for me a day and a half, so that your razor has something to grab.
A trick I picked up from my wife: conditioner, rather than soap, makes for a terrific shave. It's one drawback is that it isn't sudsy; the visual in the mirror is less impressive.
Finally, get your son a toy shaving set. Spend some time together on the finer details. Gus, age 3, always enjoys shaving with me, and I never regret the extra few minutes. When you get older you can do this in the locker room.
1. Rinse face with warm water.
2. Apply good quality shave balm to entire area shaved.
3. Apply wringed out towel that has been sitting in an ice water bath to face- Similar to hot towel at start.
4. Apply second coat of balm.
It leaves you with the softest skin without irritation.
Shave after getting out
Badger brush, lather it up.
Shave with the grain, then against.
Repeat daily..
Cheers!
I have found that the longer time spent with the lather, the more enjoyable the shave is. If you don't spend anytime whipping up the lather, it will dry soon after you put it on your face. Which brings me to another point, slap the lather on your face one area at a time, so if you want to go slow, it does not dry.
This seems to go against the conventional thoughts above me, like the hot towel approach, but it works for me. From my perspective, it is in line with the "pat, don't wipe dry," and the "splash face with cold water after a shave" concepts, which are basically aimed at reducing irritation and blemishes by keeping pores tight and closed, and not rubbing debris into them.
Additionally, I used to just shave in the direction that was most comfortable for my hands and arm to draw the blade. Huge mistake. If you still do this, go with the advice of everyone who has tried it: follow the grain for crying out loud.
Tip #2 Go with a good cream with some oils into it and really work it into your beard before you start... it make both your task and the razor's task go easier. Avoid the canned foams. As it has been said before a good mug/brush/lather combo with some oils works best.
That said, if one wanted to send me such a magnificent set of shaving equipment as that pictured above, I'd consider changing my ways...
Also, I have recently taken to using my partners strange little plastic brush thing to lather up better - it's a little difficult to describe and I have no idea what's it's supposed to actually be used, but it's got lots of little soft rubber tips. Using that also means I end up using less foam - I used to just spray the stuff liberally everywhere, now I actually take the time to work it around my face.
Anyway, here goes:
* DO NOT shave AFTER a shower with an electric razor; I've found that causes the screens to not want to glide across the skin, causing serious irritation.
* If you do use the pre-electric shave, it will seriously dry out your skin. Counter with a good, moisturizing aftershave, followed by a lotion after the aftershave has dried.
* If I want a particularly close shave, I will shave once the night before, and once the day of.
* A hand check is a must with an electric shave, as the razor will leave stubble behind that can confuse the process of a visual check for strays.
* Spend the $20 or so a few times a year to replace the heads/screens and cutters, your face will thank you.
I'll have to try the DE Safety razor the next time I visit my folks' place, I know they have a few oldies sitting around there. I will pick up fresh shaving soap and blades though...
as obvious as it is i find myself doing it far too often cause i need to shave and am in a hurry (or dont feel like waiting). I've been looking to move on to bigger and better shaving techniques and this is the kit i need to do just that! I really hope i get it.
btw: amazing site, i get the RSS feed and read all the posts.
And now for my tip: no matter what, only ever use a downwards motion - never shave upwards. It'll shave just as close and helps prevent razer burn.
That, and use a eucalyptus oil on your skin afterwards (not after shave), it'll feel loads better.
1. Shower or steam up your bathroom so that your hair is damp, soft and hot
2. Wash your face with soap and apply a pre-shave oil (if you don't have any oils, don't be tempted to moisturise)
3. Make sure the razor (wet shave) is sharp - a lot of safety razors come with colourful indicators now but the barber used a cut-throat razor and it's always sharp! Use the blade like your sketching a drawing with a pencil and always go with the grain - you can feel this by rubbing your fingers over the hair first. This also helps it to stand up for the cut.
4. Wash with alcohol-free face wash - not scrub - and apply a small dab of post-shave balm. It's a fallacy to think that this shouldn't have alcohol in it - it does dry the skin a little but the moisturiser in it will compensate and you shouldn't feel in pain - just a fresh, tingling sensation.
Pretty straight-forward, I think, and something I've stuck to for over 10 years.
1. Hot shower or hold some hot water in your hands and dip your face in it.
2. You can use shaving cream or just keep wetting your face with warm water.
3. Shave two times with the grain gently so to not aggravate the skin.
4. Now shave against the grain with small strokes, rub/pull your skin a bit to get the stubs up and pass the blade about 2 to 3 times, only as much to ensure you get a smooth surface.
5. Wash your face with some soap, important to not leave dirt behind from your hands or the blade while your pores are open.
6. Moisturize with lotion.
Enjoy the smooth and clean skin for the next few days!
Sorry for the english.
Cheers and happy holidays.
There has been so much good stuff said I don't have much to add, my tip is to keep the sideburns even. Line up with a feature on your face (a part of your ear works well) and line up your razor with that feature to set the bottom of the sideburn, repeat on the opposite side. The 'burns will be even on your face and look right.
I would LOVE to win that shaving kit, just so you know.
1. Go slow. Short strokes prevent irritation and nicks for me.
2. Brush/Lather. Switching to shaving soap with a badger brush was a revelation.
1. Once you apply the brush into the cream, give it one rapid pass under the hot water to make sure the lather is warm. Tap it once or twice to rid the bristles of excess water (not too much or you'll lose the lather) and go for it.
2. Don't be afraid to look silly. My moustache area grows right up to the lower edge of my nose, and I have a decently-sized nose, so in order to have a smooth appearance for my entire upper lip, I have to literally hold my nose out of the way. It's worth it to make sure I've gotten everything.
Not to much shaving cream, be sure to take your time and pas over and area and sometimes Up and Down works quite well for the neck area
Have fun choose your style but no Hitlers their not funny
and Most of all relax and enjoy take time to apreciated a job well done
Waste not want not.
1) Shower
2) Mix and Apply shaving soap
[I keep ending up with either too much, too little or a bad ratio until I started to measure. For me 1.5 tablespoons of hot water, plus about 2mm longer than the height of the proraso cap of proraso. Works everytime.]
3) Brush teeth
4) Shave with grain
5) Shave across grain
6) Shave across (other) grain
[True it doesn't get as smooth without the against grain, but it pretty good and with zero irritation]
7) Rinse with cold water
8) Aftershave gel
One nice bonus with this is that I don't need to towel off after the shower. By the time I finish shaving I've been air-dried. Really cuts down on my laundry.
Get good shaving soap or cream. I suggest Taylor of bond street or Truefitt & Hill.
I put cream on my face and then brush my teeth. After the 2 minutes of brushing, I prepare and shave as normal with the lather goes right on top of the stuff you put first - your shave will be super smooth, easy and you shouldn't get any cuts or nicks.
It sounds silly, I know, but my shave - even if I use a bargain basement disposable (which I did once...and ran away) - is very close and smooth; so much so, that I could shave every other day, if needed.
I tend to nick myself more when standing in front of a mirror and using shaving cream / gel. I think it's because I use my fingers as a guide when in the shower, and take more time so as not to lop off a digit.
My best tip is for on the road. When you've forgotten your shaving cream and don't want to use the hotel soap, use the Conditioner from the hotel. It works better for shaving than the shampoo, and lets the blade glide smoothly across your face while lifting and er... conditioning your beard (couldn't help that one).
Also, I dry my razor by wiping it away from the blade on a dry towel.
The best way to get the corners of your mouth is to scrunch up your mouth like the "Church Lady" from SNL. Another way to illustrate this is to watch any Three Stooges short where they disguise themselves as barbers -- inevitably one will say to a customer, "Here, make like this" and do the scrunch perfectly.
I have a L'Occitane Cade shaving cream which sucks for shaving but works pretty well as a pre shave.
... says to self, "I want to win I want to win there IS a Santa Claus!)
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Dave
Wipe the mirror after you pour the hot water, or else...
http://www.badgerandblade.com/
It's the best shaving site on the web.
Beard preparation is perhaps the most important item for successful wet shaving. This holds true for guys who use DEs, straights, or even cartridges, with anything from the highest $ soaps and creams to the $1 canned goo from the drug store. A better prep will give you a better shave.
Start with either some of your lather, or rub your shave soa/shave stick/shave cream on your face and then massage it into your skin. Wait a few minutes and either rinse multiple times with lots of hot water, or use a hot towel for 3-5 minutes (re-heat as needed) to soften the hairs. Then re-lather and shave.
Eddie
After shaving most people know that you should rinse with hot water (to remove residue) then rinse with cold water (to close pores).
YMMV!
Since I have sensitive skin I rinse with just warm water and then use only cool water to help close my pores. When I first started Double Edge shaving I used Hot/Cold water. As a result my face would be flushed red after I was done. My girl friend was concerned about what had gone wrong while I was shaving!
I used to have the same problem...what I found worked best was to get a proper safety razor, make sure that your neck is as wet and warm as possible (try a warm towel, or shave after a shower). Get a good lather going (have a look at the videos by Mantic on lathering on YouTube), then when you shave, use as little pressure as possible. I would recommend just a single pass the first time you try, to get your neck used to it (you'll probably still have some stubble, and may nick yourself). Leave it a day or two then try again, adding a cross-grain pass. Keep this up until you're ready for an against-grain pass as well, and you're home free.
One last thing - remember, you're not scraping the hair off, use the blade like a scythe and cut through that stubble - you shouldn't need any pressure at all doing it this way.
Good luck!
I find that around the moustache, opening it up ever so slightly gets me a micron closer.
Another option is to get an adjustable ;)
This little tip can really save your neck (pun intended) especially if you have to shave in a hurry or with a dull blade every so often.
Cheers.
JPF
Pretty sad, I know.
Eg. the distance from my side burns to my beard is 2 razor widths. The width of the sideburns is 3/4ths of a razor width.
Not to revolutionary but most every possible tip has been covered!
I love the smell of Williams Mug Soap, but I could never get a good lather from it until I tried this: fill your mug up to the top of the puck with your hottest tap water. Let it stand there for just a minute or two. Before working up your lather, pour all the water out of the mug, and use a brush full of hot water to whip up a decent lather.
This tip is good for cheapskates like me who don't want to pay for expensive soaps and creams, and who love the smell of Williams.
Try it, it works!
[image: http://4imgs.com/313/x/22151_FULL.jpg ]
127 years ago, I used this back in college with my electric razor and figured it may work for razor-shaves. It is great. The razor glides on your face like it is on ice. Aaaaaah.
The best shaving advice I can give is check out http://badgerandblade.com/ the amount of experience and knowledge about shaving on this forum is amazing. Not to mention there are a lot of really standup guys who go out of their way to help new people.
COCOA BUTTER.
I use the stick form. I apply it sparingly immediately after shaving (don't dry), and then massage/spread in with my fingers. On cold or extra dry days, I might apply it a second time after dressing.
Cocoa butter locks in moisture, provides nutrients (including antioxidants), and helps elasticise the skin. Its soothing skin-healing properties will keep you looking glowing and youthful far beyond your actual youth.
Remember, a man takes care of what he has. So consider using cocoa butter to take care of your one and only face.
Weekends should be a break from as much of your weekly routines as possible, and shaving is no exception on my end. No shaving Saturday or Sunday--gives my skin a break, and allows a much closer shave on Monday than what I got on Friday. You'll look extra sharp when you come into work Monday morning, when looking sharp is most likely to be in short supply at your workplace. And isn't looking sharp the whole idea?
I'd love to try a wet shave, sign me up!
K
Logan
* In the UK (don't know about the US) Palmolive shave sticks are a fave of mine. They cost pennies, can be found everywhere and being small are great for travel. Also bars of Palmolive soap are cheap (4 pack for a £1 in most places) and great for prepping your face. Rub and load a wet brush with soapy-goodness . Then either proceed to your shave cream/soap or scrub your face with the loaded brush to get rid of any dirt/dead skin before you shave.
* For shaving the back of my neck between visits to the hairdressers I use a hand/shave mirror (I have a plastic, plate-sized one), stand with my back to the bathroom mirror holding my hand mirror in my non-shaving hand, get my angles right and use an over-hand action and a south-to-north stroke.
* Not sure if they have them in the US but in the UK charity shops like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation etc...are great for finding makeshift shave bowls such as large coffee 'soup bowl' mugs or ornamental bowls. My shave bowl is a gorgeous dark red ceramic bowl I found for 10 pence in an Oxfam shop.
Only later have we learnt the secrets of good shaving, the better tools of doing it "right", and the joy, pride and meaning of a well-shaved face.
Your campaign is well in place; young generation should know—there's more to shaving than buzzing machines with techno-hype rotating blades, half-a-minute travel of the blade on your cheek, or two-days shaved-face appearance among people!
I recommend a quality Badger hair brush, they usually aren't cheep but they are worth the money. Razor! wow, I"m sick of spending tons of money for cheep blades and having to get a new one the next week. Spend the extra and get and learn to use a Safety razor, or even a good straight razor. Obviously this is a "skill", it's worth learning. If you can, find a true barber in your area, go ask for some tips, Barbers can shave, Hair dressers CAN'T... its in the licensing.
I've been working to get one of these for a while, but funds have been limited (being a student) for the start-up cost of wetshaving. However, I keep in mind that once purchased, it will be refreshingly cheap to shave from then on.
Also, properly lubricate, people!
AK
Matt
Logan
Rule #1 - Do not use shaving supplies you can buy at a supermarket.
Rule #2 - DO NOT USE SHAVING SUPPLIES YOU CAN BUY AT A SUPERMARKET!!
Sorry for the Fight Club reference.
Tips:
First things first - clean your face with a non-soap based, exfoliating cleanser. Not only will it keep you looking good but it will reduce the chance of nicks while shaving.
Avoid using a shaving soap - use, instead, a shaving cream. Shaving soaps have a tendency to dry out your skin and make you prone to irritation.
Use a nice shave oil prior to lathering and shaving. I like oil with eucalyptus.
Try the Method Shave. It's a comfortable and repeatable way to get a close shave.
When using a DE razor - don't be afraid to change out the blade frequently. One of the great things about classic wet shaving is that it's very cost effective.
I like an alcohol based after shave for two reasons - if helps disinfect you skin and helps close up pores and tighten skin; your milage may vary.
To whom ever wins the shave set: congratulations. I use the exact same setup and love it. I'm sure you will too.
Shaving in the shower helps soften your beard/stubble (hang a mirror), as does using hair conditioner before a shave.
Shave with the grain, then against. If you have sensitive skin, try with and then perpendicular to.
A friend of mine with *really* coarse hair insists he's gotten the best results using a woman's razor (after grabbing a girlfriend's when he had to shave at her place). Contrary to that, I know plenty of girls who prefer a mach3 over lady razors.
Rinse and dry the blades after each use: this will keep them sharper than simply letting it air dry.
If using electric, use shaving cream with it: it's amazing the difference in shave using it.
Shaving in the shower helps soften your beard/stubble (hang a mirror), as does using hair conditioner before a shave.
Exfoliate beforehand.
Shave with the grain, then against. If you have sensitive skin, try with and then perpendicular to.
A friend of mine with *really* coarse hair insists he's gotten the best results using a woman's razor (after grabbing a girlfriend's when he had to shave at her place). Contrary to that, I know plenty of girls who prefer a mach3 over lady razors.
Rinse and dry the blades after each use: this will keep them sharper than simply letting it air dry.
If using electric, use shaving cream with it: it's amazing the difference in shave using it.
Sargent Sam Besser
When shaving, in order to avoid vanity, look yourself directly in the eyes in the mirror, using only your peripheral vision to shave. Not exactly easy, but with some practice, it can be one of the most manly experiences of your morning, if not your whole day.
A friend of mine in college used to do this and could not for the life of himself figure out how he kept getting infections on his face.
That basin of water is swimming with germs that will jump all over the open knicks on your face.
Jim