Learn how to shave with a safety razor from this beginners' guide! Here are some helpful tips that will assist you.
A FEW TIPS
THE RAZOR SHOULD BE HOLDEN AT 30°
-The blade is most effective at this angle-
USE SHORT STROKES
-Strokes should be between 1-3 cm long-
SHAVE WITH THE GRAIN
-The direction of hair growth should be followed when shaving to minimize irritation-
GENTLY APPLY PRESSURE
-Make most of the work easier by utilizing the razor's weight-
GET THE PERFECT SHAVE
I. BE AWARE OF THE DIRECTION IN WHICH HAIR GROWS
-The facial stubble generally grows downward; however, areas such as the neck and chin can sometimes grow sideways or spirally. Consider the direction of your own hair growth before shaving.
II. SHAVE WITH A HIGH-QUALITY CREAM OR SOAP
-A shaving cream or soap helps reduce the friction on the razor, as well as softens the stubble for a smoother shave. A good lather ensures a more comfortable shave with less irritation and redness.
III. THE RAZOR SHOULD BE HOLDEN AT 30°
-A safety razor has a built-in safety mechanism to prevent accidental cuts and nicks. By protruding past the blade's edge, the razor head prevents the blade from making direct contact with the skin.
-The protective bar on the razor is angled away from the skin when held at about a 30° angle, exposing the blade to the stubble and making the razor more effective. Getting used to maintaining the proper angle while shaving is one of the biggest learning curves when using a safety razor.
IV. USE SHORT STROKES
-When shaving, use short strokes of around 1-3cm in length rather than long, sweeping strokes. By following this method, you'll prevent nicks and cuts, as well as prevent tugging of the hairs and clogging of your razor.
V. SAVE YOURSELF TIME AND ENERGY WITH THE RAZOR
-As a result of safety razor blades' sharpness, cutting through stubble is easy and requires no effort. It is important to let the razor's weight do most of the work when using a safety razor, and only use gentle pressure when keeping the razor head against your skin.
VI. SHAVE YOUR HAIR IN THE DIRECTION OF GROWTH
-The most common cause of irritation from shaving is shaving against the grain. When shaving in the direction of hair growth, irritation is greatly reduced, while a close shave is still achieved.
VII.A RAZOR THAT BEGINS TO CLOG SHOULD BE FLIPPED OVER, THEN WASHED THOROUGHLY
-Having two sides to a double edge safety razor is one of its advantages. By flipping over the razor and using a fresh blade, you won't have to rinse your razor under the faucet as often while shaving.
VIII. A SECOND PASS WILL ENSURE A CLEANER SHAVE
-To get an even closer shave, some people like to do a second pass after shaving in the direction of hair growth. In the second pass, lather should be applied across the direction of hair growth.