Shaving Basics
For the Perfect Shave
Tools
- High quality shaving brush
- Shaving soap or cream
- Premium razor (straight or safety)
- Aftershave skin moisturizer or conditioner
- Strop (for straight razors only)
Preparation
- Clean face with warm to hot water (not scalding)
- Wet brush thoroughly, then turn upside down to drain excess moisture
- Swirl brush lightly & slowly in a circular motion in soap until visible lather appears (not too much or too little, depending on your preference)
- Work the brush up and down your face, similar to painting. Your neck and face should now be covered; you want a thick rich opaque lather covering the area to be shaved
Shave
- Hold the razor in your dominant hand and begin shaving down the face and neck, top to bottom
- Hold the razor horizontally to your face
- Shave first in the direction of hair growth to minimize skin irritation or ingrown hairs
- First few strokes should rid the face of the toughest hairs
- Repeat the process again in the opposite direction
- To achieve the closest shave possible, rinse face in clean hot water, and repeat lather, shave & rinse. (If you have sensitive skin you might want to shave in the direction of the hair only to avoid redness and razor burn)
Soothe and Moisturize
- Rinse face with cold water, to close pores
- Thoroughly rinse shaving brush with warm, clean water and placed in an appropriate stand in a well vented area, to maximize the lifespan of your brush (some as long as 15 years)
- Gently rub a good quality, non-alcohol based moisturizer, balm or aftershave over the area that has been shaved
- Clean razor with warm water, gently dry and strop after every use (stropping should be done with the sharp edge of the razor trailing, never leading)
- Always let the razor dry completely before closing to avoid corrosion of the blade. (Sharpen with a wet stone when necessary or professionally sharpen straight razors regularly to extend the life of your razor)
- Store safely. Before storing the razor for longer periods, coat the blade in a fine layer of oil
Enjoy the closest shave of your life!
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