Info about Shaving
Getting the Most Out of your Razor
• Products and Techniques that will bring forth Desired Results
It was once stated that in the Stone Age, men used shells to scrape the hair off of their faces. While this method was effective, it was also painful. Today, this approach to shaving is no longer necessary. However, that does not mean that pain is no longer present. Razor burn is common, especially for men looking to scrape those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. The following question and answer session will put into perspective some of the most effective shaving mechanisms
• Q: What is the best way to reach that perfect shave, and why do so many men fail?
A: All men undoubtedly aim to reach that perfect shave, day in and day out. Most of the time, pain will be sacrificed, whether it is through razor burn, redness, burning, and even cutting. Sadly, men have grown accustomed to this pain, as it seems that it is the only way to come even close to removing all the unwanted hair.
Fundamentally, shaving is an art. What men don’t understand is that shaving is a tradition that has evolved from generation to generation. These transition periods of new razors, thicker creams, and electronic shaving technology have made many forget the underlying goal of shaving: to rid the skin of undesired facial hair. Whatever happened to the old-fashioned method of dragging a disposable razor across the face? This approach certainly was equally as painful compared to the razors on the market today, yet men still believe it is necessary to pay for today’s new products. Slowly but surely, the old-fashioned approach is going to dominate the market once again, as it is just as effective.
• Q: How does one define “wetshaving” and what makes it different from regular shaving?
A: Wetshaving is self-explanatory –leaving the shaving area wet prior to making contact with a razor. Generally, the skin surface remains wet throughout the whole shaving process, and warm to hot water is recommended. In some cases, it is preferred to take a warm shower beforehand and then proceed to shave. What is the exact purpose of the hot water anyway? Basically, it serves as somewhat of a lubricant for the razor, and prevents any skin damage. Furthermore, warm water reduced both skin irritation and redness.
As for appearance, wetshaving is known to leave one with better looking skin. Considering that hot water opens the pores of skin, the muscles underneath the skin become less tense. Hairs that stick out also become softer after being exposed to hot water, which eases the shaving process. What many fail to believe is that the whiskers on the human face are actually rougher than the razor itself. Therefore, shaving a dry face is actually tough on the razor blade, let alone ineffective. Ultimately, hydration is crucial, and the area to be shaved should be wet at all times.
• Q: What are the necessary tools needed for someone who wants to wetshave?
A: There are three main components that make up a perfect shave. First and foremost, a good razor is instrumental for the whole process. A razor with faded or dull blades does not help one achieve the desired results. The other two components are a serviceable brush and glycerin-based shaving cream. Many fail to realize the importance of a shaving brush. Simply adding a shaving brush to your current shaving routine will bring forth noteworthy results.
Most men today find it appropriate to simply use their fingers to spread shaving cream over their face. However, this approach does not spread the cream proportionally, meaning that some areas will have more cream while others won’t have enough. A smooth brush ensures uniformity throughout the whole facial area, minimizing pain and promoting comfort.
An effective shaving brush typically costs around $25 and is made of badger hair. The purpose of the badger hair is to absorb the hot water and then mix the hot water with the cream when it strikes the face. The motion at which one spreads the cream across the face is also significant, and an up-down motion is said to be the most beneficial. This method of spreading the cream across the face is much smoother than using fingers, aside from being gentler on the skin. In addition, the up-down motion lifts the whiskers to their highest point, making them easily-accessible for the razor, especially in areas that are difficult to reach.
One may be shocked to find out that some of the most expensive shaving brushes can cost as much as $550. These enormous brushes are equipped with some of the softest hair from the badger’s neck, which is said to be the most absorbent. This type of hair makes the art of brushing prior to shaving feel like a small graze across the face.
The bottom line is that you do not need a $550 shaving brush to get the best shave. However, consideration of your approach is necessary when looking to make the most out of your appearance. It should be noted that, as stated earlier, brushes that contain badger hair are known to provide more ideal results. Some cheaper brushes are made of boar’s hair, which can be rough on the skin. The size of the brush is also worth mentioning, as it is yet another factor that should be involved in the decision-making process. In the end, it is up to you to follow the necessary steps when shaving. These steps include dipping a shaving brush in warm water, spreading the cream evenly across the face in an up-down motion, and then shaving all appropriate areas. If you are uncertain where to purchase your shaving brush, some of the more popular models are made by Vulfix. This brand has reasonable prices and effective products.
Enough about brushes. What types of razors are recommended for the ideal shave? Right off the bat, disposable razors are not recommended since they are said to have jagged-edged blades that can cause skin damage. Though they may cheapo and easy to toss in the garbage right after shaving, they are not the logical choice for wetshaving.
Instead, a double-edged razor is suitable. This type of razor is actually similar to the model that your great-great-grandfather used, in addition to famous historical figures such as Cary Grant, Lee Marvin, and JFK. The benefit of this razor is that it is most comfortable, limits burning, and prevents neck irritation. Being one of the most sensitive areas near the face, it is vital that the neck not be exposed to any undesirable harm.
Not surprising, there is a target market for double-edged razors. African-American men, who suffer from what are known as “shave bump,” may benefits most from these razors. The shave bumps are a result of hard pressing on the skin, which causes the development of ingrown hairs. Exfoliating the skin prevents ingrown hairs from sprouting, and the double-edged razors play a critical role in prepping the skin prior to striking it with a blade.
If you still don’t believe the notion that consumers are leaning towards more traditional shaving techniques, just visit eBay.com and look at some of the prices for grooming brushes and vintage double-edged razors. These models were popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s, but have recently experienced resurgence in consumer demand. Some of the more popular brands that manufactured double-edged razors include Gillette and Merkur. More information can be found
Probably the most underrated ingredient in the shaving process is a simple tub of hot water. The most efficient approach is to fill the tub with hot water after a shower and then let the shaving brush float around until it sinks. While the brush is absorbing the water, do not hesitate to moisturize your face. After all, it is called wetshaving for a reason.
After a few minutes, remove the brush from the tub and let water drip out of it. Apply shaving cream to the center of your cheeks and neck. Bear in mind that only a touch of shaving cream is necessary, as too thick of a layer will prevent the razor (and brush) from reaching the surface of the skin. In due time, the process will be as easy as day and night.
When painting the face, make sure a bit of pressure is applied, but not too much. Roll over all areas of the face and neck, making sure that the cream is spread proportionally. This spreading process should take about a minute or until a favorable layer of lather is reached. Once this step is complete, it is time to grab the razor.
The key step in shaving is to shave in the direction of the whiskers, not opposite them. Usually, the neck requires a top-down stroke, while the face depends on the particular area. Not only does this technique minimize pain, but it also removes whiskers in a harmless, productive manner.
As mentioned earlier, using hot water opens the pores and relaxes the facial muscles. When shaving is complete, rinse your face with cold water to close the pores. Afterwards, rinse off the brush and razor right away so that no hairs dries up inside the tools. When storing the razor and brush in a cabinet, make sure that they are faced upwards so that they can dry properly
Men who have grown accustomed to using some of today’s popular razors, such as the Mach3, are going to have a difficult time adjusting to using the double-edged razors and the steps involved in achieving the ideal shave. Once the shave and rinsing processes are complete, pat the face with a dry towel. It is also recommended to apply some type of moisturizer so that the skin remains smooth after shaving. This step marks the final part of the shaving process. Some important takeaways to remember include warm water, up-down brush motions, and shaving in the direction of the whiskers. Oh yea, and, throw away your current blade and go buy a traditional double-edged razor!
Too many men still fail to grasp the effectiveness of a double-edged razor. This is not the only fallacy, however, as men typically have a desire to “push” the razor against their face to get the best results. This added pressure on your skin is actually the catalyst to skin irritation and burning. Though it sounds like a simple concept, a soft, smooth, close shave will eliminate any undesirable burning sensation. Unfortunately, manufacturers today have designed their razors so that they do not prove effective unless extreme pressure is applied. Consequently, men looking to change their habits will have to change each step of the process as well. A double-edged razor will eliminate the need for any pressure and will be more comfortable, though the results may not be noticed for some time.
It is not uncommon to experience a few scratches and burns after the first few uses of a double-edged razor; this harm is simply your skin adjusting to the transition of a new shaving utensil. Eventually, you will look back and question your preference of a double-edged razor, realizing that you were a bonehead for buying into the scheme in the first place.
For those who do have a tough time breaking a habit, a Mach3 is not necessarily a horrific option. If you plan on continuing to use this model, it is still HIGHLY encouraged that you purchase a complementary shaving brush. Do not fail to purchase a quality cream as well. Remember that some products are more expensive than others when it comes to creams, and the cost increase is due to the ingredients that are included.
As mentioned earlier, a glycerin-based shaving cream is another key ingredient of the wet shaving process. If you are spending more money on your Starbucks cup of coffee than you are on your shaving cream, there is a definite problem. You’ll be surprised at some of the prices associated with some of the infamous European shaving cream lathers. Aside from the effectiveness of these products, they are known to emit a smell similar to fresh-cut violets. Many do not realize that Europeans have manufactured these products for centuries. Specialty tubes range from $12 - $20, clearly pricier than the products you can find at your local Walgreens.
Some recommendations include Geo F. Trumper’s and Taylor of Old Bond Street’s creams, which are available in both large and small tubs. They range in flavors from violet, avocado, and even lavender. If you are used to local supermarket products, then you will certainly be in for a treat when you use these foreign imports. Adding a quality shaving brush along with warm water to the mix and you will soon experience one of the smoothest, harmless, most effective shaves one could imagine.
Obviously, not everybody has the cash to shell out for state-of-the-art shaving products. If this is the case for you, then some less expensive brands, which include Portugal’s Musgo Reak, cost no more than $8 a tube and provide ideal results. Another inexpensive product is the renowned eucalyptus cream from Italy known as Proraso, priced right around $7 a tube. This product comes in a toothpaste-like tube and has been a hot seller in Italy since the 1940’s. For more information on products similar to the above-mentioned creams.
• Q: If I am looking for a traditional barber shop shave, is that still a viable option?
A: Yes indeed. Actually, many real barbers today have integrated a typical shave into their service menu for a small free. What’s different about this type of shave is that most barbers use what is referred to by many in the industry as the “cut throat.” This straight razor is said to be the most severed aside from being the most feared. However, that is not to say that it is ineffective. The “cut throat” is actually quite expensive and is a preferred option for those looking to rid of all the hair on the facial complexity. Beware, as the “cut throat” may instill a sense of dread upon its subject, meaning if you are scared of sharp object, it may not be the best choice.
A standard barbershop shave involves the subject lying back in a leather barber chair while the barber prepares the face to be groomed. Hot towels are used to get the skin ready and open up the pores. The process is so intricate that most subjects can hear the barber slashing each of the whiskers off of the face. Afterwards, subjects usually long for a cold towel to ease some of the burning and close the pores. In some cases, subjects may find the process so smooth that they consider it a form of relaxation therapy. At times, men will even feel the need to fall asleep. If women are looking for the most ideal Valentine’s Day gift, a gift certificate to the local barber shop may be a wise choice.
• Q: Where can I go to find out more information about wetshaving?
A: The web is full of several wetshaving forums where people can discuss products, approaches, and results. Wetshavers is one of the more popular sites for first-time browsers, as there is a bundle of information compiled over the last 40 years available. Though it may at first seem like an easy concept to understand, people today are still discovering new tips to master the technique.