With the cost of buying razors and razor blades rising sharply, many men are moving to a cheaper and smoother way of shaving. Such dual blade razors are direct, inexpensive and effective. A new generation of men is discovering that you don't need five blades to get a face as smooth as ivory.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Assembling the Razor
Step 1. Remove the head and comb from the handle
A double-edged (DE) razor has three parts - the head, which covers the razor; the comb, which is between the head and the handle; and the handle, which you hold while shaving. Hold the head and comb as you release the handle. This will release all three sections of your razor.
Step 2. Place a sharp razor between the head and the comb
Place a sharp razor between the head and comb, making sure to match the three holes on the head, razor and comb.
- Which razor should you choose? Your choice of razor depends on your beard. Thicker beards usually require a sharper razor. A thin beard is more suitable for using a razor that is not too sharp, although it could be that the razor pulls the beard instead of cutting it straight away.
- Razor with the Feather brand, made in Japan, has industry standards in terms of sharpness. If you're shaving slowly (you should), the razor offers the same relaxed and serious shave as the best razors.
Step 3. Secure the razor by tightening the head and handle
Fasten the razor in the hook between the head and the comb and you are ready to shave.
Part 2 of 4: Establishing a Habit Before Shaving
Step 1. Consider taking a shower before shaving
Taking a shower before shaving is an important step that casual shaving people often forget, but only a few are okay with it. Bathing moisturizes and softens your beard, makes the post-shaving process easier, and causes fewer cuts.
Step 2. Wash your face with face wash or scrub
Over time, dead skin builds up on your face. Removing a layer of dead skin from the skin by washing your face before shaving often, if not always, results in a better shave. Scrub that contains a small amount of abrasive is good for removing dead skin.
Many men use glycerin soap before shaving for a better shave. Glycerin soap is great for removing dead skin and smoothing skin without stripping away moisture
Step 3. Apply a small amount of cream before shaving on your beard
A small amount of pre-shave cream (often containing glycerin) softens the beard while preparing the surface of the skin for razor contact.
Some men prefer to apply baby lotion to the beard before shaving. Baby lotion can reduce irritation by providing a smooth surface for the razor to glide on
Step 4. Prepare warm water in your sink for shaving
Warm water feels good on the skin. Warm water is also great for removing hair residue and clumps between your razors when cleaning between shaves.
Step 5. Rub the shaving cream into a lather and apply it all over your beard, making sure not to wash off the cream before shaving
A casual shaver might rely on cream from a can, because it's fast, economical and easy to use. It's perfect. Today's men, however, find the convenience of making a foamy shaving cream with a shaving brush and a little warm water.
- Start with a small amount of shaving soap, a wet shaving brush, and a shaving cup. Start applying shaving soap in circular motions with your brush. Use only a small amount of water.
- Rub the shaving soap vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute and a half, until the soap becomes an opal-colored lather.
- Apply shaving soap to the beard with a brush. Use a circular motion. Using a brush to lather on your face will soften the beard and ensure that the lather goes into every part of your face around the beard. When the foam has covered your beard, smooth it out with a few strokes of your brush.
Part 3 of 4: Mastering How to Shave
Step 1. Wet your razor blade and position it at a 30° angle to your skin
Soak your razor blade in hot water and position it at a 30° angle. this angle ensures a clean or short shave but does not cause multiple cuts.
Step 2. On the first shave, always shave with the grain
The direction your beard hair grows out of the skin is known as grain. Sizing in the same direction as the hair - called "with the grain" - cuts hair less, but is less painful. For the first shave, always do it in the direction of hair growth.
If you've never shaved before, it will take some time to figure out where your beard is going. Everyone has a different hair direction, and often changes depending on the position of the face
Step 3. Dip your razor in warm water regularly and stir
This will remove any hair and clumps that are trapped between the head, razor and comb. Obviously, a dirty or clogged razor will result in a less satisfying shave than a clean one.
Step 4. Shave lightly, letting the weight of the blade do its work
Have you ever noticed that commercial shaving products always show men shaving in long, unbroken strokes? That's not the way to shave. It may look good in commercials, but in real life you can become a blood donor because of it. Use only small strokes, making sure to no pressing the razor against the skin.
Let the weight of the razor do its work. If you feel the need to press the razor against your skin to shave, it could be that your razor isn't sharp enough or your razor isn't heavy enough
Step 5. Hold the skin tight to make shaving easier
Holding the skin tight allows the razor blade to glide over the surface of your skin. Hold the upper lip down and the lower lip up, as well as the skin below the jaw line for a clean shave without much cuts.
Step 6. Pay special attention to problem areas
Problem areas usually experience sores, irritation and redness. For some men, these areas include below and above the lips, below the jawline, or other places on the face that are contoured instead of flat. When shaving the area, do not rush and shave against the direction of the hair. Be patient and shave several strokes not in one stroke.
Step 7. Wet your face, apply a little more cream and apply a second shave
The purpose of the first stroke is to remove the base of the beard, even if there is still some visible residue. The purpose of the second stroke is to shave the remaining stubble without causing cuts or irritation.
- In the second stroke, shave sideways or against the hair, very carefully. A side sweep will trim your beard forest to a desert without producing irritation.
- On especially the second wash, remember to wash the blades, keep the skin taut, and always soap the area you're shaving for extra lubricant.
Step 8. Repeat this general process as many times as possible to get a clean shave
Every man has a different beard and wants a different shave. Shave until you achieve the desired cleanliness or shortening of your hair, remembering that each additional stroke increases the chance for cuts and irritation.
Part 4 of 4: Establishing a Regular Habit After Shaving
Step 1. Clean the razor and rinse your face with cold water
Warm water before shaving, cold water after shaving. Warm water opens pores, cold water causes them to tighten. Cold water on your face feels refreshing and helps stop bleeding from razor wounds.
Step 2. Consider soaking the razor in rubbing alcohol for a while to dry off any excess water
Water on the razor causes rust; rust causes additional friction; friction makes shaving less comfortable. If you want to increase the durability of your razor, remove it from the blade, soak it in alcohol, remove it. Put it back in the cleaned razor when the razor is dry.
Step 3. When you use a brush, clean it and make sure it is dry enough
Rinse the brush in cold water to remove any remaining soap. Gently shake the wet brush until most of the water comes out. Store in a well-ventilated area.
Step 4. Apply aftershave on the face if desired
Aftershave helps to refresh and sometimes hydrate the skin after shaving. There are basically two different types of aftershave – alcohol based and witch hazel based:
- Alcohol-based aftershaves are generally less expensive, but tend to sting and tend to dry out the skin (much like drying a razor blade). This type of aftershave is the most widely available in the market.
- Aftershave with witch hazel (a type of plant) cools and does not sting the skin, but is less refreshing to the skin than alcohol-based aftershave. These aftershaves are not harsh and are becoming increasingly popular in post-shave routines.
- If you are adventurous, you can make your own aftershave. The process is instant and you can apply your creativity.
Step 5. Hydrate your skin with a moisturizer
You just poke and push your skin, pull and throw your hair, your skin is also being pulled. To keep your face as healthy as possible, provide nutrition in the form of moisturizer. Your skin will thank you.
