Shaving is an art that dates back thousands of years. Now, much luxurious equipment has been built for shaving. But no matter how advanced the equipment is, a wrong drag of a razor blade across your skin will create massive problems. A straight razor has a number of benefits. Straight razor shaving offers long-term skincare benefits like removing dirt and dead skin along with the necessary hair.
It will take some time for you to master the straight razor. If you like a quick and easy shaving method, then a straight razor is not the best fit for you.
If you are searching for a way to shave with a straight razor, then you are at the right place. Just go through this article.
1. Cleanse and apply oil
Use a face wash or any other cleanser you use for cleansing the face. A steamy shower is also effective in this case. You can apply pre-shave oil to soften hair. Remember to use oil created for shaving. So it will avoid clogging of pores.
2. Lather Up
Apply shaving cream. You can make a thick and forthy layer of shaving cream by mixing it with warm water. The lubrication will avoid razor burn and ingrown hair.
3. Know the way to handle the blade
You need to hold the blade at a 30-degree angle from the surface of your skin. Focus more on the grip on the blade as you need to adjust it while moving along the contours of the face. Take enough time to learn the way to handle a straight razor. Otherwise, you will end up in a mess.
4. Shave
Now, it is time to shave. Apply light pressure with the blade. So it won’t cut the face or fingers. Start with the comfortable side of your face. Don’t pull or drag the razor. Just follow the natural grain of the hair when cutting. Hair tends to grow in different directions in sensitive areas like the neck. So it is important to focus on the hair growth direction while cutting. You can use the middle of a straight razor blade for the chin and other prominent curved areas on the face. Raise the blade slightly to accommodate curves.
5. Repeat
Look at the face carefully. If you notice some missed areas, then go back with the straight razor. Remember to repeat all the above-mentioned steps even in the repeat. Don’t shave bare or unprepared skin using a straight razor.
6. Aftercare and maintenance
Once you are done with shaving, rinse the shaved area thoroughly with cool water. Use a dry towel to pat the area. Apply a small amount of post-shave balm. Don’t rub as the skin is sensitive. It will hurt you.
To sum up
When you start shaving with a straight razor, it is not needed to shave every day. Though the learning curve is much steeper, a straight razor will ease your life. Several straight razor types are available in the market. Try to choose a razor having a comfortable grip. You should be able to control the razor and be comfortable in weight while shaving. So try to choose the best straight razor fi=or your use.
