How to Shave Properly With a Safety Razor?

There are tons of options around for shaving these days. There are many types of razors and electric shavers but truth be told, there is one shaving method that is still a cut above the rest: the double-edged safety razor.

The safety razor doesn’t use cartridges, it mounts a standard high-quality razor blade that enables you to get a super-close, accurate and higher quality shave than other methods. Also, since safety razors use standard double-edged razor blades and not expensive cartridges, they’re cheaper to maintain and better for the environment. 

Here, we’ll guide you through how to get the most out of this superb shaving method:

1) Prepare your Face

Preparation is key. Fail to prepare then prepare to fail! Washing your face properly using warm water is vital here. It’ll soften hairs and elevate them from the surface of the skin to make them more easily shaveable. It’ll also help make your skin more supple, aiding lubrication. Warm skin is also less likely to become red whilst shaving. Furthermore, giving your face a good scrub here will exfoliate pores and help increase blood flow to the skin, further decreasing the likelihood of redness. 

There are so many benefits – always wash before shaving!

2) Lather up Some Shaving Cream

Shaving cream will lubricate the razor against your face whilst keeping your skin moisturised throughout the shaving process. It also further softens hairs and brings them up to an erect position where they’re more easily shaved. Shaving cream high in fat is best for safety razor shaves as it lubricates more effectively. 

Use a shaving brush to work up a good lather. This will also exfoliate further and prep hairs for shaving. Don’t rush when it comes to lathering – enjoy it and take your time!

3) Shave with the Grain First

You can now begin to shave! Always check the position of your safety razor in the holder to make sure it’s properly fitted and straight. Gently work with the grain whilst holding the razor at roughly a 30 – 45-degree angle, never steeper. Make sure to pull the skin tight as you shave, either with your free hand or by rotating the head and neck. You can also tense facial muscles to help keep the skin taught. Taught skin = lower likelihood of cuts. 

When you pull the blade across your skin, keep movements nice and straight. Avoid lateral movements as these can cause cuts. If you feel like you’re getting pretty good at it then great! However, don’t rush or let your concentration drop – this is precision stuff. 

4) Shave Across the Grain

Shaving across the grain is suitable only once you’ve achieved a good standard shave going with the grain. This next stage enhances smoothness and elevates your shave to levels only achievable with a safety razor!

Be careful when going across the grain, work slowly and always make sure that the skin is kept taught.

5) Wash Up 

Done? Time to wash your face, razor and brush. Use hot water at first and then switch to cold, this will reduce any minor inflammation and redness and closes up your pores. Some people use an ice cube to make the skin extra-taught. 

Finally, apply shaving balms. These moisturise and protect the skin. 

There we have it, your guide on how to shave using a safety razor. Take your shave to the next level and enjoy results a cut above the rest!