An electric shaver is convenient but not nearly as thorough as the age-old technique of wet Shaving. Wet Shaving literally means shaving your Face 'wet', with water. But it also requires a bit more knowledge. Knowledge that we hope to impart to you today. Time for a step-by-step plan, a quick course on 'how to Shaving', a major enhancement to your shaving routine and perhaps your life. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but we are true 'wet-shaving' enthusiasts! Enjoy your step-by-step plan and ultimately enjoy your shave.
Why wet Shaving?
We'll keep it brief for you. There are numerous reasons to leave your electric device in the cupboard. Read the most important reasons below.
- Reduces discomforts like ingrown hairs and shaving irritation
- Is much cheaper in the long run
- Hairs are cut shorter so you need to Shaving less often
- A smoother shaving result than with an electric device
A reason many men stick to their Electric Shaver is that it is easier (or seems easier) than wet Shaving. But trust us, once you know the steps, it's a piece of cake.
Step 1: Clean your Face
A clean and relaxed skin is essential for a good shaving result. So first, for example, take a nice shower and let the steam from the shower do its work. Your pores will open, and your skin will become nice and supple. Clean your Face with a good Cleanser, then all dead skin cells will be removed from your skin. This way, you will reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.
No time to shower? No problem. Use a washcloth or towel with warm water and place it on your Face for about 2 to 3 minutes. The heat, just like the steam from the shower, will do its job.
Step 2: Wet your Beard or Moustache
When you wet your Beard or Moustache, they will be easier to Shaving. So wash these hairy friends under the shower as well. It's even better to wash them with a good Beard Shampoo or Beard Conditioner. This will make the hairs softer, making it easier to Shaving them. The blade will encounter less resistance, making it easier for you to Shaving more precisely.
Step 3: Use a shaving product
Time for a good shaving product. The choice here is a bit up to you and your preferences. There are quite a few differences between a Shaving Soap, cream, oil, Hair Gel, and foam. It's a matter of finding the product that suits you best.
Shaving Soap
A good Shaving Soap is always a good choice. Whip it up in a Shaving Bowl with a shaving brush until you create a rich lather. Apply the lather to your Beard or Moustache with circular motions of the shaving brush . Let this soak in for a moment to give the beard hairs a chance to become even more supple and softer. A Shaving Soap often consists of extremely fine and natural ingredients that will nourish and soften your skin.
Shaving Cream
A Shaving Cream is applied in the same way as a Shaving Soap, but it foams a bit easier and will be easier to clean. Its use is therefore somewhat simplified. A Shaving Cream often contains different types of ingredients than a Shaving Soap and slightly less natural formulas. Therefore, mainly look at your own preferences.
Shaving Foam
For those who want pure convenience, go for Shaving Foam. Directly from the spray can onto your skin and Shaving away! Of course, a Shaving Foam does not contain the nourishing ingredients that a Shaving Soap does offer, but it is nice and easy for a quick shave.
It is also handy to use a pre shave for Shaving for men. A pre shave will create a kind of layer over your skin that protects your skin and makes your beard hairs a bit extra soft.
Step 4: Use a good razor
Perhaps the most important step if you are wondering how to Shaving. A good razor is the foundation! Even if you follow all the other steps very well, a dull razor can throw a wrench in the works. A dull razor is namely the biggest culprit behind ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burn, and irritation. You definitely don't want to have any of that. You know your razor is dull when it no longer glides smoothly over your skin.
Which razor is best to use?
You need to find out which razor is best for you. You can choose from the Safety Razor, Shavette, and the Cartridge Razor. They all have pros and cons, so you need to find out which one suits you.
Advantages of a Safety Razor:
- Extremely smooth shaving result
- Prevents discomfort like ingrown hairs and skin irritation
- Much more comfortable Shaving than with a Cartridge Razor
- Suitable for men with a sensitive skin
- Much cheaper in the long run than a Cartridge Razor
- Better for the environment
Advantages of a Shavette:
- Super smooth shaving result
- Blades are easy to replace
- Cheaper than a Cartridge Razor in the long run
- Prevents discomfort like ingrown hairs and skin irritation
- It just looks really cool
Advantages of a Cartridge Razor:
- Comfortable grip due to the rubber lining
- Shaving is very easy
- Low maintenance
- You won't easily get shaving cuts
Step 5: Start Shaving
Now that you have done all the preparation and have brought the right Shaving Products / razor into your home, it is time for the real work. Time to Shaving! At this point, you might be wondering "how should you Shaving with a razor blade?" To do this in a good way, we have compiled some tips for you.
Tips & tricks
- Go with the direction of the hair. With a sharp razor, you will still cut the hairs very short. When you go against the direction of the hair, you greatly increase the chance of skin irritation and ingrown hairs. So don't do it! And with a sharp razor, it's certainly not necessary.
- Pull your skin tight during your shave. This ensures that the hairs can be cut even shorter. Pull your skin tight with your free hand and let the razor smoothly follow your skin.
- Don't press too hard! This is not necessary at all if you have a sharp blade. You will only irritate your skin the harder you press. Let the blade do its job.
- Clean your blade with water during the Shaving. This removes the shaved hairs from your blade and ensures you work with a clean razor with each stroke.
Step 6: Close your pores
When you are finished with your Face Shaving, you need to rinse your Face again. This way, you rinse the hairs and shaving product off your skin. Rinse your Face with cold water or use a washcloth with cold water to close your pores again. This way, shaving irritations are prevented.
Step 7: Take care of your skin
When you have cooled your skin with cold water, you can finish your shaving routine with a good aftershave or Aftershave Balm. This will provide extra cooling for your skin and give you a boost after your shave. A aftershave also works as a disinfectant and will therefore prevent irritations.
So, now that you have your entire step-by-step plan, you can start with the beginning of your most comfortable shave! This is the way most barbers work, so in principle, you are giving yourself a professional shave without having to spend a lot of money each time. If you still have questions, about products for example, know that you can always contact us. That's what friends are for. You know where to find us!
Be your own barber!
Your friends, The Alpha Men