No matter how long you’ve been wet shaving, you can always improve, right? So, we’ve put together a few tips to consider. Maybe these are reminders rather than new techniques, but regardless we can all benefit from being students of our craft.
In this Shaving 101 video, Jared and Aviv share some tips that can help you get the most out of your classic shave.
Classic Wet Shaving Tips
- Understand hair growth. Against the grain, with the grain, across the grain. You might hear these terms when talking about shaving technique. These terms refer to the direction you take your razor in relation to your hair growth. In any one person that growth is not consistent. You might have swirls and patches that grow in different directions. Knowing how your hair grows can help you more effectively shear your whiskers and improve your shave. Run your finger (or even a cotton ball) along your five o’clock shadow. If you feel pricking or catching that is the direction of your hair growth.
- Think about a pre-shave routine. Are you setting yourself up for success? A pre-shave is one way to make your skin softer and slicker. A hot shower or good face wash are all effective ways to make a better wet shave. But investing in a product that preps your face can really enhance your shave and your skin.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Hydrating your lather is often an overlooked element of creating an epic lather. Even 30 seconds more of lathering with a few more drops of water can take your lather from good to great. (And while you are at it, drink a glass of water as well. It can help your skin from the inside out.)
- Change one thing at a time. Control the variables. Pick a set up: razor, blade, brush, soap and then change only one thing at a time to get to your perfect shave. When you are manipulating multiple variables it can be hard to pinpoint what is helping or hurting.
- Think about your razor blade. Finding the right blade is subjective but can make a substantial difference in your shave. Some blades are sharper than others. Some blades are coated with items that make it smoother or extend its life: platinum, teflon, chrome, etc. Don’t judge wet shaving by the first blade you try. Also, if you change razors you might find that a blade that you discounted earlier works better now. We offer sample razor packs for just this reason. Finding the right blade with the right razor can change your entire shave.
Have you used any of these wet shaving tips? Do you have a few of your own to offer? Let us know in the comments below.