How to shave with a safety razor

You've decided to ditch your plastic disposable razor for a safety razor, but find it intimidating? 

We've been there! Using a safety razor seems to be very different. But even if some things change, the use is still very similar, and you get used to it surprisingly quickly.

Every skin is different, and you may be able to skip some of these steps if you have easy skin. However, there are three golden rules:

• Soften the area to be shaved with lukewarm water, or shave in or out of the shower to soften the skin and hair
• Protect the skin with a shaving foam, shaving oil or a superfatted soap
• Do not apply razor pressure to the skin

In addition to these basics, here is a detailed step-by-step guide:

BEFORE

1. For underarms, bikini and beard, it is best to shave hair that is not too long. Trim them or cut them with scissors so that the hair is less than a centimetre long.
2. Exfoliate your skin to smooth it and remove dead skin cells. It will also help to lift the hairs on your skin.
3. Wait until after a hot shower or bath to shave. If possible, choose a time when you are not in a hurry. Relax, this is your time.

SHAVING

4. Apply shaving cream, shaving oil or soap. This will allow the blade to glide over your skin without obstruction. It is also the best way to see where you have already shaved so that you don't shave the same area twice.
5. Use a blade that is not damaged. A damaged blade can cause cuts and micro-tears that would cause redness
6. Do not apply pressure. Too much pressure can damage the top layer of the dermis. As a result, you will be more likely to have ingrown hairs growing under the skin (curled down or inside the dermis) rather than on the surface.
7. Use a gentle angle (30°) between the blade and the skin for optimum effectiveness
8. Stretch your skin slightly if you need to make it flatter in certain areas, but don't pull too much either.
9. Try to shave each area only once. Too many passes will damage the dermis (the top layer of your skin).
10. If you have very sensitive skin, shave downwards in the direction of your hair, rather than against it as we are used to doing.

AFTER

11. Dry and avoid rubbing freshly shaved areas. This may cause irritation.
12. Moisturise your skin with your usual cream, coconut oil or fresh Aloe Vera gel.
13. Rinse and dry your razor (to make it last a lifetime) and the razor blade (if you plan to reuse it).

And there you have it! 

If you do get a rash, even though you have followed each step, remember: practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt wasn't perfect. You've been using another tool (the disposable razor) all your life. You just need some adjustments in the way you handle your new jewel.