Here's how to shave with a safety razor

 

You decided to ditch your disposable plastic razor for a durable safety razor, but you find it intimidating? We are all about shaving being a relaxing experience. Using a safety razor tends to be a little bit different, but follow the same principles. The more time you'll take, the better outcome you'll get. So pour yourself a glass of wine, and read on our tips and tricks. 

Every skin is different, and you might be able to skip some of those steps if you have an easy skin. However there are some golden rules that you should never - ever - skip: shave at the end of a warm shower when skin and hair are soften, use a shaving foam to create a barrier between your skin and the blade, and do not add pressure between the blade and the skin.

If you experience some redness, even though you followed every step, remember: practice makes perfection. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt wasn't all-perfect. It will be soon. You have used a different tool (the disposable razor) your entire life. You just need some adjustments in the way you handle your new razor.

 

BEFORE

  1. Pre-shaving preparation. For underarms and bikini, make sure you prepare to shave hairs that are not too long. Trim or cut with scissors to have hairs quarter of an inch long.
  2. Especially if you shave legs: exfoliate in order to smooth the skin by removing dead cells. It will also help raise hairs off of the skin.
  3. Always shave wet and warm. Wait the end of a hot shower or bath to shave. If possible, choose a moment where you are not in rush. Relax, it's your me-time.

DURING

  1. Apply a shaving cream, shaving oil or any soap. This will let the blade glide on your skin without obstacle. It's also the best way to see where you shaved already so you don't have to go twice. For shaving a beard, make sure you cover the entire hair down to the skin to soften everything. 
  2. Use a sharp blade. A dull blade can pull your skin or even cause some micro tearing, which will result in razor burns.
  3. Do not apply pressure. That could cause the blade to remove the top layer of your skin, or to go below your skin level to cut the hair - that would mean the hair would have to pierce through the skin again when growing back. If it doesn't go through, he'll curve back inside and this will be an ingrown hair.
  4. Use a gentle angle (30°) between the blade and the skin for maximum efficiency
  5. Do not stretch your skin too much. Only slightly stretch if you need to make your skin flatter on some areas.
  6. Try to go only one stroke per area. Too many strokes will damage the dermal (the top layer of your skin).
  7. If you have highly sensitive skin, shave downward following the direction of your hair, instead of backward like we are used to doing.

AFTER

  1. Pat dry and avoid rubbing. That could create friction and irritation to your skin
  2. Moisturize with your usual cream, coconut oil or fresh aloe vera
  3. 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!