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Wet Shaving 101

Posted by on January 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Welcome to Wet-shaving 101!   In the following articles we will introduce you to the method of wet-shaving; an eco-friendly, tried and true method of shaving that has been around for over 150 years.  Wet-shaving is seeing a great revival because of it’s simplicity, earth friendliness, and renown for better care of the male face.  The wet-shaving method can be lathered up in three simple steps: Prepare, Shave, and Defend.

Step One: Prepare.

Preparation (from here on we’ll call it “Prep”) is about getting your hair ready to shave.  This is by far the most important part of manly ritual of shaving, and can really make or break a good shave.  The key ingredient here is hot water.  I mean we are talking about wet-shaving after all.

Hot water softens the outer protective layer of the hair, called the cuticle.  The cuticle is made of keratin fibers which when exposed to hot water, will begin to soften and expand revealing breaks in those fibers.  This, gentlemen, is where the rubber meets the road.  Once open, the water will seep into the inner part of the hair softening both the inner core, and the outer cuticle layer of the hair.  This action make the hair soft, and much more easy to cut.  Guys, dry human hair has the same hardness as copper wire at the same diameter! That’s tough stuff, so to help make your shave a more pleasant Prep with hot water.

But how do we do that?

Two easy methods will help Prep your hair for shaving:

  1. The easiest and most common method is to take a hot shower. All the water and steam as you bathe will take action and leave you ready to start your shave.  This is most convenient for the guy on the go.
  2. The second method of Prep, a hot towel soak, is a little bit more time intensive but will be more luxurious and rewarding. Take a large hand towel and soak it in water that is as hot as you can stand.  Wring just enough water out to keep it from dripping all over and wrap your face with it.  Leave the towel on for approximately two minutes.  This will allow enough time for the heat and moisture to have an effect on the hairs.  Remove the towel and then shave.  For an even more beneficial hot towel soak, repeat the process a second time but lather up before placing the towel on again.  The soap will help break down the hair cuticle even more for softer hair.

Including one of these methods of Prep in your daily routine will greatly improve your shave. Proper Prep reduces the discomfort some men find in shaving, as well as gives all men a smoother shave, with less irritated skin.  In following articles we will talk about the two remaining steps: The Shave and Defend.

Until next time- Happy Shaving!  AW

Check out:

Wet Shaving – Part 2

Wet Shaving – Part 3

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The Basics of Shaving with a Straight Razor

Posted by on June 25, 2010 · 1 Comment 

The straight razor shave is that of precision and skill. It is a shave that requires practice, and focus. Learning how to shave with a straight razor is definitely not for every man, but it can be for any man.

As a woman, I understand the focus and following of why men shave with a straight razor. A man’s face is what a woman first notices. (Well, unless you’re at the beach or pool).

So let’s get down to the basics of straight razor shaving.

The Essentials

  1. A straight razor that is shave ready
  2. Shaving soap/cream (to a lather)
  3. Shaving brush (the most recommended is a badger hair)
  4. A leather strop

The Prep

It is important that you make sure your skin is shave ready. Yes, gentlemen there is a lot of prep when it comes to a straight razor shave!

Before you begin make sure that you have all the tools at your fingertips for easy use and better focus. Get a cup or a bowl ready with steaming hot water and allow your brush to soak in it.

While your brush is soaking you need to open up the pores of your skin on your face, thus allowing your facial hair to soften. (Facial hair is notoriously coarser than all other hair on your body). To do this run a towel under hot water and apply it to your face until the towel cools. This can be repeated if necessary, or desired.

The Shave

Immediately after removing the towel apply the shaving soap/cream in a circular motion to your face. Make sure a thick layer of lather is applied.

While the shaving soap/cream is on your face, strop your razor one last time. You want to use a leather strop running the blade along it. I recommend that you do somewhere between 30 and 60 passes in a fast motion with light pressure for optimum results.

If your face is no longer moist make sure you reapply the shaving soap/cream (so blade is not getting caught or skipping due to the soap drying).

After you have re-lathered, if necessary, stretch the area of skin you are shaving so it is tight and then apply the straight razor at a 20-degree angle. For each pass you will start with short strokes moving on to long ones. For optimum results I recommend that you do three passes, but it is not necessary if time is a factor.

For the first pass you will always start with the growth direction of your facial hair.

For the second pass re-apply the shaving soap/cream and go sideways with the grain of your face. (Obviously there will be areas of your face and neck that this will not be possible, therefore skip this pass for these areas).

The third and final pass is the most dangerous and you should be very careful when completing it. For this final step you are going to go against the grain of your facial hair (yes, up). (Be especially careful around your nose, ears, etc.).

The Post Shave

After you have completed all three passes you are done. Rinse your face off with cold water (versus the hot) to close up your pores.

These are the basics of a straight razor shave. Remember guys just like Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman, “I don’t kiss on the mouth its too personal,” your face is the most personal part of your body to a woman. The more time and attention you give to your face, the more attractive and appealing you become. Trust me!

One final note, once you have mastered the straight razor shave. Teach the woman in your life. Because lets face it; there is nothing sexier than having your woman getting exactly what she wants.

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