How to Shave
Learning how to shave is one of the most important moments in the life of a young man, as it signals that he’s maturing into an adult. But there are a number of options available when shaving, and even grown-ups may want to experiment to find the one that gives them the closest shave and offers the greatest convenience. Below, we have included step-by-step instructions on how to shave with a standard razor, straight razor, and electric razor.
How to Shave with a Razor
If you want to know how to shave with a standard razor, this section will provide everything you need. Besides getting a close shave, you’ll also be able to avoid ingrown hairs and razor burn. For details on how to shave with a straight razor or how to shave with an electric razor, scroll towards the bottom of the page.
What You’ll Need
To follow our instructions on how to shave with a razor, you’ll need the following items:
- Razor (many brands are available, and they can be purchased at any store)
- Wash cloth
- Sink with running water
- Shaving cream or shaving gel
- Toner
- Moisturizer
Shaving Instructions
- Before shaving, wash your face in warm water. By eliminating oil and other impurities, you will decrease your chances of getting an infection if you cut yourself. Another option is to use exfoliating crème to help prepare your beard and skin. Even if you decide not to exfoliate, you should still wash your face prior to shaving.
- Take a wash cloth, soak it in warm water, and then press it against your beard for half a minute. This will cause the hair on your face to loosen, thus making it easier to shave.
- Use your shaving cream canister to release a ball of shaving gel into the palm of your hand. Use upward, circular motions to apply the gel or cream to your neck and beard.
- Starting at the top of your beard, shave downwards to the edge of your jaw-line. This should be done in long, even strokes. For a closer shave, you can pull skin taunt with your hand. Remember that a new razor will always give a closer shave than a used one. Also remember to rinse your razor following each stroke. Otherwise, it will become filled with hair and not cut as well.
- When shaving your neck and under the chin, work upwards with the grain. This will help to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn.
- When shaving your upper lip, stretch it out and shave downwards. Stretching will cause the skin to tighten, thus giving you a closer shave.
- Once you’ve finished, use warm water to wash off excess shaving cream. If you see any spots you’ve missed, you can wet your razor and perform any necessary touch-ups.
- Stay away from alcohol-based aftershaves. The alcohol will cause your skin to dry out. Instead, use a toner containing aloe extract and vitamins. To keep your skin especially healthy, finish the process by applying a moisturizer to your face and neck.
How to Shave with a Straight Razor
How to Shave
If you want the smoothest skin possible, learn how to shave with a straight razor. It takes an average of 100 shaves to master the art, but it will more than pay for itself in the long run. Follow the steps below and discover why this was the preferred method of shaving until the 1950s.
What You’ll Need
To follow our instructions on shaving with a straight razor, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Straight razor
- A hone (a stone used for sharpening blades – the grit should be at least 6000)
- Hanging strop or paddle strop (A strop is a piece of leather or canvas used to sharpen the razor blade. Hanging strops will need to be pulled tight while in use, while a paddle strop is ideal for travelers.)
- Mug shaving soap (shaving cream out of a can doesn’t work well when shaving with a straight razor)
- Shaving brush (badger hair is best, but boar bristle will also work)
- Sink with running water
- A bowl or mug
- Styptic powder (used to seal cuts to the skin, styptic powder can be purchased at a barber supply store)
- Mirror
Things to Remember
- Always keep your razor sharp.
- Pay attention. Shaving with a straight razor can be dangerous.
- Learning to properly shave with a safety razor takes time. Be patient.
- If your beard is heavy, you’ll need to strop and hone your razor more often.
- If you get razor burn, it’s time to sharpen your straight razor.
- If your razor pulls on the skin while shaving, then it’s time to sharpen your straight razor.
- Don’t store your straight razor in the bathroom. Bathrooms can be humid, and this humidity can cause your razor to rust.
- Never use a side-to-side or slicing motion when shaving. You will cut yourself.
- If you drop your razor, do not try to catch it. Let it fall to the floor and then pick it up.
- Do not walk with an open razor.
Shaving Instructions
- To prepare your beard for shaving with a straight razor, either hold a hot, wet towel to your face or take a hot shower. You may want to apply the hot towel twice to achieve maximum results.
- Run hot water and fill your mug or bowl (with the soap already inside). Allow the brush to soak.
- Get your face wet.
- Mix the lather in a swirling motion and continue until it forms stiff peaks.
- Using the brush, apply lather to the face like you’re painting a house. Cover all areas that you wish to shave.
- Take the straight razor and strop it 60 times. This will ensure that the blade is sharp and the lather has sufficient time to prepare your beard for shaving.
- If the lather has dried during step #6, apply more to your face.
- As you shave, stretch your skin in the area where the razor is making contact. When touching the skin with the razor, a 20 degree cutting angle is best.
- On the first pass with the razor, shave with the grain (in the direction that hair is growing). Continue until all areas of the face have been covered. Begin with short strokes and finish with long ones.
- Apply more lather and begin the second pass. This time you’ll shave sideways to the grain. The second pass will only apply to your jawline and the sides of your face. Begin with short strokes and finish with long ones.
- If you have a thick beard or want an extra close shave, make a third pass against the grain. This is the step where most men cut themselves, so be careful. Skip the upper lip on this step. You can use lather on this step, but some men prefer water only so that they can better see what they’re doing.
- Rinse your face with cold water.
- Dry the razor.
- Rinse the brush out, shake off the extra moisture, and then hang it upside down to dry.
How to Shave with an Electric Razor
The pinnacle of modern convenience, the electric razor allows you to shave with a minimum amount of fuss. You also won’t have to worry about painful nicks and cuts. For step-by-step tips on how to shave with an electric razor, read the section below.
What You’ll Need
To follow our instructions on how to shave with an electric razor, you’ll need the following items:
- Electric razor
- Pre-shave lotion
- Moisturizer
- Sink with running water
Things to Remember
- Many new models of electric razors can accommodate shaving gel or shaving cream.
- Many models can now be used in the shower.
- Keep the blades clean at all times and replace them regularly.
- When first shaving with an electric razor, it may take a few weeks for your skin to adjust.
Shaving Instructions
- Expose your face to hot water prior to shaving. The best way to do this is to shower before you shave. This helps to open pores.
- Make sure your skin is dry before you begin shaving.
- Use a pre-shave lotion before shaving with an electric razor. This makes hair easier to cut and removes extra oil from the skin.
- Pull the skin taut while shaving in an area. Shave against the grain, but avoid covering the same area repeatedly or you’ll risk getting razor burn. Repeat until you’ve shaved your entire face.
- Once you’re finished shaving with an electric razor, apply moisturizer to the skin. Aftershave can also be used, but alcohol often dries out the skin. This step can also be skipped.
For more information about how to shave, see: