The Ultimate Guide to Shaving: Wet Shaving Explained

The Ultimate Guide to Shaving: Wet Shaving Explained

Have men lost the art of shaving or has it become more of a hassle to look smart for the office. Let’s face it, during the lockdown and working from home we have gone back to our caveman roots.

Long gone are the days when we visited the barber each week for a wet shave or beard trim. Are things set to change?

With the average man spending 3,000 hours during his life shaving, we need to get it right guys! So here are some tips to get that perfect shave.

Want to get a Close Cut Wet Shave like a Pro?

Wet shaving is not new, but it’s now on the comeback and guys are starting to see the benefits over dry shaving.

A close cut wet shave requires some skill. Let’s face it (pardon the pun), it’s a satisfying experience at the barber’s when they slap on the shaving cream and finish with the hot towel.

A proper wet shave should include these essential steps:

Pre-Shave

Middle-aged male disappointed and angry because of quality of new shaving foam
  1. Shower: Soften the hair and skin with warm water for a few minutes before you shave to make it easier for the razor to glide over your skin. Heat allows the pores to open and loosen the grip of each hair follicle allowing you to get a close cut and smoother shave. The same is achieved when your barber puts that hot towel on prior to shaving.
  2. Cleanse the face: This removes unwanted dirt, grime and dead skin that get in the way. A great way to do this is by exfoliating the skin. This is done by gently rubbing the skin using small circles.
  3. Apply shaving cream: If you are using a brush then don’t forget to pre-soak it. Natural hair brushes take a few minutes to absorb moisture. Create a lather with your shaving cream and brush in a circular motion to form a thick lather (this should take around 2 minutes, depending on your skill). Don’t forget to leave this foamy white beard you have created for at least 30 seconds to allow the hairs to soften.

Shave – The best bit!

  1. Shave: First, warm the razor either in the sink or under a hot running tap, this will help the blades glide over your skin. Shave your beard in the direction of the hair growth. Keep the blade at 30-degree angle to your skin at all times and follow the contours of your face. Don’t apply pressure, let it glide naturally, using short passes.
  2. Rinse regularly: Rinse your blades with warm water after every few strokes to keep your face moist and to stop excess foam and hair clogging up your blades. To get an even closer shave; re-lather and go against the direction of the hair.

Post-Shave – Smooth skin without irritation

  1. Rinse: Clean your face with warm water. However, don’t use the water in the sink as this will have your stubble, soap and dead skin cells in it. You want to cleanse the skin. Using the same water may cause skin irritation.
  2. Rinse Again: Yes you read it right. This time use cold water to close your pores and help reduce any nicks as well as reducing signs of irritation and redness.
  3. Pat: No, not Postman Pat! Pat your face dry with a clean towel, but do not rub.
  4. Moisturise: Soothe and hydrate your skin after shaving by applying a moisturising post-shave product.

Don’t use alcohol-based aftershaves directly after shaving as this can cause dryness and inflammation. If you are going to use an alcohol-based cologne, then place it at the back of your earlobes, wrists or back of the neck; those erogenous zones.

If all you remember about a wet shave is heat and moisture, then you’re onto a winner.

Still not sure whether to adopt wet shaving or dry shaving as your main method? Why not try both or visit us for a skin analysis to see which method may benefit your skin and how a hydrofacial can help. Place the power back into your hands, and make shaving enjoyable again!

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If you like this, let me know if you’d like a video demo.

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