As the costs of razors and interchangeable blades rise, many men are returning to cheaper, more refined shaving systems. The double-bladed safety razor is just one of them: simple, economical and effective. A new generation of men are discovering that they don't need a five-blade razor to have a silky smooth face.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part One: Assemble the Razor
Step 1. Unscrew the head and blade rest from the handle
Double-bladed razors consist of three parts: the protective head, which covers the razor blade; the blade rest, which is placed between the protective head and the handle; and the same handle, which you hold while shaving. While unscrewing the handle, hold the head and blade rest tight. So you unlock the three parts of your razor.
Step 2. Place a sharp razor blade between the head and the rest
Place a razor blade between the head and the blade rest, taking care to align the three holes: the one in the head, the one in the blade and the one in the blade rest.
- Which razor blade should you choose? It depends on your beard. A hard beard usually takes a very sharp razor blade. Those with a softer beard will tolerate softer razor blades better, although they can tug at the beard instead of cutting it clean.
- The "Piuma" blades, made in Japan, are the best when it comes to sharpening. If you take the time to shave (and you should), these razor blades offer a smooth, close shave similar to a more intense one.
Step 3. Secure the blade by screwing the handle and head
Tighten the blade to its attachment between the head and the rest and you are ready to start shaving.
Method 2 of 4: Part Two: Create a Rule Before Shaving
Step 1. Consider taking a shower before shaving
It is an important step that many people forget for superficiality, but that only a few can avoid. The shower moisturizes and softens the beard, making subsequent shaving easier, and reduces the risk of scratches and cuts.
Step 2. Wash your face with warm water and a specific soap or exfoliant
Over time, dead cells accumulate on the face. Removing this layer of dead skin before using the razor often - if not always - results in a better shave. Exfoliants, which contain small abrasive particles, effectively remove dead skin cells.
Many men preemptively use glycerin soap to make shaving easier. In fact, glycerin works effectively both to remove dead cells and to smooth the skin without reducing its hydration
Step 3. Find time to apply a pre-shave cream to your beard as well
A thin layer of pre-shave cream (which often contains the aforementioned glycerin) softens the beard while preparing the skin for repeated contact with the blade.
Some men prefer to use baby lotion first, because it can reduce irritation by smoothing the surface of the skin where the razor will work
Step 4. To shave, moisten your skin with a little warm water
Warm water feels very pleasant on the skin, as well as being a great way to remove hair and soap from your safety razor when cleaning it between strokes.
Step 5. Soap with the shaving cream and spread it all over your beard, being careful not to take the pre-shave cream away
Those who shave superficially probably rely on the shaving cream from the cans, since it is fast, cheap and simple to use. All perfectly true. However, a new generation is rediscovering the pleasure of using shaving soap with a badger bristle brush and a little hot water.
- Start with a small amount of shaving soap, a damp brush and a shaving cup. Start working the soap in circular motions using the brush. When needed, add small amounts of water.
- Stir the soap vigorously for at least 30 seconds to one and a half minutes, until the soap has whipped into a pearly lather.
- Take this foam and massage it into your beard with the brush. Make gentle circular motions. By using the brush to apply the lather on the face, the beard softens even more and allows the lather to penetrate all over. When the foam is well applied to the entire beard, level it with a few strokes of the brush.
Method 3 of 4: Part Three: Specialize in Shaving
Step 1. Moisten the safety razor and place it on the skin at an angle of approximately 30 °
Immerse it in hot water and place it at an angle of about 30 °. This angle ensures a close shave without causing nicks and cuts.
Step 2. On the first pass, always follow the hair
The direction in which your beard hair grows is called hair. Shaving in the same direction as the hair grows - ie "make the hair" - cuts the beard less, but is better tolerated. With the first pass always do the hair.
If you've never cut your beard before, it will take some attention to figure out which direction it grows. The verse of each man is different and occasionally changes depending on the position of the hair on the face
Step 3. Immerse the razor often in hot water and shake it
This way you remove the hair and soap left between the head, the blade and the blade rest. It goes without saying that with a clogged safety razor you will have a less satisfying shave than with a clean razor.
Step 4. Shave with small movements, letting the weight of the razor do all the work
Have you ever noticed that advertisements for shaving products show men having long, uninterrupted pasts? It's not like you have to shave. It's a good publicity stunt, but if done for real, it would turn you into a blood donor. Make small movements, being careful not to press the razor too hard on the skin.
The weight of your razor should do most of the work. If you feel you have to press the razor to the skin to shave, it means that your razor blades are not sharp enough or that your razor is not so heavy that it rests well on the surface of the skin
Step 5. Keep your skin taut to aid shaving
Keeping the skin taut will make it easier for the blade to slide. Keeping the upper lip down and the lower lip up, pulling the skin under the chin, will allow you to have a close shave but without many scratches.
Step 6. Pay particular attention to problem areas
These are areas where cuts, scratches, irritation and redness often occur. For many men, these areas include the areas above and below the lips, below the chin, and any part of the face that is a bit angular and not flat. When you shave these areas, take your time and go against the hair. Go slowly and do several strokes instead of trying to remove all the hair with the first stroke.
Step 7. Moisten your face, apply another thin layer of foam and make a second pass
The purpose of the first pass is to remove most of the hair, even if some remain. The purpose of the second pass is to remove any residual hair without cutting and without creating irritation.
- With the second pass you shave making transversal or "counter-hair" movements, but always with the utmost attention. The transverse movements will shrink your beard into a smooth sand dune without too much irritation.
- Especially with the second pass, remember to clean the razor, keep the skin taut and apply the foam on the areas you intend to shave to maintain adequate skin nourishment.
Step 8. To get a smooth shave, repeat this process as many times as necessary
Every man has a different beard and wants a different shave. Razor razor until you get the shave of your choice, remembering that each stroke you take increases the chances of causing cuts and irritation.
Method 4 of 4: Part Four: Create an After Shave Rule
Step 1. Clean the razor and rinse your face with fresh water
Hot water for pre-shave, fresh water for post-shave. While hot water dilates pores, cool water makes them tighten. The cool water on the face is particularly refreshing and helps to dab the blood from any cuts.
Step 2. Consider quickly dipping the blade in denatured alcohol to remove residual moisture
Water causes rust on the blade; rust causes additional friction; friction results in a less comfortable shave. If you want to extend the life of your razor blades, unscrew them from the razor and let them soak in denatured alcohol for a while. Put them back on the razor when they are dry.
Step 3. If you used the brush, clean it well and make sure it is dry enough.
To remove all the soap, rinse it under cold running water. Shake it lightly until you have removed most of the water. Store it in a dry place.
Step 4. If desired, apply aftershave to your face
Aftershaves tone and sometimes moisturize the skin after shaving. Basically there are two types of aftershave: alcoholic and witch hazel:
- Alcoholic aftershaves are usually cheaper, but they burn and tend to dry out the skin (about the same as alcohol removes moisture from the blade). They are the most popular aftershaves on the market.
- Witch hazel aftershaves are fresh and don't burn, but tone the skin less than alcohol-based aftershaves. They are very soothing and are becoming more and more popular.
Step 5. Moisturize your skin with a moisturizing lotion
You just teased and stimulated your skin and with her you also tugged and plucked your hair. To make her as healthy as possible, feed her with a moisturizing lotion. He will thank you.
