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[H1754]How To Wet Shave

by Steve Dempster, Ste

1. No matter what kind of razor you use - straight razor, double-edged safety razor or cheap throw-aways - always make sure that the edge of the blade you are about to use is - to coin a phrase - razor-sharp. Easier said than done? Not a bit of it. If you use any kind of disposable-blade razor, change the blade the minute it gives the slightest 'tug' at your bristles before cutting them. A straight razor is much better - it's stropped before each use, giving you a fresh, new edge for each and every shave.

2. Use a good quality shave soap. Purists will always opt for a cake soap but there are many products now on the market in cream or lotion form that are just as good. All would agree, however, that to make best use of your soap or shave lotion you also need a good quality shaving brush! Just slapping the soap on your face won't do it - you need a good lather for a good shave. So -

3. Use a good brush. The best are made from badger hair but, if that's a concern for you, some of the synthetic-bristle ones are pretty good too - but nothing beats a silver-tip badger brush for comfort and lathering properties. A good brush should last years - always remember that you get what you pay for!

4. Don't have your shaving water too hot. This may seem wrong - surely it should be as hot as you can stand to open the pores or something? Wrong. Too-hot water evaporates quickly, leaving the lather dry and making for a really uncomfortable shave.

5. Give yourself enough time! Sadly, we men seem more and more to live life at 101%, flat-out everywhere we go. So it's great to be able to set aside a little time to slow down, relax and take some time over a simple task such as your daily shave. Yet concentrating on getting a good, smooth shave tends to empty the mind of all the 'gabble' that we seem to carry around all the time and can be very relaxing, as quite a few men have told me. So reserve half an hour for your shave - just get up a bit earlier!

6. Condition your skin afterwards. Yes, conditioner and moisturiser isn't just a thing for the ladies! Drawing a supersharp steel blade across your face exfoliates your skin quite heavily - one reason why a straight razor is better for your complexion as you only usually make one 'pass' - and if not cared for can leave you with dry skin or the dreaded shaving rash. Just a little dab of a good after-shaving balm and you can kiss raw, red skin goodbye. Easy, isn't it?

7. Always shave in good light. This may seem obvious but, as the days shorten and mornings are darker, it's easy to fall into the trap of peering at your dim reflection in the mirror, thinking the light levels are good enough to shave by. If they aren't you will at best get a poor shave with bits of stubble missed, or at worst a cut as you try vainly to dig around in the dark! Seriously - turn on the light and where possible have a proper overhead shaving lamp fitted above the mirror. It does make a difference!

Follow these seven points and you should always get a relaxing, comfortable and - above all - a really close shave. If you're really ready to make the change and want the most out of your shaving experience, my advice is to ditch the disposable and step up to a real precision shaving instrument - the straight razor. Believe me, once you have mastered the art of the straight razor shave you'll never go back to using anything else!

Shaving has been part of the male experience since the Stone Age. The earliest shaving razors that have been discovered are flint blades made possibly as far back as 30,000 B.C. So it is a wonder, despite the evolution of the razor blade, that nicks, cuts and razor bumps are still a common source of discomfort for many men. This, therefore, poses a question - does practice really make perfect?

Considering that it is estimated that most men will shave more than 20,000 times in his lifetime, it is clearly something you want to perfect, even seek pleasure in. So, what exactly is this elusive "perfect shave" that we seem to be hearing so much about at the moment. Well, it would appear that it is near impossible to find a clear definition. However, it does seem that for the vast majority of men who have experienced the barber's touch, there is no substitute for the professional shave with it being the supreme act of self-pampering a man can indulge in. Male grooming experts have described a proper professional shave as "close, smooth, no irritation ... and no nicks." So there we have it - the ultimate quest for men is a smooth, close shave with no irritation and no nicks.
The next question that has to be asked is why so many guys finding this hard to achieve? Perhaps it is because shaving has become something that is viewed as a chore by most men, something to get over and done with each morning as quick as possible with whatever razor is lying around and a quick dab of that old shaving cream or if that's run out, a bit of soap and water will have to do. Sound familiar?
Fortunately, men everywhere are waking up to the benefits of looking good and realising that appearance does matter. Razor bumps and cuts on your chin are definitely not a good look!
As a result the traditional wet shave is making its comeback. As the name implies, wet shaving means keeping your face as wet as possible throughout the whole shave. Hot water will open the pores and soften your beard so your razor glides as opposed to being dragged harshly over your skin.
So invest in a good razor, a good shaving brush and a good shaving cream, follow these steps and watch your return on investment rocket.
1.)Water
Ideally shave after a hot shower because, as previously mentioned, the hot water will have opened the pores and softened the hairs resulting in a closer shave. Your skin will also be clean and free from any dirt, oil and dead skin that can get in the way of your shave. You can also apply a pre-shave oil which will further soften the beard and help your razor glide smoothly.
2.)Lather up
A good shaving brush made of badger hair has so many benefits. Applying your shaving cream with a shaving brush will produce a thicker and richer lather, which with the hot water will soften the beard and lift the hairs to ensure the closest possible shave. It will also exfoliate the skin, removing any dead skin cells. Alcohol based shaving products should be avoided as they have a drying effect on the skin. Instead look for a glycerine based shaving cream.
3.) The Actual Shave
Select a good quality razor to suit your style - there are many different types available on the market but there we are seeing a huge rise in popularity of the traditional double edge blades. If you do opt for this style, take your time, as it may take a few shaves to perfect the technique, however, many do say that once you have mastered it you will not look back. Always shave with the grain (in the direction of hair growth) in order to prevent ingrown hairs. Move inwards from your sideburns towards you mouth finishing off with your moustache and chin area.
For a closer shave, you must re-lather before going against or across the grain.
3.)The After-Math
Finish off splashing your skin with cold water to close the pores and pat dry with a soft towel. Don't rub your skin as this will cause irritation. To soothe and re-hydrate the skin, use a gentle after-shave balm.

Top Tip: Treat yourself to a high quality English shaving cream. They may be a few extra pounds but they will last ages so you are not reaching for that soap and water in emergency situations. As well as this the luxury feeling and fine scents will turn the whole process into a pleasure and no longer a chore making you feel truly pampered.

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Both Steve Dempster & Kate Barker are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Steve Dempster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Backpain, Family Travel and Recreation and Sports. For more information on straight razors, take a look at for information about Vintage models or visit. Steve Dempster's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.

Kate Barker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Beauty Tips and Skin Care. Kate Barker is the creator of Barkster For Men, an online store catering for all men's grooming needs. From shaving and skin care to health and hair care, Kate has tracked down the products to make men look their best. After all, why look anything l. Kate Barker's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.