Skip to main content

Straight Razor Shaving 101

Some people swear by straight razor shaving. There are many reasons why a person may choose to shave with a straight razor instead of today’s disposable bladed models:
  • Smoother shave
  • Budget friendly
  • Less waste to send to landfills
  • Classy! It’s just way more stylish than disposable razors.
So just how does one go about shaving old school? Read on and find out.
Tools of the Trade Since your only real investment will be in the razor, choose one that is a quality product. Some cheaper ones won’t even give you one good use while a more expensive one could be in your hands for years to come. Take a look at a few models and see what feels comfortable for you. As far as blades are concerned, stay towards the thinner options. They will provide better control and adherence to facial contours. You will also need a shaving brush. These brushes can be had fairly inexpensively with either badger or boar bristles, and of course nowadays there are synthetic bristle options as well. Avoid the latter if at all possible. Lastly, invest in a good quality shaving cream or soap and say no thanks to the chemical cocktails most people use. The price may be a little more upfront but you will get more mileage from the purchase.

shutterstock_93827500
Prepping! Take a bit of your soap or shaving cream and, using the brush, whip it a little bit in order to aerate the substance.

It is best to shave as soon as you exit the shower since your scruff will be well softened after that time in the water. If this isn’t possible try holding a damp steamy towel on your face for a couple minutes. After you are softened up, use the brush to paint shaving cream all over your face.

shutterstock_88782319
Ready for Action…
The most popular grip for newbies on the straight razor scene is three fingers on the front of the blade and the thumb on the back. As you become more seasoned you will find other ways to hold the blade depending on what and how you are shaving.

A couple of last minute tips before you press that blade to your face…
  • Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle to your face.
  • Don’t apply too much pressure, this will cause cuts.
  • Use long even strokes.
  • Shave with the grain.
Using a strop
It’s important to strop your blade before and after every shave to ensure it stays sharp and to remove all the moisture from the edge. Stropping keeps your razor in shave-ready condition, but it’s an art quite difficult to master. First off, you need a strop – a leather one at that, if possible. You’ll also need a stable spot to secure your strop to. If you don’t have anything better in your home, a door handle will do, just make sure it’s stable enough to tighten the strop. This is where it gets interesting, and some experience will help you get better! Take the blade’s end between your thumb and forefinger, apply the right amount of pressure and, well, start stropping. Don’t worry even if you find it difficult in the beginning, you’ll get it after a bit of practice!

There’s the tips to get you started, take your time and don’t give up right away. Shaving with straight razors is an art and will take some getting used to. And if you need a reason to stick it out, just think off all the ladies who will want to kiss your cheek when it looks smooth as glass.

Kate Simmons is a freelance writer on health and beauty topics for both men and women.

Image Courtesy: Shutterstock.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.

Kapalabhati Pranayam for wrinkle-free, radiant complexion

Did you know that Kapalabhati Pranayam / kriya can also be used to enhance your beauty and ward off skin aging? Done the right way,  Kapalabhati Pranayam can be used as a beauty aid - it can give you a wrinkle-free, luminous forehead and radiant complexion. Kapalabhati For Beauty   ‘Kapalabhati’ Pranayam breathing exercise is an excellent way of maintaining good health and fighting diseases. ‘Kapala’ means ‘skull’ (and ‘forehead’ also) and ‘bhati’ means ‘shining’. By doing kapalabhati, the ‘nadis’(nerves) of the brain get good exercise. This is achieved by exercising the diaphragm. There will be a glow on the forehead. After the age of 25, the tell-tale signs of ageing start making their appearance in the form of fine lines on the forehead. A regular practice of Kapalabhati for 10-15 minutes everyday will give you a tight forehead sans wrinkles for many years to come. Avoid Botox, try Kapalabhati Why resort to Botox   and other expensive chemical or surgica...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...