How to Give Yourself a Perfect Traditional Wet Shave

The Best Wet Shave Supplies

Acquiring excellent and appropriate equipment is necessary for you to have a classical style. Having the desirable results does not depend on you, but rather on the tools you use. In this regard, some devices may mess up, so it is crucial you get the right ones.

In other words, all that you are in need of is a brush, shave soap, a razor, and water. Let’s cover the details of each one!

Shaving Brush:

traditional wet shave

The finest shaving brush is that made of badger hair, as its hair is able to keep water and heat. Be certain that when you use hot water for your shaving brush, it will still be hot when you apply it. With regard to the bristles, they are too soft and adds a pleasant feeling while gently peels your skin. Removing the dead skin help open up the pores, exposes the base of the follicles and results in a more lasting shave, unlike when using a cartridge razor.

There are mainly three different types: Pure, Best and Silvertip. The wide-spread one is pure, which is the base. These are good and brandy, and most importantly, they do not shed. Best, on the other hand, is softer than Pure. Finally, Silvertip grade is the smoothest and the best at retaining water.

Synthetic:

Synthetic brushes are made for those who want the cruelty-free product or are vegan. It is less exfoliating than the Badger, so you have to follow a washing and exfoliating routine to prepare your skin for shaving. Synthetic bristles necessitate less shaving cream since they are nob-absorbent.

Boars Bristles:

They slightly resemble military-style beard brushes with coarse bristles from wild boars.

Practically, it does not take more than rubbing your face raw then shaving it with a razor.

The Razor:

After the brush, which is the most important, comes the razor, the second most necessary element of your equipment. By using a good brush and having a perfect prep, you may simply use a disposable two-blade cheapo razor.

The highest quality makes the most satisfactory results. Have a good-quality razor, be it a cartridge, straight edge cutthroat or a double edge safety razor.

If you prefer having a straight edge, then there are mainly two types: one with disposable blades, and other that should be honed and stropped.

Using disposable blades does not differ much from using traditional ones for almost all people. Traditional blades need maintenance, and if you cannot keep up with a routine, you can harm your face. Sharp razors are far less harmful than the dull ones.

If you look for an in-between option that meets the qualifications of the straight edge, but without necessarily needing to maintain it, there is the traditional safety razor. You only need to use properly in order not to cause any irritations or cuts.

Use a cartridge system for more comfortable and straightforward option, such as Gillette Fusion.

Shave Soap:

The quality of the soap is quite essential as it softens your skin for a smooth shave and keeps your beard wet.

Opt for soap with glycerin and around a 30-50% fat content. It must be odorless and use essential oils.

Pre-Shave Oil:

Pre-shave oil is needed only when the soap does not contain enough fat and good oils, and if you do not adequately prepare your face. If you are a beginner and still learning, you’d rather use pre-shave oil. It would lubricate your skin and help the razor glide across your skin.

The Wet Shave Guide for Beginners:

Apparently, the most crucial part in the wet shave, besides the equipment, is water.

A perfect time for shaving would be after showering, as your face is already wet and almost prepared.

If you fail to do it after a shower, follow these steps.

Step One, the Brush:

Before preparing your face, leather your soap to make it applicable. It is all about the time you take to apply it. If you take a long time, your face will get dry.

Place your disc of shaving soap in a bowl, then moisten your brush lightly. It should not dribble, it only needs to be wet enough.

In a circular movement lather the brush with the soap. When it starts to lather, whip it a bit until it gets some volume.If you fail to boost the volume, add some water.

This takes around 5 minutes to get it to look like a Cool Whip.

Step Two, The Hot Towel:

You have to take your time and neatly do everything before reaching the razor step. Your face should be well prepped.

First, begin with applying pre-shave oil or cream. It does not take more than following the instructions and simply rubbing your face.

As your face gets lubricated, put on a hot towel and keep it from 3 to 4 minutes. This would help infiltrate the heat, consequently opening your pores.

Step Three, The Application:

It is now time for leathering your face.

Circularly, begin to rub starting with your chin. Always retaining the circular movement, push it enough to where the bristles fan out. In so doing, you will get the lather going.

By now, you can begin to extend the lather to one cheek. Make sure to maintain the circular movement until the froth covers your skin,and the beard hairs are lifted up.

Once the lather starts to accumulate and extent, spread it on the other cheek. At this level, you may need to wet your brush. Add some water and start again right from under the chin. When the lather gets rebuilt, move to the rest of your neck, centering your pressure on the bottom of your beard, where the hair is generally thicker and multi-directional.

Step Four, The Shave:

Following the direction of hair growth, begin with one cheek using small strokes. In order to avoid cutting yourself, tighten your skin with your free hand.

When using a safety razor or straight edge, make sure not to put any pressure; otherwise, it may cause razor burn.

The blade angle should be 30° and as close as possible to the surface of your body.

After the cheek is done, move to the neck, keeping on the track of hair growth. If you use a straight edge or safety razor, make sure not to follow a different direction. Unless the beard hair emerges facing up, do not shift the route. Only then you can shave up with it.

When using a cream or a gel, wash up the razor as you would.

Step Five, The Second Pass:

Having all the hair removed does not necessarily means you are done with it. No matter how much lather remains, get your brush and moist your face.

Repeat the process again, but at 45° to the normal direction of hair growth. If your hair grows straight down, reach it sideways. In so doing, your beard hair will take more time to grow, in comparison to previous times.

Step Six, Alum:

You need to apply some alum, be it in block, powder, or liquid to retain any nicks from bleeding. It also protects the skin from any infections.

If you opt for a traditional alum block, wet it before applying it.

Step Seven, Seal the Deal:

Now, your pores should be closed. Wash your face with cold water to get your skin cleaned and cooled. If it is the first time to adopt this shaving method, you are most likely to feel some burn, but it will faint as soon as you wash your face with cold water.

Finally, rinse your face and apply an aftershave cream. Generally, aftershave balm is the most preferable among men, as it is tender and stingless. It would maintain your skin perfectly hydrated.

What to Do If You Get a Cut:

When you’re wet-shaving for the first time, you should be perfectly attentive and have a first aid kit. If you get hurt, put on a bandage, and leave it until the blood stops flowing, then use a Band-aid. Then apply an antiseptic to clean and purify the wound.

If you fail to stop the bleeding, wrap an ice cube in a towel and put it on the wound.

Wrapping it up:

To recapitulate, you should make use of qualified tools and take your time to carefully focus and practice every step. Unless your skin is accustomed to wet shaving, do not shave it everyday.