How to use the straight razor for beginners at home?
Learning how to shave with a straight razor requires a combination of practice, courage and patience. Everyone goes through the same learning curve phase. Therefore, don’t be disheartened by a few mistakes and a couple of nicks on your first attempts.
In this guide, we worked to develop a comprehensive guide on how to shave with a straight razor, which will hopefully make it easier to get passed the initial learning curve:
Much like any shaving procedure, you have to start with the basics. Start with a clean, washed face. You can even prep after washing by applying a hot towel (just microwave a wet one for 30 seconds) and resting a few minutes while the heat and steam do their work of softening facial hair and follicles.
Follow that with a pre-shave oil to lube up your whiskers and skin.
Apply shaving cream in whatever manner you see fit, though we suggest using a badger hair brush to really work it in and lift the hair away from the skin to allow for a closer shave once you touch razor to skin.
Load a new blade into your straight razor.
Now you can finally begin shaving
How to Shave With a Straight Razor?
After you’ve followed all the above steps, you’re finally ready to put that blade to your face. Follow these steps and you’ll wind up with the closest shave you’ve ever experienced at home.
Place the straight razor in your hand with this basic grip: index, middle, and ring finger on the top of the blade with the thumb in the center at the back and your pinky resting on the blade’s handle/tang. More importantly for whatever grip you choose, however, is dexterity and comfort. If this method doesn’t feel comfortable to you and leaves you feeling shaky, feel free to switch it up.
Begin shaving by starting with the right side of your face where your sideburns meet your hairline. Hold the razor at an angle almost parallel to your skin and with your opposite hand, pull the skin away from the blade and keep taut.
Shave downward with the grain using small, smooth strokes. Rinse away excess hair after every stroke.
Continue in that manner for your right cheek, and then proceed down and over your jawline to your neck.
Be extra careful when shaving your neck — the skin in that area is extremely thin and most prone to nicks and cuts.
Repeat the above steps with the left side of your face.
Once both sides of your face are finished, proceed to your upper lip and, using your opposite hand to pull the skin downward and as taut as possible, shave downward from the nose with small, quick strokes.
Next is the chin, so this time, pull your lower lip up as far as possible and again shave downward from the lip to your chin and down your neck.
Give yourself a rinse of cold water, a wipe down and follow up with aftershave and moisturizer and you’re all set for the day.
