How to Wet Shave
Advances in technology have brought many conveniences to our lives, especially in the area of style and beauty. Disposable razors and the electric shaver have made it possible to quickly shave in the morning before going to work. Advertisements on TV tout the benefits of new types of razors, all designed to give you the prefect shave, leaving your skin soft and smooth. However, nothing beats the benefits of the wet shave, which is a technique unknown to many of the younger generation who do have to learn how to shave.
Along with a good sharp razor, a good quality shaving cream and a shaving brush, you have to do some preparatory work before you start to wet shave. This involves exfoliating the skin so that you do remove all the dead skin. This is simply pre-shave oil and you only need to use a few drops at a time, rubbing it on your hands and then your face. It also helps to soften the hairs making them more supple and easier to remove. It is essential to bathe your face in hot water to relax the pores. You can splash the water on your face, place a warm damp cloth on your face or have a nice warm shower before shaving.
The next step is to lather the skin with the shaving cream. The best ones to use are those with a high glycerin and fat content because they offer good protection along with the thick lather you need. This is where using a shaving brush comes into play. Put some of the cream into a small bowl, wet the brush with and dip the brush into it or use your hand to apply the cream to the top of the brush. Then using small circular movements, apply the cream to your skin. Even though you can do this with your hand, the use of the brush helps to lift the hairs off the skin, so that they are easier to shave. When you have your face lathered, then you are ready to start shaving.
Run the blade under hot water before you start. The best way to wet shave is to start from the outside and work to the inside following the grain of the skin. Use short, quick movements, saving about two inches in each stroke. It is important not to apply too much pressure because you could irritate the skin with the razor. After a few strokes, rinse the blade in hot water and continue. If you want to make sure you didn’t miss any hairs, you can repeat the lathering and shaving process and use a sideways motion to catch any hairs you may have missed in the first wet shave.
Rinse your face with cold water to close up the pores and moisturize to soothe and rejuvenate the skin. After that, you can apply your aftershave and you’re all ready to go.