For generations, the art of shaving has been passed down from father to son. However, we have found seven common mistakes that are often carried down too, and which cause irritation to the skin and spoil the pleasure of shaving.
1. Poor or incorrect preparation
Unfortunately, wet shaving is a classic mistake. A quick splash of cold water on the face is not enough. It actually takes up to three minutes before the skin is clean and moist enough to shave. Wash your face with lukewarm water and use a moisturizing oil before shaving. We recommend (of course!) our best Pre-shave Oil , which contains almond and sea buckthorn oil, which protects the skin and prepares it for shaving.
2. Find the beard direction
Hair growth is identical. And it is important to remember that your beard grows in many different directions. WE recommend shaving with the hair to avoid the hair growing inwards, so it is important that you consider the growth direction of your beard. You should not try to eliminate the hair, but to reduce it. After all, it grows back.
3. Aftershave with alcohol
Patrick Bateman in American Psycho : "I always use an aftershave without alcohol because alcohol dries out the face and makes you look older." He is so right. Too many people continue the old tradition of spraying alcohol on the face after shaving.
4. The dry shave
No shaving without cream. You woke up late and have an urgent appointment, or you just finished taking a shower and you find an empty jar of shaving cream. We all know it. But don't be tempted if you want to avoid ingrown hairs, scratches or skin irritation.
5. Repeated strokes
As with the dry shave, there are many who make repeated strokes with the scraper. Try to shave effectively with minimal overlaps to avoid "razor burns" - reddened, irritated skin. If you miss a spot, apply a new amount of shaving cream and do it again.
6. Worn razor blades
A good razor blade should glide around your face and cut with painless efficiency. Unfortunately, there are many people who apparently forget that razor blades don't last forever. A razor blade that is past its sell-by date tears off hair, causes irritation and increases the risk of cutting yourself.
7. Too much pressure
Most likely the most common problem, but also one of the worst, we add too much pressure when we shave. The shaver is most effective on a smooth surface, but when you add pressure, the skin becomes uneven. Rotate the shaver head and rest it on your face to get a feel for how little pressure you really need.
It may not all be rocket science, but by following these few steps, you'll have a better and more comfortable shave.
However, if you still have a question about wet shaving, contact us with your question.
