Wet shaving tips from a professional barber

A professional barber will teach you how to properly shave and razor in the morning.
With a few tips and tricks, you can have a shave that makes your skin happy.

What I will introduce is a classical shaving technique inherited from our ancestors, so it requires time to use a shaving brush (beard brush), etc., but with a few tips and a little time, you can shave your beard in the morning. It will make shaving more comfortable.

"Dry shaving" and "wet shaving"

Wet shaving is shaving with a razor that requires water , while shaving without water is called dry shaving . Wet shaving uses a sharp blade directly against the skin to remove dead skin cells as well as beard hair, but if the skin is not properly hydrated, it can cause razor burn.

On the other hand, dry shaving involves inserting the beard into a mesh blade with spot-shaped holes and cutting it with a blade that is rotated by a high-speed motor. It gives the impression that you are mowing like mowing a lawn, rather than shaving.

1. 20 minutes after waking up in the morning and drinking water

Rather than wet shaving right after you wake up, we recommend drinking a glass of water to hydrate your entire body (it's best to do it about 20 minutes after you wake up).

In the morning, your skin tends to be dehydrated. By providing moisture from within the body, it reduces the damage caused to the skin by razors, which are sharp blades.

2. Moisturize your beard

Beards become very soft when wet, but the time it takes will vary depending on whether you moisten them with cold or warm water. Warm water is the most absorbent and softens quickly. Ideally, soak it in warm water for about 3 minutes. Also, when whiskers contain water, they expand by about 40%, making them easier to cut and reducing the burden on the blade.

3. Do not apply the blade directly to your skin

Use soap, shaving cream, and shaving foam. Applying a razor to your skin without anything applied can cause skin irritation, so be sure to use one.

Here we will show you how to use soap and a shaving brush. Soap not only cleans your skin, but also acts as a lubricant when the razor comes into contact with your skin.

Dissolve the soap in a cup or palm of your hand with warm water and use a badger hair shaving brush to work up a lather on your face.
Rub the soap into your brush and work it into your cheeks in a circular motion to create a lather.

This process not only creates bubbles, but also uses the brush to remove dirt from deep within the pores while hydrating the beard, resulting in a closer shave. In addition, the bristles of the brush massage the surface of the skin, which activates the metabolism and maintains fresh, healthy skin.

4. Shave in the direction of the beard growth from top to bottom

Shave in the direction of the beard by sliding the razor over your cheeks and under your chin without applying any extra force. For the first shave, be sure to shave in the direction of the beard, including hard beards on the cheeks, chin, under the eyebrows, under the nose, and on the face line.

If you suddenly apply the blade to the opposite side of your eye, the razor blade will create more resistance than necessary and the skin will be pulled. The stretched skin can be scraped together with the beard, causing razor bumps.

5. “Reverse shave” from bottom to top

After shaving the entire hair from top to bottom, try ``reverse shaving'' any areas where you are worried about unshave, going against the direction of the hair growth from bottom to top. When performing a ``reverse shave,'' apply the lubricant soap to your skin again, and shave with pinpoint precision to avoid unnecessary damage to your skin.

【one point】

If you shave with a light disposable razor, you may end up shaving unintentionally due to unintended force, and end up shaving excessively in order to cover it up. This can also irritate your skin and cause razor bumps. Using a moderately weighted razor to hold your hand steady, shave cleanly with constant pressure, and minimize ``reverse shaving'' are key points to avoid damaging your skin and preventing razor burn.
Feel the weight of the razor and try to shave with constant pressure.

6. Don't forget aftercare

In foreign movies, there are scenes where the beard is wiped off with a towel after shaving, but this is not allowed.
You cannot wipe off shaved beard that is stuck to the foam with just a towel. It's unsanitary, and the soap ingredients adhere to your face, which can cause skin irritation and breakouts. After shaving, be sure to rinse your face with hot or lukewarm water.
After shaving, the soap on your skin is depleted of oil, and the razor leaves some small scratches on your skin.

In the summer, it's a good idea to tighten your skin with a strong antibacterial alcohol-based after lotion, and if you have sensitive skin, we recommend using an alcohol-free lotion or milk to properly care for your skin. A product recommended by Razor Club is Old Spice Aftershave Fresh. During the drier winter months, it is a good idea to choose a moisturizing emulsion type and apply it carefully, especially around the mouth area, by rubbing it in.

People have different types of skin, including those with sensitive skin and those with strong skin. We recommend that you understand your skin thoroughly and take proper care of it.

As mentioned above, the lifespan of the blade varies greatly depending on individual differences and circumstances. First of all, the most important factor is to find a razor that suits you, check your own shaving taste, and judge the lifespan of the blade. In my case, I do the above and replace it about once every two weeks. I hope everyone will use this as a reference and shave with replacement blades that last longer.