Safety razors have many benefits. They are better for the environment, removing the need for plastic disposable razors, and better for your skin, reducing the risk of ingrowing hairs.
Shaving with a safety razor is very similar to shaving with other razor types, making it easy to swap over. However, when first making the switch, there are some common mistakes to avoid making sure your shaving experience goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
Not prepping your hair
When it comes to a nice close shave, it’s not just the razor that’s important, it’s also the condition of the hairs themselves. In order to cut nice and close, you want the hairs to be softened and raised away from the skin.
The way to do this is by having a good pre-shave routine. The classic hair softener is to apply a hot damp towel to the skin or to use moisturising shaving creams or gels. A good lather will lift the hair away from the skin with tiny bubbles, helping the blade to cut them as close to the base as possible.
Not getting the angle right
Safety razors were designed to avoid those uncomfortable cuts and nicks that came from careless shaving with a cut-throat razor. However, this design also means that the wrong angle will prevent the razor from cutting at all.
As stated by beeco in their guide to sustainable razors, a 30° to 45° angle is the best way to get the ultimate shave. You can find this point by putting the razor at a right angle to your skin and then tipping it a little more than halfway back towards the surface. As your skin isn’t flat, you will need to move the razor to keep it at the optimum angle.
The easiest way to perfect this method or slow and careful practice, observing when the razor isn’t cutting as it should.
Not taking care of knobbly bits
Chins, ankles and knees are the most likely casualties when it comes to any razor. Though much safer than cut-throat razors, safety razors can still nick bony areas when care is not taken. When shaving around these particularly difficult spots it’s important to go slow, use plenty of shaving foam or gel and alter the angle of the razor regularly.
Not rinsing the blade
It may seem like overkill, but rinsing the blade regularly is essential when using a safety razor. This process clears out cut hairs and soap suds that gum up the blade and dull it. These contaminants increase the chance of razor burn and discomfort post-shaving.
Running a tap over the blade can be an easy way to clear it but keeping it running throughout the shaving process will waste huge amounts of water. Alternatively, fill the sink with a little water or have a cut or bowl on standby.
Not replacing the blade
Like cleaning your razor, replacing the blade regularly is important. This is why safety razors are so beloved, because the razor is easy to replace once it dulls. A dull blade both means a less effective shave and risk of skin irritation.
You can also help to keep the blade sharper for longer by cleaning it properly after you shave, and ensuring it is kept dry between shaves. A handy razor stand can be an excellent way to keep the blade out of bathroom puddles.
While these small adjustments in your shaving routine may seem complex at first, you’ll quickly find your shave becoming easy to manage, as it becomes second nature. And with all the hidden benefits to your new razor, why wait to make the switch (If you haven’t made it already)?
Just in case you’re interested, kits from www.cutthroatclub.co.uk have some nifty accessories that should cover any problems you encounter when grooming yourself.
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