Wet Shaving 101: Tips & Tricks

Whether you’re just starting to dabble in wet shaving or suffering from irritated skin after wet shaving, it can feel like a chore if you haven’t adopted the right routine.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your shave:

Always Prep

Some may think that splashing some water on your skin for a few seconds is enough to get lathered. But really, it takes more than that to properly clean and hydrate your skin for shaving.

Gently wash your face & neck in warm water and face soap to remove any unwanted grit. You can also use pre-shave oil or lotion to prepare your skin. These products (or processes) are to soften the skin and whiskers in order to get a smoother shave.

Never Use Dull Blades

Using blunt blades & poor quality razors are a recipe for pain, because they won’t cleanly cut the hair. Instead, they can drag, pull, and damage your skin - increasing the potential for nicks, cuts, and razor burn. Dull blades will also cause you to make multiple passes over the same areas to get a close shave, meaning higher chances of skin irritation.

Fresh, clean, sharp blades make all the difference in the shaving experience. The lifespan of blades can depend on the thickness of your hair & the coarseness of your hair. But, as a general rule, it’s good to replace your blades between every 3-5 shaves if you’re wet shaving.

Use a Great Lather

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so it’s critical to use products that nourish it instead of harming it. Mass-market shaving creams in aerosol cans are known for drying out skin and harsh ingredients. Canned shaving creams are also often filled with chemicals, artificial lubricants, and cheap fragrances.

Shaving soaps are usually made from mostly natural ingredients that work to hydrate & protect the face. Shave soaps produce a thick, cushiony lather that offers protection from skin irritation. It can take a little practice to master the task of lathering a shave soap, but the resulting post-shave feel is often excellent. The biggest advantage of shave soap lies in the cost-per-shave because it is cheaper due to the fact that it lasts much longer than regular shaving cream.

Avoid Applying Too Much Pressure

Using too much pressure on the razor is a common problem for those who are new to wet shaving. You may feel like you need to press down when shaving the skin, but fight the feeling, because razor blades are most efficient when cutting across a flat surface. Pressing down can create a ‘ditch’ in the skin and cause an inconsistent shave.

Don’t Ignore the Grain

You want to make the shaving experience as comfortable as possible. The best way to do that is to shave with the grain of your hair on the first pass. If you want a closer shave, re-lather and shave across the grain on the second pass. For a baby smooth shave, you’ll want to re-lather (again) and shave against the grain on the final pass.

This process is critical if you want the smoothest shave possible all while minimizing the risk for nicks, cuts, and skin irritation.

Don’t Skip Aftercare

Shaving can irritate your skin, so you want to make sure you rehydrate your skin afterwards. Rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and gently pat your skin dry. Finish with a post-shave balm for a cooling, nourishing effect.

Choose aftercare products that contain naturally-based ingredients that will soothe and restore your skin’s moisture. Avoid products that contain alcohol, as they can dry & irritate your skin even further.

Find Products You Love

Once you find products you love, you’re going to have the best shaving experience possible. Our shaving soap is top of the food chain and will perform during your shaving ritual as well as hours afterward.

Our products have had years of experience and formulations to bring to market for you. Our formulas are made with expertise and care with your skin health as our main concern. Browse our collection of wet shaving products now - your skin will thank you!