THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF WET SHAVING

SHAVING TECHNIQUE

1. Hot Water

The first essentials for a perfect shave are water and warmth. When hair absorbs hot water it becomes softer and easier to cut and with warmth the skin and facial muscles become relaxed, making shaving so much easier – thus the best time to shave is after a bath or shower. This effect can also be achieved by soaking a folded flannel or small towel in hot water and wrapping it around the face for thirty seconds or more.

2. Preparing the Face

Those who desire a particularly smooth shave might wish to apply a glycerine-based Skin Food before shaving: this protects the skin and helps the razor to glide smoothly across the face. Massaging the skin food against the growth of the beard also helps to lift the beard in readiness for the lather.

3. The Lather

Trumper’s shaving cream may be rubbed into the beard with the fingers, but the best results are obtained when using a good quality badger shaving brush. When using cream, place a modest amount in the palm of one hand, dip the brush into hot water and using a circular motion in the palm, build up a rich creamy later on the brush. Wet the face, and again with a circular motion apply the lather to the beard, allowing the brush to lift the beard, making the hairs stand proud. The brush may be dipped lightly into hot water if more moisture is required in the lather. If using soap, dip the brush in hot water and use a similar circular motion on the soap to create a rich lather.

4. The Shave

Using a good blade that has been warmed in the sink or under hot running water, shave the face in the direction of the beard growth, rinsing the blade in hot water frequently. Never shave ‘against the grain’ of the beard, in awkward areas such as the chin and under the nose the blade can be taken across the growth – but never against as this pulls the skin in the wrong direction causing small cuts and ‘grazing’ to the skin and is the most common cause of ‘razor-burn’, in-grown hairs and shaving rash. Rinse the face thouroughly with warm then cool water and pat dry with a soft towel.

5. Caring for the Skin

A good wet shave exfoliates and cleanses the skin, leaving smooth new skin and a healthy clean appearance. Newly exfoliated skin needs to be protected from the elements, so for healthy skin it is important that men use an after-shaving Moisturizer or Skin Food. Products containing alcohol should not be applied to the skin directly after shaving as this may inflame the skin and cause dryness. For best results cologne and other fragrances should be applied to the ‘hot spots’ behind the earlobes and on the skin and back of the neck.

TIPS TO GET YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULT

General Shaving Tips

• Shower or bathe before shaving, or warm the face with a hot flannel.
• Use plenty of hot water and shave in a warm environment.
• Protect the skin with skin food or moisturizer.
• Use a quality badger brush with good shaving cream or soap.
• Brush in a circular motion to lift the beard.
• Shave with the beard growth, never against the grain.
• Rinse the blade frequently in hot water
• Rinse face well with warm then cool water and gently pat dry.
• After shaving use a non-greasy moisturizer or skin food.
• Avoid applying alcohol based products to the face after shaving.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BRUSH AND RAZOR

After shaving, rinse your brush and razor thoroughly to remove soap and flick to remove most of the water. Brushes are best hung on a brush stand so that water can move away from the base of the hairs. To avoid mildew, do not keep damp bushes in a closed cupboard or washbag for any length of time. If your brush becomes clogged with soap, soak in a mild solution of borax until clean.