Safety Razors were invented in the 1900s, and the original design was so good that it has hardly changed since.
Learning how to use a Safety Razor has become a rite of passage for people looking to upgrade from the cheap supermarket razors.
To prepare your safety razor for a shave, follow these simple steps:
- Twist the handle to open up the safety razor head
- Take a new double-edged razor blade and place it in the head
- Twist the handle again to close the safety razor head
- Rinse the safety razor head in water before shaving
Safety Razors are great as they use disposable double edge razor blades that can last a few shaving sessions, depending on their quality.
Read up on how to choose double edge safety razor blades here.
What you need to know before you start shaving
Shaving with a safety razor is like shaving in general, but there are a few differences to keep in mind that include:
- Prepare your skin with warm water before shaving.
- Be conscious of the double edge razor blade's edge and angle. Depending on the razor blades you choose, some may stick out further and be angled, which affects the way you shave.
- Safety razors have some weight to them, so you do not need to apply much pressure. Let the safety razor's weight apply the pressure gently as you shave.
- Shave with short strokes and have a rinse the razor. Each short stroke can shave a small section, then rinse and repeat.
- Shave in the direction of your facial hair. This is a general tip to avoid shaving rash or razor burn.
- Position your safety razor at a 25-35 degree angle to get the most from the blade edge.
- Always clean and dry your safety razor once finished.
4 steps to a successful safety razor shave
Now that you are ready and prepared to start shaving let's jump right into it!
1. Double check the direction of your facial hair
Before you get started, look in the mirror and figure out if your facial hair is growing in a downwards direction. The most common direction facial hair grows in are:
- Downwards (most common)
- Sideways (less common)
- Upwards (uncommon)
You may also find that you have some areas growing hair in the shape of a spiral.
Don't overanalyse, but get a general idea for you to know which direction to shave on your neck, chin, cheeks, etc.
2. Use warm water and soap
Whether you have soap or shaving cream, get it ready as we need it before we start shaving.
Prepare some warm water, and you can either:
- Soak a small towel in the warm water, then hold it to your face
- Splash your face three to four times with the warm water
After this, you can lather your face with soap or shaving cream. Once finished, you are ready to shave.
3. Prepare your safety razor
Grab your safety razor in your dominant hand and check to make sure that:
- The double edge safety razor blade is positioned in the head correctly.
- Twist the handle to make sure the head is closed tightly.
Then hold your safety razor at a 30 or so degree angle close to your face. Having the safety razor held at an angle of 30 degrees stops prevent the blade from cutting your face.
4. Start Shaving
Take the safety razor and start shaving with small strokes. Don't shave longer than 5cm. After each shaving stroke, flip to the other side and shave again, then once both sides are full of soap and hair, rinse in the sink.
The rest isn't rocket science. Get a feel for the razor; let the safety razor's weight apply gently pressure to avoid razor cuts.
Conclusion: How shave using a safety razor
The safety razor is an excellent upgrade from your local supermarket razors.
There are many benefits, including safety razor's being environmentally friendly, offering closer shaves, and saving money as you only need to buy replacement blades.
The main tips and advice from barbers to people at home is to:
- Prepare your face with warm water.
- Shave at a 30-degree angle
- Use the weight of the safety razor to apply gentle pressure while shaving.
- Shave with short, clean strokes, then switch to the other side
- Always shave in the direction of your facial hair.
- Clean once clogged, and clean thoroughly once finished. Always dry your razor to avoid rusting.
With these main tips, you should be ready to shave with a safety razor like a pro.
Let us know your thoughts and tips for the perfect safety razor shave down in the comments below!
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