5 Tips For Shaving With Straight Razor

By: Sandi Harrison

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Learning to shave with a straight razor can be a challenge, so this article will provide you with five tips for shaving with a straight razor. Straight razors are very sharp. Not only is it tricky to learn how to shave with one, but it also needs to be maintained properly of you can cause severe damage to your face! Once you learn how to shave with one, you will experience a nice smooth face.

Prepare your beard for shaving. Make sure your face is clean and all the dirt and oils are removed that may have accumulated in your beard. Do wait a few minutes after you get up to shave so the puffiness will be out of your face and your skin will be tighter.
Lather up your face. In order to shave, it is important to get your beard softer so shaving will go smoothly. You may choose to use a shaving mug or some type of shaving cream, whatever works best for you, but the next step is to put lather on your face which will help soften your beard. There are some types of lather that contain ingredients that will help to keep a barrier between the razor and your skin to help prevent cuts. Whatever you choose, let the lather stay on your face for a couple of minutes until your beard feels softer. Add a little water and a little more shaving cream and you’re ready to start shaving.
Be sure to hold the blade at the proper angle. The easiest parts of your face to shave are the sideburns and cheeks, so begin there. Remember to always keep your thumb on the blade and tighten your skin with your other hand. It is recommended that you use about a 30 degree angle on the razor. Use a limited amount of pressure so you don’t cut yourself. If you’re a novice at shaving with a straight razor, just do you sideburns and cheeks and use your regular razor until you get used to the straight razor.
Work your way to the jaw area and chin. The jaw and chin can be tricky because of the bone structure, so be sure to use the middle of the blade and lift the razor up a little to lessen the pressure. Start a little ways away from the area you are shaving and work your way to the jaw and then the chin. Always shave going with the grain of your beard.
Shave each side of your upper lip and stop at the corners of your mouth. Next do the area under your nose. If you lift up your nose, it will tighten the skin in that area and prevent you from nicking yourself. Pull the skin tightly under the corners of your mouth and use less pressure. Start your stroke upwards from the chin.
Check your beard for smoothness. If you feel any stubble, you may have to go over your beard a second time, this time against the grain of your beard. Add a little water and lather and lightly go over any stubble that is left. If your face is smooth, you’re all done. Be patient as it may take a little while to get the technique down, but when you do, you will have a wonderful, smooth face that the ladies will love.