Shaving with straight razor
It is widely believed that shaving with the help of the so-called fear is already a thing of the past, because today we can get a completely safe and also quite sharp machine. However, many men may not agree with this opinion.
The royal shave, which is the name given to the procedure for removing stubble with a razor knife, is still very popular due to its effectiveness.
Peculiarities
The peculiarity of shaving with the use of the so-called fear, that is, a reusable razor bladeI, which resembles a wide folding knife, consists in careful preliminary preparation and observance of technique. As a result, flawlessly smooth and clean skin without any consequences.
Also an important detail is that shaving with a dangerous blade involves an exceptionally wet technique. It involves the initial hygienic preparation of the face before the main procedure. Ideally, it is performed immediately after taking a shower.
The face should be well steamed with hot water, which makes the hair much softer, and the open pores do not hold back the follicles so much, making the shaving process more comfortable and efficient.
Simple steaming and moisturizing can actually be much more effective than using all kinds of gels.The main problem is that most manufacturers of shaving gels and foams promise a quality result that they cannot guarantee. In the end, the result of a shave largely depends on the preparation and quality of the blades. That is why dry technique, as a rule, is accompanied by excessive dryness of the skin, the appearance of various irritations, inflammations and rashes, as well as small cuts.
Another option for wet preparation - soak a towel in hot water, and then wrap your face with it for 5-10 minutes. After that, you can start shaving with a three-blade razor, but it will be most effective to use a reusable straight razor.
Known to many "fear" with proper handling is a very impressive men's accessory. Due to the length and shape of the blade, 1-2 passes of the razor over the skin area are enough to completely remove hairs from it. In addition, any further irritation of the epidermis is excluded, and no additional effort is required to remove hair.
For wet shaving, only a long beard is difficult with a dangerous blade. The fact is that long hair can be pulled out with a blade, because of which the procedure can be very painful. This problem is solved by pre-cutting the beard.
How to choose a machine?
Of course, the quality of the apprehension itself plays an important role, first of all. Today they can be purchased only in specialized stores and retail outlets, which in itself can act as a guarantee of quality. However, there is a fairly large selection of blades on the market, in which it is easy to get lost.
German manufacturers are invariably very popular.Companies such as Boker, Dovo and Hubert, as well as Robert Klaas are especially well known. You should immediately prepare for serious expenses, because a good razor knife costs much more than a conventional machine with replaceable blades.
When buying, you should always carefully check the straight razor.
In order not to miscalculate with quality, pay attention to the following details:
- The material from which the blade itself is made. The standard is considered to be high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel. In this case, you will have to choose between shaving comfort and blade life. The fact is that carbon steel provides the most effective hair removal without damaging the epidermis, but it will deteriorate and become dull much faster than stainless steel;
- Handle material. Of course, this factor does not play any role in terms of the effectiveness of the procedures. However, it is much more comfortable to shave your face when the machine fits comfortably in your hand. Experienced men talk about the fear handle as a frame. Today in stores you can find options for handles made of plastic, steel, wood, or even ivory;
- Be sure to pay attention to form! The best men's shaving blades are slightly concave, making them easier to adjust to facial irregularities. If the razor has an absolutely even and straight blade, then it is better to refuse it immediately!
- Far from the last role plays stigma. On a good and high-quality product, the manufacturer's emblem will be engraved directly on the blade itself. If the brand is applied with paint or even placed on the handle, then this is a sign of low quality;
- Explore blade thickness. The butt, as well as the sharpened part, should not only be thin, but the same with each other;
- You should also pay attention to construction. The classic reliable apprehension is made of one or two components. If the blade is folded inside the handle, then it rotates and is held at the base by two rivets. The presence of any springs and mechanical parts is considered a bad sign;
- sharpening. When choosing a blade, this parameter is the most important for shaving performance. The degree of sharpening ensures not only easy removal of hairs from the face, but also long-term operation of the blade and the possibility of re-sharpening it over time.
What else is needed?
Unlike a standard shave, the Wet Care Technique will require you to purchase some additional accessories. One of the most important, besides the straight razor itself, is shaving brush.
The shaving brush is a thick brush with a short handle. It is necessary not only for applying foam to the face, but also for whipping it. That is why it is important to pay attention to the quality and material from which the brush itself is made.
To date, there is a fairly large selection of all kinds of shaving brushes. The brush can be made from synthetics, which is the simplest and most affordable option, as well as from horsehair, boar bristles, badger or squirrel hair.
You should choose based on your own preferences, paying attention to the stiffness and strength of the brush.
Using a high-quality shaving brush allows you to beat a very thick and dense powder.well. Unlike various ready-made shaving foams that are sold in tubes or cans, this product moisturizes the skin much better.In addition, the foam retains heat, which is very important for wet shaving techniques. During the application of the foam, the process of exfoliating dead dermal cells takes place, which is very beneficial for the skin, and the risk of irritation and cuts is also significantly reduced.
Any emollient cream can be used as a base, but many men prefer to lather with the simplest homemade face and hand soap. In fact, for a reliable wet shave, it is enough regular soap base without any additional components.
In addition to a shaving brush, soap or cream, and a bowl for frothing, you will need a firm waffle towel. It should be soaked in hot water, squeezed out, and then wrapped around the face for 5-10 minutes immediately before the procedure. This way of preparing the skin of the face, combined with a dense foam obtained with a shaving brush, guarantees the most effective and comfortable shave.
Some specialized stores offer to purchase a ready-made kit right away, which may include not only a high-quality shaving brush and the blade itself, but also shaving soap, a sharpening belt and other useful accessories.
How to use?
Mastering the royal shave, which is how the procedure is often called with the use of caution, is not so difficult. Of course, each of the experienced barbers has his own favorite technique, but for home shaving it will be enough to master the general principles that will help you achieve an effective result and at the same time avoid mistakes. There are only five basic steps:
- After all the preparations, start on one side of the face., for example, from the right. For this, it is best to stretch the skin of the cheek with the left hand so that the blade slides much easier.Cut hair in the direction of hair growth, keeping a 30-degree angle and without any additional pressure or effort. Too much or too little angle of the blade can cause cuts in the skin, and if you try to shave against the growth of hair, you may face the problem of their ingrown in the future. Also, do not forget to wash off the remaining foam from the blade so that it does not dry out.
- The left side of the face will be more difficult to handle the bladem, because it requires a change of working hand. If you know you don't have enough dexterity, then it's best not to change hands, but simply pull the skin near the ear and shave the hair from top to bottom, while holding the guard so that the location of its upper part is visible for better control. At the same time, as the blade itself descends, the fingers of the free hand also fall lower and stretch the skin for better glide. At the end of shaving the cheeks, it is necessary to continue the movement to remove hair from the neck and beard area.
- When shaving the area above the upper lip it must be pulled down as much as possible.
- Shaving the chin area it is enough to pull the lower lip up. In this case, the movements should be made from top to bottom in hair growth.
- The area under the chin is the most difficult and requires a delicate approach, since the skin here is very thin. It is best to tilt your head back a little and tighten the muscles of the face, while pulling the skin down with your left hand and straightening it. For greater efficiency of shaving in this area, it is necessary to draw the blade first along the hairline, and then against it. Beginners are advised to simply repeat the movement of the blade along the hairline several times.
Some men may get confused when faced with a list of required shaving sequences.To do this, you need to train But at the same time, do not forget about the general recommendations:
- Immediately decide on the type of blade grip and practice it. There is a so-called "canonical" type of "fear" grip, in which the cutting edge is always held in the up or down position. You can also use a free grip, in which you need to independently determine the location of the blade that is convenient for you;
- It is important to practice holding the razorfeel its weight and inertia. During the shaving procedure, the hand should be almost completely relaxed;
- Sometimes it may take several passes of the blade. Do not forget to rinse your face with warm water after each time, and then reapply a dense layer of foam;
- Periodically rinse with water” to prevent foam and hair residue from drying on the surface of the cutting edge;
- Finish the procedure with the obligatory treatment of the skin of the face.. First, rinse it with cold water, and then apply a gel or lotion that will soften the skin and prevent inflammation;
Pros and cons
Much has been said about the positive aspects of dangerous shaving. Hair removal is very effective and smooth, the risk of irritation and inflammation is reduced, and the procedure itself, with proper skill, will take only 4-5 minutes.
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Among them, the following nuances should be especially noted:
- Wet shaving is more expensivethan classic dry. So, for example, a disposable machine will cost only 10-15 rubles, but a high-quality straight razor will cost about 100-200 dollars, not to mention a separate purchase of a good shaving brush or a whole set.On the other hand, an expensive dangerous shave kit will last you a very long time.
- The very name of a straight razor says that a royal shave is no joke. In the absence of any preparation or a radically wrong approach to the procedure, a serious cut can easily be obtained.
- As a result: requires special preparationand dexterity.
- Unlike dry shaving for such a procedure, you need a suitable place, you will definitely need a mirror and the presence of hot water.
Reviews
The only thing that stops many men from getting a dangerous shave is the price and the need for certain skills. The representatives of the stronger sex, who decided to try the delights of a real royal shave, never return to traditional machines.
When using the "fear", the skin becomes absolutely smooth, the shaving process is completely painless and impresses with its effectiveness. This method of facial hair removal is recommended by many men who already have extensive experience in caring for their appearance.
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