Pre-Shave Treatment

The way that one prepares for a shave with a straight razor is really no different than how one would prepare for a shave with any other kind of razor, at least in a utilitarian way.

 

When you decide to move from disposable cartridges to a straight razor, you are turning a daily chore into more of a ritual. As with any ritual, we tend to up our game a bit and try to get the most out of it. Canned shave gel and Aqua Velva are almost heretical sitting on the counter next to your antique straight razor!

The first step in face prep is to wash your face. Cleaned and dampened stubble cuts a lot better than dry. The most effective way to clean your face is to shower before shaving. Use a good facial soap or even shampoo to get your face nice and clean and to get those whiskers thoroughly hydrated. After washing, applying a good hair conditioner further softens the stubble, making it even easier to cut.

If a shower is out of the question, a simple hot water wash in the sink will suffice. A hot towel treatment would be even better! Whatever gets your face clean and your whiskers soaked will make for a more efficient and comfortable shave.

A pre-shave oil further prepares your face for shaving. It gives the razor a slicker surface to help it glide over your face, reducing irritation. Pre-shave oil also  rehydrates the skin and provides a level of antimicrobial protection. Let the oil sit on your face for a minute or two before applying shave soap. This is a good time to strop your razor.

It's hard to overstate the importance of a high quality shave soap. Sure, canned gels and foams can be used, but why? Quality shave soaps simply outperform canned gels and foams and are a lot cheaper in the long run. Coupled with a quality badger hair brush, you can add a rather hedonistic quality to your shaving routine for just a few dollars.

Work up a nice lather--take a couple of minutes and really get it nice and frothy. Apply generously to your face and begin shaving. If you are new to straight razor shaving you may be a bit of a slow shaver, so you might need to reapply the shave soap if it begins to dry.

After a comfortable, close shave, it's time to move on to the post-shave treatment.