So you've heard about the benefits of using a safety razor for your daily shave, but you have no idea where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Safety razor shaving is becoming increasingly popular among those looking for an affordable (or maybe a more sustainable), close shave. But if you're new to the world of safety razors, it can be a bit intimidating. In this guide, we'll cover all the basics so you can get started with confidence.
Choosing Your Safety Razor
The first step in getting started with a safety razor is selecting one that fits your needs. Safety razors come in many shapes and sizes, and it's important to choose one that feels comfortable in your hand and provides good balance while shaving. Of course, it is also important that you have a razor that you are happy with. After all, safety razors are durable and can last a lifetime if handled correctly, so looks matter! You'll also want to consider the type of blade used by the razor; some blades are better suited for sensitive skin or coarse hair than others, but we’ll talk about this later.
Different types of safety razors
If you’re like most men, you’ve been using the same (standard) razor for years and probably don’t know there are different types of safety razors. Don’t worry, we’re here to shed some light on the subject and help you find the perfect safety razor for your needs. Let’s get started!
Closed Comb Razors
The closed comb razor is the most common type of safety razor on the market. The head of this type of razor has small teeth that make it look like a comb when viewed from above. It also has a guard that sits between the blade and your skin, which gives you some extra protection against cuts and nicks. This type of razor is great for beginners because it gives a fairly close shave without being too aggressive. Plus, it won't cause any major damage if used incorrectly. We recommend a closed comb razor for men who shave regularly and shave off primarily shorter hairs.
Open Comb Razors
Open comb razors are similar to closed comb razors but they have larger teeth that look like a comb when viewed from above. This makes them slightly more aggressive than closed comb razors and better suited for experienced shavers who want a really close shave with minimal effort. However, open combs can be quite unforgiving if not used correctly, so make sure you do your research before investing in one! For men who regularly want to shave longer hairs, we recommend an open comb razor because the open comb design makes shaving longer hairs that much easier.
Choosing the right blades for your safety razor
When using a safety razor, it’s important to choose the right blade. The safety razor is simply ‘just’ a holster for the razor after all. When choosing your double edge safety razor blades, there are a number of brands to choose from. The most common ones are Derby, Astra & Feather.
Which blade is best for you varies depending on your hair type, skin type and, of course, your personal preference. Some brands shave more forgivingly on your skin, such as Derby, but are not always suitable for shaving off thick hairs.
If you have thicker hairs or a full beard, Astra or Feather may be better for you. Each brand shaves a little different, some are a little "sharper" and others last a little longer before needing to be changed. All standard double-edge razor blades are compatible with our safety razors, so feel free to try out a few brands and see which works best for you.
How to shave with a safety razor
Step 1: Preparing Your Skin
Now you have chosen your safety razor and blade, it's time to prep your skin for shaving. Start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser. This helps open up your pores, allowing for a smoother shave. Once your face is clean and dry, apply some pre-shave oil or cream to help soften the hairs and provide lubrication.
Step 2: Shaving With Your Safety Razor
Now that your skin is properly prepared, it's time to begin shaving! Start by positioning the blade at a 30-degree angle against your skin and pulling it lightly along the grain of hair growth (in other words, in the same direction as the hairs are growing).
As always when using sharp objects near exposed skin, take care not to press too hard on the razor—you want just enough pressure so that you feel like there’s some resistance against your skin but not so much that it pulls at or breaks hairs unnecessarily. After each stroke of the blade, rinse off any excess lather from both sides of the blade before continuing until all areas are shaved cleanly and evenly.
Step 3: Aftercare
Once finished shaving, rinse off any remaining lather from your face then splash some cold water over it in order to close up the pores and reduce inflammation. Finally, moisturize using an aftershave balm or lotion in order to hydrate skin and prevent irritation or discomfort caused by newly shaved hairs growing back in too soon. Also remember to clean and dry your safety razor thoroughly to ensure its longevity.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an old school way of shaving or just want something different – safety razors are perfect choice! Not only do they offer an incredibly close shave but they also last way longer than disposable blades, which means more money saved in the long run and you’re contributing to a more sustainable shaving industry! With proper technique and care, anyone can learn how to use them safely and effectively – so why not give it a try?