♦ 6 Shaving Secrets My Hairdresser Told Me

Fellow gentlemen, to most of us, shaving our beard is a simple grooming chore. A couple of months ago, I found a new hairdresser, my dearest Emanuele, in town who does a wet shave like we get to see in old movies with barbershops. I had never experienced something as refreshing. It was the closest shave I’d ever had. Of course, it cost me some money, and I guess it’s a luxury I will succumb to every once in a while. That said, I asked myself (and the hairdresser) a couple of questions about getting a proper wet shave at home. Here are the answers. And its mostly not what Dad thought you.

How should I prepare for the shave?

OK, chances are you’ve never really asked that question, let alone prepare for a shave. It does, however, improve results dramatically. The easiest way to prepare is by first washing your face with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. This removes dirt and cleans out pores. You go on to soaking a hand towel in hot water (run it under the tap) and seal your face with it for a minute or so until your skin goes all soft and you have a woozy feeling.

Emanuele’s Pro Tip: Add a drop of eucalyptus oil to the towel.

When should I shave?

In the morning, after shower. The warm shower helps soften your beard. If in a hurry, shave during the shower, but a mirror is advised.

Emanuele’s Pro Tip: Use some of your hair conditioner to soften up even more.

What gel should I use?

Emanuele says to never use anything that comes in a pressurized can. If possible, use something that comes from a squeezing tube and is as natural as possible. The Body Shop usually has good choices and it doesn’t cost much more than your usual Nivea stuff.

Emanuele’s Pro Tip: Use a shaving brush to apply your gel, and optimally it’s made of real animal hair.

What blade should I use?

The pro obviously uses a real shaving blade. I guess I’d need training for that, so we’ll stick with handle-based blades. Never use disposable one-time blades, and expirment with the number of blades you need. In the end, it’s a question of preference. Also, the less blades you can come by with, the better your chance of reducing any burn.

How often should I shave?

Three passes. One with the grain, one across the grain, and one against the grain, in that order.

Emanuele’s Pro Tip: He always repeats the preparation steps between each pass, but that’s probably only good for Sundays. Again, since you make three passes in three directions, consider getting a something with less than 23 blades.

How do I finish off the shave?

Once you’ve made your three passes, trim your sideburns. Then, use a hand towel in cold water this time and cool off your face. Again, you can add some menthol oil or so to make it extra fresh.

Emanuele’s Pro Tip: He rubs my chin with a salt stone, to disinfect any smallest cuts we can’t really see. He also claims that it works like a sealing agent on the pores, varnishing my chin like a solid piece of wood. It burns like hell, but feels absolutely fantastic afterwards.

That’s how my pro thought me to shave. I suggest you talk to your hairdresser, too. It’s worth it.

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