The 5 Wet Shaving Mistakes You Need To Cut Out
1st August 2019
5 Common Shaving Mistakes To Avoid
With so much choice in men’s grooming products, it’s hard to decide which are the best for your skin type and how to use them. Men often fall victim to wet shaving mistakes that result in redness, irritation, uneven hair growth and breakouts. In this blog we’ll tackle these problems to tell you how wet shaving should be done. Giving you some shaving hacks along the way and help you understand the shaving basics.
Neglecting Pre-Shave Prep
Probably the most important step of the wet shave process, pre shave prep is essential to avoiding other wet shaving mistakes. The hair on your face is thick and your skin is fragile. Therefore prepping to soften the follicles and protect the skin will help with the rest of your shave. Wash your face with warm water to help soften the hair and open your pores for a closer, more comfortable shave. Next, apply a pre shave oil to hydrate, protect the skin and soften your beard.
Choosing the Right Shaving Cream
One of the most common shaving mistakes is choosing the wrong shaving cream. Most men grab the first shaving foam they see without looking at what it could do to your skin. Any shaving products with parabens, sulphates, alcohol and preservatives are harmful to the skin. Using them could result in redness and irritation. When looking for a shaving lather to use, think about your skin and what it needs. The team at Cutters Yard will be able to help you choose.
Old Razor Blades
Every time you shave, the sharp blade of your razor will become a little bit duller, reducing the capability of giving a close shave. The duller a blade is, the more likely it is to pull at the hair rather than cutting straight through. This can lead to an irritated face and and uneven shave. Mens razors are usually expected to last for 5 – 10 shaves. A good mens shaving hack to help keep your blade sharp for longer is to rinse the razor head with hot water to clear any debris left. Do not wipe with a towel after your shave.
Poor Shaving Technique
The contours of your face and the fact that facial hair grows in all directions makes shaving a bit of an obstacle course for your razor. Common wet shaving mistakes when it comes to technique include shaving against the direction of the hair, not rinsing the blade after strokes and not pulling skin taut for a closer shave. Our advice to avoid these issues include always shaving with the direction of hair growth. Make short strokes with your razor and never press down too hard. If you’re not sure how to checking the direction of your hair growth, ask your Cutters Yard barber who will be happy to help with face mapping.
Skipping Shave After Care
You’ve done all the hard work so why waste it all by skipping aftercare? A common shaving mistake to avoid is rinsing your face with warm water. You need very cold water to close pores, calm the skin and avoid breakouts. It also helps to pat the skin dry with a towel. Don’t rub and increase the chance of irritation. Skin can be vulnerable after so much attention so it’s important to apply a balm to hydrate and protect. Your barber will be able to advise on the best aftercare for your skin type.
Wet Shave at Cutters Yard
These common shaving mistakes are completely eliminated when you get our signature Cut Throat Shave at Cutters Yard. This ultimate wet shave experience is perfect for eradicating any unwanted, rogue hairs while soothing the skin.
The service begins by applying grooming oil and steaming the skin to soften the follicles and prep you for the main event. The first layer of the shaving gel is then applied, followed by a hot towel gently wrapped around your face. Once the skin is soft enough, the towel is removed and the shaving cream is mixed and applied in a thick layer to the facial area. Then the shaving process begins with a close-shave razor, divided into sections. Once the shave is complete, excess product is removed, and a cold towel is applied to close the pores and soothe the skin. An aftershave formula is then used to complete the process.
For a stress-free experience and more tips and advice for a great wet shave, book an appointment for a Cut Throat Shave with Cutters Yard where our team will be happy to help you understand the shaving basics at home and advise on the best products for you.