todayWet shave techniques for a smoother shave
The wetter, the better
This is on of the most important shaving tips. Wetshaving is just what the term says – keeping your face wet with plenty of hot water before, and during, the entire shave. Hot water swells the hair shaft allowing the blade to cut the hair, not your skin. In fact, you should always shave after a hot shower or bath. Shave in the bathroom as the steamy environment will help to soften the bristles, making shaving easier. It takes a few minutes ( 3- 4) minutes for stubble to 'wet out' properly making them easier to shave.
If you prefer the water in a bowl method, ensure you wash your face first with plenty of hot water to ensure those bristles are soft. Cold water will close your pores, making the hair harder to cut. With a layer of hot water between your skin and the lather, the blade skims the surface instead of dragging on it, which is the main cause of irritation, redness, and “shave bumps”.
It's best to avoid shaving the very first thing in the morning. If possible, let your skin wake up a while. This allows the "puffiness" you encounter from fluids collecting in your skin during the night to recede, thus allowing you to get a closer shave when you do begin the task.
Water conservation tip
Shave with a basin of water rather than a running stream and you’ll increase your water savings by three more gallons.
Save 10 gallons by shaving two minutes off your shower time. Every minute you’re in the shower, five gallons of water goes down the drain.
Wetshaving gives you more effective shaves and better looking skin. The hot water and humidity opens up your pores and soften your skin. When hair absorbs hot water it becomes softer and easier to cut and with warmth the skin and facial muscles become relaxed, making shaving so much easier. Your whiskers are tougher than the edge of a razor blade, and shaving “dry”, or mostly dry as with the vast majority of shaving creams, foams, and gels on the market, means you’re literally tugging on each and every hair on your face instead of neatly slicing it at the skin’s surface and moving on without irritating your skin.
The key to proper wetshaving is keeping your face as wet as possible at all times during the shave. Even if you keep your current tools and routine, you’ll marvel at how much closer and more comfortable shaving can be when you keep your face hydrated at all times with lots of hot (not scalding) water.
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