Improve Your Shaves Without Changing Razors | The 7-Part Shaving System For The Best Shave

What’s the most important part of shaving?

The razor right?

Wrong.

The razor is just one part of the equation.

How do you improve your shaves without switching your razor?

By replacing ineffective habits…

and instead creating a shaving system that is FUN and gives you RESULTS.

A system is an intentional process.

It involves taking action to find the right combination of steps that work for you.

The ideal shaving system requires:

• Sufficient time.
• Preparation to soften your hair.
• A lubricating layer to allow a smooth razor glide.
• A second protective layer that lifts the hair follicles.
• The right shaving technique.
• Repeat (if desired) and rinse with warm water.
• An after-shave lotion to soothe and protect your skin.

A system is geared around taking action. Enjoy a close and satisfying nick-free shave by following this 7-step shaving system.

This article was brought to you by Classic Shaving. They’ve put together a GREAT package deal for you on everything you need to create your own shaving system.

The price is about half what you would pay if you were to buy each item individually from another store. 

This deal won’t be around forever so take advantage of it quickly! 

1) Give Yourself Time To Shave

The old-world, masculine charm of the wet shave is undeniable. However, part of the charm is in creating the space to enjoy the experience.

Shaving can be FUN. It should be something you look forward to.

Keeping that in mind, what’s the ideal duration for a shave?

As long as you need to enjoy the experience and ensure a smooth, nick-free shave.

Give it at least 15-20 minutes and be patient.

Rushing is the best way to ensure you don’t enjoy the shave, leave bits unchecked, end up with cuts and irritated skin.

Create a system that takes the time required into consideration. You may switch to shaving at night when you (and your hair follicles) are more relaxed.

If you are a family man, take into account that early morning is rush-hour in the bathroom too. For those who shave less frequently, pick the days of the week that are most convenient to allow for a relaxed shaving routine.

2) Soften Your Hair

Prepare the face by showering before shaving.
My system includes a quick dip in the pool, a few minutes in the hot tub and then a quick shower in the locker room before shaving.

This preparatory step allows the moist heat to open the pores and soften facial hair. If you want to skip this step, wash your face with hot water or use a towel soaked in warm water for a similar effect.

The heat reduces razor drag on your face and softens the facial hair beneath the skin’s surface.

It is not necessary to wash your face before shaving with soap or face wash because they tend to remove protective oils secreted around hair follicles and pores.

3) Use A Shaving Oil

The right pre-shave oil moisturizes your skin and reduces friction caused by dragging the blade across the shaving surface. It can also act as an antiseptic.

With the pores on your face wide open, it’s important to use the right products to protect your skin from further damage while shaving.

The products you use should be as natural as possible (almost edible!)

If you prefer washing your face before shaving, using a pre-shave oil is an important step that helps protect your skin while shaving.

Find what works for you. Try it and you’ll be amazed at the difference a pre-shave oil makes to your shaving experience.

4) Add A Second Protective Layer

Work up a rich lather using a shaving cream and apply it over your stubble using a shaving brush.

The right shave cream should be a highly alkaline formula that softens on contact with the hair follicles. The cream continues the process of opening the pores and further moisturizes the face, adding a second protective layer over the pre-shave oil.

You only need a pea sized drop of shaving cream, worked into a lather in a bowl. Use a circular motion around the parts with facial hair.

Applying shaving lather with a quality shaving brush (such as a badger brush) improves the shaving experience immensely.

A good brush lifts the hair follicles, producing a thicker, luxurious lather. The brush distributes the cream evenly and gets it right under your hair.

5) Master The Shaving Technique

Which razor is best for your skin? That’s up to you to find out.
Experiment with different blades and find what works for you.

What you can improve instantly is your shaving technique:

• Pull the skin tight as you apply the straight razor and shave with the grain of growth.
• Use only as much pressure as needed. Use a lighter pressure if you are prone to ingrown hairs or bumps after your shave.
• Shave using short strokes to prevent irritation. Really long strokes tend to clog the blades and require multiple passes to ensure smoothness.
• Avoid shaving the same spot twice. To spot clean, focus on that area instead of multiple razor passes over the same spot. This leads to irritation and bumps.
• Use warm water to clean your blade every couple of passes.

Also, it’s a good idea to change your blades frequently. For a safety razor, swapping your blades every 2-3 shaves ensures you’re never pulling against your skin with a dull blade.

6) Shaving Cleanup

Is it necessary to go against the grain and shave a second time?

If a closer shave is desired, you may go against the grain and shave a second time. If you do so, avoid razor burn by reapplying pre-shave oil and shaving cream. If you missed a few spots, go over them and skip having to lube up all over your face. At this point, you’re just looking to clean up the shave.

Use warm or hot water to rinse off the shaving cream and pre-shave oil.

A warm water rinse feels good at the end of your shave and removes the excess lubricant left behind by the pre-shave oil. Some men prefer the soothing effect of cold water to close their pores and reduce irritation.

Maintain the balance of naturally occurring facial oils by using a mild face wash with a pH level of 5-5.5 (which is the natural level of the face). Harsher soaps can dry your skin or create a shiny effect.

7) Post Shave Care

To wrap up your shaving routine, you may apply a natural after-shave balm that is soothing and adds protection to your freshly razored skin.

You can get away without using an after shave.

Just be aware that at the end of your shaving routine, your face is stripped of essential oils and is screaming for moisture. Replenish and restore what shaving depletes by using a non-alcoholic after-shave balm.

Avoid alcohol based products that cause your skin to burn. The burning effect is an indication of your skin losing moisture. Dry skin contributes to wrinkles and can also result in the over-secretion of oils to compensate, which can lead to ingrown hairs.

Wrap up your entire shave with a facial moisturizer, especially if you live in a high-altitude or dry climate.

Use this 7-step system to turn a daily chore into an indulgence.

Experiment and find what works for you. A lotion is suitable for oily and sensitive skin while a thicker moisturizer works well on dry skin.

For consistency, use products from the same brand.

This article was brought to you by Classic Shaving. They’ve put together a GREAT package deal for you on everything you need to create your own shaving system.

The price is about half what you would pay if you were to buy each item individually from another store. 

This deal won’t be around forever so take advantage of it quickly!