If you’re someone who’s never shaved with a safety razor before, or if you’ve been using disposable razors for your face and neck for years, this might be the perfect time to try out a safety razor.
So, how to use a safety razor since it’s new to you not, to worry; we have everything covered. Before now, you might have used a disposable razor to get a closer shave, which means fewer nicks and cuts that could lead to infections and those unsightly red bumps on your face.
However, you can enjoy a better shaving experience.
Safety razors are also safer because they don’t require replacement blades—lather up with soap and hold the blade at a great angle while shaving. They use safe blades that are less harmful to the skin and prevent ingrown hairs. If you wish to learn how to use a safety razor, this is the ultimate guide for beginners and even the pros.
What is a Safety Razor?
The double-edged razor was first introduced in the late 19th century by King C. Gillette and later patented by him. It was called a safety razor because it had two blades, each side sharpened at an angle to cut hair from both sides of your face.
The blade is on one side, and you would use it to shave down your cheeks as usual, whereas you can use the other side for shaving up over that area like you would with a regular straight razor or safety barber’s clipper set (which we’ll get into later).
Safety razors have gotten compared to cassette tape vs. vinyl in terms of the shave quality. A cartridge razor blade is slightly more expensive than a safety razor, but it’s also less efficient.
You can only use a shaving head on a cartridge system once, and you must replace it, which means you’ll spend more money on new blades every few months. On the other hand, with a safety razor (or double-edge), you’re only ever using one piece—the head—and therefore saving yourself from buying new blades all the time.
Nowadays, you can get safety razors made from recycled materials, so they will save you money and help protect our environment. If you’re looking for upfront cost savings with no maintenance requirements like cartridges do, then choosing a safety razor might be the best option for you in this case.
Why Switch To A Safety Razor
You may ask yourself, “Why should I use a safety razor?” Well, the answer is simple: they’re better for your face. When you shave with an electric or manual razor, you use blades made of metal. They will most likely harm your skin.
These blades will dull over time as they cut through hair; this makes them less effective in providing a close shave and can irritate your skin. Shaving with a safety razor is a little different than shaving with a disposable one, but it can be fun to learn new things.
Safety razors are more expensive than disposables. They tend to last longer and provide better results. The main reason why they cost more is that they are made with high-quality materials, which means less wasteful packaging and fewer plastic parts that need replacing over time.
Safety razors also take some time to learn how to use correctly (which could take weeks), but once you become familiar with their mechanics, they’re easy enough that anyone can do it. The weight of the safety razor handle gives it excellent balance, makes it easy to maneuver over difficult areas like your neck, and ensures it is easier to get a close shave.
In addition, since the blade is exposed and can be angled to cut closer, it’s easier to apply pressure on the skin. This means you’ll get a deeper shave than a traditional razor, which means less irritation and fewer razor bumps.
If you’re looking for a close shave and prefer a safety razor instead of a cartridge razor, you should consider the benefits of using one. A safety razor gives you less blade exposure than other types of razors do. This means that when the time for shaving comes, there are fewer chances that your face will get cut or nicked by one of those metal blades.
A safety razor shave is better for your face, wallet, and the environment.
How to Use a Safety Razor
Get the Right Supplies
Before shaving, keep a few handy things, including the safety razor of choice, shaving cream, water source, and towels. A safety razor is a double-edged blade on an open comb that you can use to shave with straight razors or add some extra edge when shaving with a cartridge.
It’s easy to use but not as forgiving as an electric shaver. A good quality razor will last for years if properly cared for and kept dry. The “safety” part comes from its design; if you accidentally nick yourself while shaving, there are no cuts.
The most important thing here is finding one that feels comfortable in your hand and gives you enough grip so that it won’t slip out of your hands during use. You’ll also want something suitable for your face type or other body parts that you wish to shave.
You also want to consider if you have acne-prone skin or sensitive issues like eczema or rosacea; additionally, some people prefer certain brands over others.
Turn on the water
First, turn on the hot water. This will help you to get a good lather and remove any excess shaving cream from your facial hair before you begin to shave. Once you have turned on the hot water, take a clean cloth and wet it with cold water (or tap water).
Do not try to use warm or scalding temperatures of either hot or cold water; this can irritate your face if done incorrectly. Next, apply some shaving cream to your face using both hands.
It would help if you used the left for spreading while holding the razor at arm’s length; this helps keep pressure off sensitive areas like nose bridges and cheeks while allowing enough room for movement during each stroke.
The right hand applies pressure against these sensitive areas and hard-to-reach places such as sideburns and chin areas where stubble can sometimes get stuck under hairs during its growth cycle.
Shave
Shaving with a safety razor is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Use the grain, which means to shave in the direction of hair growth. This will ensure you won’t miss any hairs and leave stubble behind.
- Use against-the-grain shaving, which means shaving against your skin’s natural direction of growth—away from where you want to cut the hair off. Doing this will help you avoid ingrown hairs, razor bumps on your face and neck, and other areas where shaving is uncomfortable (like underarms).
- Shave short strokes at first until you get used to how much pressure it takes on yourself versus how much force it takes from an electric shaver or razor blade cartridge; then try longer strokes later on if necessary (but don’t overdo it!).
- When using a safety razor with special blades, shave in circles instead of straight lines across each patch of skin being shaved; this makes for easier removal. That’s because there’s less resistance when going over areas repeatedly than when only completing one pass per area first before moving onto another patch further down towards either side.
Rinse, dry, and Apply Post-shave Lotion to Your Face and Neck
Rinse the shaving foam off your face with cold water or a damp towel. Dry your face with a towel. If you have sensitive skin, it’s wise to avoid using too much pressure when drying—you don’t want to irritate your skin further by rubbing it against rough surfaces like towels. Apply a post-shave lotion to your face and neck as soon as possible aftershave to hydrate your skin.
Store it Correctly
Don’t store the razor in a wet place. Water can cause rust and discoloration, affecting its appearance and performance. If you must keep your safety razor in a bathroom or kitchen, ensure it’s sitting on a dry surface.
You also don’t want to store it where it can be knocked over easily—like right next to the sink where people often take their razors out when you are done shaving—or dropped onto hard floors like tile or marble surfaces (which may break).
Avoid placing them on shelves too high for little hands to reach without help from an adult; this way of storing them will also help prevent accidental damage from being inflicted upon these fragile instruments.
Safety Razors you Should Try
We have compiled this list of safety razors by carefully considering different factors such as price, quality, and personal experience.
Merkur Long-Handled Safety Razor
This is one of our favorites, and it has a great weight to it, making it easy to use and maneuver. It also has a long handle which gives you more control over your shave.
Muhle R89 Safety Razor
This is one of the most expensive models on our list, but it is also one of the highest quality.
Bevel Safety Razor
This model is great for sensitive skin and continues to be one of the brand’s most popular products.
Parker 99R Safety Razor
The Parker is a well-made and elegant razor that looks as good as it performs. It features an easy-to-use twist-to-open design and offers an excellent shave without irritation or cuts.
When Not to Use a Safety Razor
If you have hypersensitive skin, you might want to avoid using a safety razor. However, this doesn’t mean you still can’t use the razor. You should always consider using a safety razor if you want an easy way of shaving daily without worrying about changing blades weekly.
Aside from the blade being designed with a rounded tip, it can catch and pull hairs from the root. Instead of using multiple blades that flip over each other like a switchblade knife, you pull down on your handle until it touches your skin.
Even if you go more than once to ensure you get as close as possible, you get a clean shave—the result: is less irritation and fewer bumps. Safety razor users are less likely to suffer from skin problems like acne, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps.
In conclusion, a safety razor is better for your skin than a multi-blade cartridge razor. In addition, safety razors are more effective at reducing irritation than traditional razors. Shaving with a safety razor is not for everyone, but if you feel comfortable with the process and want to try something new, go for it.
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