A simple guide to shaving like a gentleman.

As wet shaving enters the modern zeitgeist and returns to popularity, shaving has now become so much more— it’s a mindful ritual, instead of a rushed routine. Here, we’ll take you through the basics of how to properly wet shave.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

STEP 1: PREP FOR SUCCESS

Gather all materials. Then prep the skin with warm water by either showering beforehand, washing your face or placing a warm washcloth over the skin. This will help open the pores, soften hair and prevent irritation. Another optional step is pre-shave oil, which lubricates the skin further.   

TIP: Don’t forget to prep the neck!

STEP 2: SOAK IT ALL UP

Gather the bowl, brush and shaving cream and start running hot water over the bowl and brush. Shake excess water from the bowl and add a dollop of cream.

TIP: Shake out the brush to make sure there’s no access water, otherwise you’ll have a watery lather.

STEP 3: LATHER, SWIRL, APPLY

Swirl the brush in the bowl until you have a thick, creamy mixture. Then with the brush, work the lather onto your face and neck, using a circular motion to get hair to rise off the skin for an easier shave. Plus, this rids any debris from the hair. 

TIP: To even out the thickness of the lather, finish with a painting motion.

STEP 4: START SHAVING

For additional tips and tricks on how to shave with a OneBlade, check out our how-to guide. Because it’s a single blade razor, you’re going to want to use the multi-pass shaving technique, meaning you’ll shave multiple times. This gets you a closer shave without irritation. See which multi-pass shaving technique is best for your skin here.

For your first pass, apply small parallel strokes with the grain. Avoid adding any pressure, allowing the blade to do the work. Then re-lather and go across the grain in a perpendicular motion. Re-lather again, this time going against the grain moving from bottom to top. For some, it takes as little as 2 passes and depends on factors such as skill level and hair growth.

TIP: After shaving, rinse your face with warm water followed by splashing cold water to close pores.

STEP 5: THE FINISHING TOUCH

Use after shave to avoid razor burn and irritation. But forgo the alcohol-based options for natural ingredients, like our after shave balm, which uses essential oils to heal and restore skin.   

TIP: Dry your face thoroughly before applying after shave, as the water dilutes it.

So how long will this take?

When perfecting any technique, there’s a learning curve. People who are new to wet shaving, the process takes anywhere from 15-20 minutes. However, soon enough the entire process could take as little as 5 minutes.

CONCLUSION:

Wet shaving is the best way to get a close shave and better skin, allowing you to enjoy the process and prepare for the day ahead.