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The most clean shave ever
Icemopper
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Slight back story:
I'm going on a cruise soon, and I, as well as my soon-to-be-wife, really like it when my face is smooth as butter. The only way I've really gotten it smooth is just a normal razor, but I don't want to have to shave every day on the cruise, or shave in the morning but be sandpaper by night, when it will be most important to have a smooth face.
What I'm asking: What is out there that will actually remove the roots of the hairs on my face? I've tried the cream that is supposed to do it, like Nair, but that didn't work at all really. I've heard of waxing the face, but I'm pretty nervous about that, because it is waxing... so does anybody have any experience with any of these and would like to share?
Thanks.
I'm going on a cruise soon, and I, as well as my soon-to-be-wife, really like it when my face is smooth as butter. The only way I've really gotten it smooth is just a normal razor, but I don't want to have to shave every day on the cruise, or shave in the morning but be sandpaper by night, when it will be most important to have a smooth face.
What I'm asking: What is out there that will actually remove the roots of the hairs on my face? I've tried the cream that is supposed to do it, like Nair, but that didn't work at all really. I've heard of waxing the face, but I'm pretty nervous about that, because it is waxing... so does anybody have any experience with any of these and would like to share?
Thanks.
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Wash your head with hot water (opens the pores), lather it up without drying off, shave, rinse with cold water to seal up those pores and then use a non-alcoholic aftershave.
I've got 62 days, so I'm willing to try almost anything.
Do tell me more?
You will have to shave every few days after like.. 1-2 weeks. but the hair growth will be really light.
First shave as normal (safety razor and shaving cream and what not), then apply shaving cream again, but this time shave against the grain (carefully, otherwise you'll get a sleuth of shaving bumps) and voila!
I've definitely thought about waxing, because it is the most reliable way to remove the roots... I might give this a try and see if it is too painful.
*shrug*
The straight razor doesn't sound like a very good idea though. Yeah, it's going to be very smooth but you're still going to need to do it every day. On the other hand, I didn't even know waxing your face was an option.
I second the nomination for safety razor wet shave. I shave daily with this method and thoroughly enjoy shaving each day.
Unfortunately I don't have any better advice than the others. I hate shaving, but it does feel good to have a real smooth face which I can only accomplish once in a blue moon without having bumps all over the next day. I use a Mach 3 and when I can brave it I will shave against the grain all over. If I'm careful I won't bleed too much and my face will feel awesome for about 6 hours. More often than not, though, I get ingrown hairs forming uncomfortable bumps or red marks from cuts. So I just lazy shave with the grain and feel like sandpaper all the time.
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I'd like to offer better advice than "YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG" but I guess it just came naturally and I never had a problem with it really.
Really, if you're blessed/cursed with a thick enough beard to be stubbly ten hours after shaving, then you'll just have to step up you shaving routine. You could opt for laser hair removal on your face, but you'll never be able to grow a beard again. Considering the cost, and considering that you could achieve the same effect by shaving a few hours before needed, I'd just go with the razor.
If you want a really close shave, a straight razor is your best bet. However, they can be costly and the maintenance is time-consuming (you have to hone the blade regularly, and strop it every day). A safety razor might be better--not as much maintenance, but it's a better shave than even the most high-tech disposable razors.
Now there can be a "high" cost of entry. I spent over $150 on my start up gear and I got a lot of stuff on sale. I have a Merkur Heavy Duty razor, I prefer Feather blades, and a Simpsons Super Badger PJ2 brush.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=74560
Awesome article and awesome forum.
Suggestions to help you save time. Get whatever razor you want, they will all hold the blade. Most people seem to prefer the Merkur HD and suggest it to beginners. It's solidly build, easy to move, and unlike the Futura model isn't so big you can't shave under your nose. Feathers are some of the sharpest blades you can get, you want a sharp blade. You will get a better shave in the end with a sharp blade. Any brush will create lather. Boar hair brushes are cheap and stiff and don't hold too much water (you need a controlled about of water to make a good lather), badger is more expensive and the more expensive it is the softer it usually is. Badger also holds more water. I would get a badger, but again, either will work.
There are a zillion soaps and creams out there. Read some reviews at Badger and Blade and just get something.
Hell, just get this.
http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Ultimate-Beginner%27s-Double-Edge-Setup.html
Good store, good package, fair price. Within a year you'll probably be coming even with cost because these blades are so damned cheap.
There is a learning curve with these razors. I never tore myself up because I took my time. After a couple of weeks I could regularly get a reeeeal good shave.
As far as closeness of shave goes, so far it's about as good as my ole vibrating Fusion thingy would do. I've only cut myself twice. Hopefully I'll be able to manage a closer shave as my technique improves.
Also, slight hijack, if anyone knows a place in Melbourne where I can find a range of blades and other stuff, hook me up. I'd love to see how they compare (using Wilkinson Sword at the moment).
For the purposes of the cruise I'd just recommend shaving right before dinner. Have a scorching hot shower, use a good sharp razor, and take your time.
http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35880
Also, before you run out and buy 900 Feather razors, do realize that Feather razors are 'shit me not' sharp. While they do give you a awesomely close shave every time you use them, they also leave your face feeling like it just lost it anal virginity by the Hulk using chalk for lube.
I personally like Derby Extra more the Feather. With the Derby I can get away with being a bit more sloppy and going over a area more then a few times over to get my face extra smooth and not worry about irritation.
The thing to think about when choosing a razor is not 'How sharp can my face stand it'.
US only.
I did a bit more research last night on the subject and it seems that this is the case. Many waxing places will wax everywhere on a mans body but the face, so I'll avoid this solution for the time being.
I really don't mind over thinking it though, because it is the one and only time in my entire life that I want to have my face as perfect as possible for as long as possible. If there is a way to do it, I'm going to do it, yes for personal reasons, but thats what it is.
Woah. I knew there was a lot involved in using high-quality equipment, but as that first link says, I am very surprised to see such a huge following for it. I'll definitely look into these much more for the future, because it does sound quite refreshing, and using the standard Mach 3 or whatever never does the job right, and leaves my (ever so sensitive) face bloody even shaving with the grain, especially after a few shaves when the blades lose their sharpness so quickly.
I was wondering about this too, but I don't think it will be a problem, since I've heard that on most cruises, you don't even feel the boat moving, so it might be okay.
Thanks for all the help/advice, I'll keep looking into all the suggestions.
I've only ever been on one cruise. Most days, I felt no movement. One day, I felt tons of movement. It's going to depend on where you're cruising (open vs closed water, etc etc), where your cabin is, and (obviously) the weather.
How much do blades cost you now? How often do you change them?
Yeah, thats always been an issue for me is the cost. I have to replace 4 blades pretty frequently, and it costs up to 8 bucks each time.
These safety blades and straight razors definitely intrigue me, but which one should I go with?
Actually, my practices in shaving are a bit more savage and brutish - so much so, that I'll just spare everyone and say it's not a best practice. Is this http://www.leesrazors.com/ site the best or can I make do with a trip to Amazon?
Do you still have those? A friend of mine got me a starter kit of soaps and badger brush from the art of shaving. I've been using my mach3 to shave, though, which seems like it misses the point. It's just not giving me the edge I need.:winky:
The key difference is I do not use shaving creme/foam/soap at all.
I use this:
http://www.shavesecret.com/
It's a shave oil. You get your face nice and wet with really hot water (I do it in the shower) put a few drops of this in your palm (I use more than the directions say because I'm a big guy) rub your hands together, then massage the oil into your face. Then splash on some more hot water. Shave.
When I do this slowly and take my time, it's the most luxurious shave ever, and that's from plebian disposable razor blades.
They will be of no use to you without a safety razor. Be sure your lather technique is up to par. Sure a sharp edge is important, but your lather should be slick and thick.
Toss up. A straight razor requires stropping and honing to keep sharp (there is a straight out there that uses disposable blades). There are people who provide that service for you, but you should aim to learn for yourself. It's also a fairly different style of shaving than you are used to and quite a bit more intimidating, so you are probably going to focus on your technique more. A safety razor is closer to what you are used to, which means it won't be as intimidating but you might fall back into old habits and really cause some damage. The two things to keep in mind for both types is a near lack of pressure and blade angle. All of which comes with practice, and considering how much pressure you use on a cartridge razor, its quite a change.
I went with a brand new safety razor because it seemed easier to get into. After a couple months with it, I'm really itchin for a straight blade for little more than the awesome factor. I also want some more vintage equipment. I doubt my grandfather still has his, pitty.
General tip 1) Don't use the blade that comes with whatever razor you buy, it won't be sharp enough
Ok. You're weird. You're thinking of a vegetable oil, prat fall looney tunes oily and it's not like that at all. My hands aren't left the least bit slippery. Not going to argue about that but I felt this needed clarification as that was a comment that gives a grossly inaccurate portrayal of the product.
All of it seems to get pretty good reviews from Badger and Blade. All of it just over $150, so free shipping. Has Slagmire lost his mind or is temporarily ignoring the economy going to be good for the man's face? (I just got done making the final payment on my car, so it's not quite breaking the bank - still, $150 is $150.)
Get a sample pack of blades from http://westcoastshaving.com/ and be sure to get some Feathers. Maybe you don't want to learn with a feather blade, but when you decide its time to get more aggressive and go after a baby butt smooth shave, you're gonna wanna try them.
Like I said, I can just send you some unused blades I got in my sample pack that I won't return to.
I also find a nice after shave lotion to help keep everything feeling good, but when it comes to aftershaves its mroe a personal preference than anything.
You might want to get a shave cream for comparison to the soap. I put a little Porasso cream into my shave bowl, load my brush from thhe Conk soap, then lather it up. If I've got my terminology right, this is called a super lather. Mmm, super.
Of course, some people might have a hard time taking a 40 years old safety razor to ones face. I mean who knows how many nasty fuckers that razor has seen. Personally I dont care, it just shows you just how well built these safety razors are and just how long they last. Obvously you do want to clean a old safety razor before use. Just dont dip it in some highly toxic cleaning agent, rinse it for a second, and go off shaving with it. All that toxic chemicals will go right to your face and it will not be a pleasant experience.
I'll check out eBay, and hit up Improvolone maybe to get some blades I can change out so I don't put a used one to my face, that just sounds bad.
Thanks for all the help, I'm thinking waxing is definitely out, and the creams just don't work, so I'll probably have to shave every night, but it'll be worth it easily.
As an addendum to this, my uncle shaves in the shower on the basis he'll have a lovely warm open face after a couple of minutes in there. He has a portable mirror thing he uses in there. :-)
You won't get a used blade in any razors you order, used handle or not.
You can find a safety razor and blade combo on ebay for like $20-30. You don't need little holders, fancy soaps, or a special brush. For now, go to Walmart and buy a boar hair brush (like $5) and a puck of soap (like $3) and get to it.
You can upgrade later when you're more skilled with the blade.
Like I said, all the fancy products can come later--for now, just find out if you enjoy wet shaving with a safety razor, and whether or not you consider the shave close enough.
While fancy soaps, expensive brushes, and top end razors are all nice to have, not having them at first is not going to make or break your opinion on safety razors.