How can I teach myself to shave?

July 26, 2005 9:16 AM

I'm a 23-year-old guy who's never used a real razor to shave -- I've only ever used electrics. (Why? Because I'm a pussy and can't bear to think about cutting myself.) I've recently started to think that the electric shave is less than ideal, and that proper shaving would be a good life skill to have. Of course, it'd be a little awkward to ask Dad to show me how like everybody else, since I'm not thirteen and he's in another state. How can I teach myself to use a razor without causing myself grievous injury? What kind of razor gives me the smallest chance of cutting myself? Am I ridiculous for even asking about this?
posted by logovisual to Health & Fitness (38 answers total)

I taught myself how to shave with a blade at age 31, after 15 years of electric shaving.
See this thread for details.
posted by evoo at 9:21 AM on July 26, 2005

Gilette Sensor Excel, or Mach III Turbo. Aveeno shaving cream.

Wet face with extremely hot water (best in shower). Apply shaving cream. Massage into skin thoroughly. Proceed to take care of other business. Now, shave with a downward motion (direction hair grows). A shower mirror helps with this, but a little practice and you won't need one. Clean the razor (hold under shower) every few swipes. A clean razor is important. Resist the urge to shave upwards, because this will lead to ingrown hairs.

Wash face when done, and apply some kind of moisturizer or non-alcohol based after-shave. Clean razor.

Razor sharpness is also important. The first use of a new razor is tough, as it is a little too sharp. After a use or two, it'll be perfect. After a couple of weeks (depending on your hair), you'll notice it pulling hairs. It's getting dull. This is when you replace it. This is of course, very subjective, and everyone will get a different number of shaves.

Over the years, I've found that hot water works great, and good shaving cream matters. The cheap stuff is exactly that. Also, the three bladed razors seem to be the best.

Just some advice. As always, your mileage may vary.
posted by kungfujoe at 9:49 AM on July 26, 2005

I can never resist the urge to shave upwards. You just don't get a clean shave going downwards. I don't care if they make some 500-blade razor, it still won't work well. And I'm not some particularly hairy bastard.

Maybe I've got it all wrong.
posted by xmutex at 9:51 AM on July 26, 2005

Most important of all don't shave just before you go on a date. You'll invariably cut yourself such that the bleeding won't stop in any remotely reasonable timeframe.
posted by edd at 9:52 AM on July 26, 2005

If I don't shave upwards it's basically all in vain as the remaining stubble is enough to ward off my woman. I have found that shaving in the shower is the best, but I don't have to look so you may have to wait on that untill you're more comfortable. They do have fog-free mirrors that may help you if you want to jump right in. I used to shave over the sink but that became annoying. My final thoughts are it's not as easy to cut yourself as you imagine.
posted by prostyle at 9:58 AM on July 26, 2005

kungfujoe's advice is very good. Three-blade razor, do it in the shower with hot water, go with the grain (down cheeks and upper lip, up the neck), use a good shaving cream.

I would take it one step further and suggest that if you really want a good shave you should stop using soap on your face at all, ever - use a facial cleanser. Doesn't have to be expensive either - I use a Nivea facial cleanser that is available in any supermarket and doesn't break the bank. It won't remove as much of the good natural oils in your face, and when you lather up you'll need less to give yourself a nice smooth shave.

Also, use a moisturizer when you get out of the shower. Shaving actually exfoliates the skin and this can make it lose moisture too easily once you're dry and out in the wild again. Maintain your beard area more carefully and it will be easier every day to keep it nice and smooth.

Also, you can consult this: Lance Arthur on facial grooming.
posted by mikel at 10:01 AM on July 26, 2005

I've almost never cut myself shaving. I shave after the shower (opens the pores so the hairs will pull out easier) and user Sensor Excel, changing the blade at least once every two weeks. I shave downwards, and don't go over any area twice unless absolutely necessary. This will avoid razor burn. The chin is tricky, you'll get used to it. If you've got good skin (ie. not super-dry like myself) splash cold water on after. And use a moisturizer if you do have dryness problems. And try out a couple of shaving creams to see what's best for you. Once you do it this way, you'll never go back to electric. Much better.
posted by Idiot Mittens at 10:07 AM on July 26, 2005

I started a blade razor at age 19, after using an electric for 3 years because of acne. I totally agree with the recommendations for good shaving cream and a triple-blade razor, as well as hot water. Here are the areas I often have problems with: under my nose, my chin area and my sideburns, by my ears. The first part (moustache area) is easy: just go slow. Any zits you have will die a horrible death but the bleeding isn't really too bad. For the chin, make steady, even strokes and try not to go over it too many times (you'll find that area gets raw pretty quickly.) As for the sideburns, don't be in a rush or you run the risk of cutting the tips of your ears (sounds stupid, but fairly easy to do when you're going fast, and the ears are so fleshy they cut easily.)

Good luck. If you have a significant other, she/he will really appreciate the difference!

Oh, and in addition to cleaning the razor every few swipes, you might want to bang it against something to dislodge the hair. Sometimes the razor falls off when you do this. :-(
posted by Happydaz at 10:11 AM on July 26, 2005

I can't shave without looking, so no shower shaving for me. And I shave my face downwards and my neck upwards. I don't get any ingrown hairs and I don't remember the last time I cut myself. I've never cut myself seriously. If I don't have shaving cream on hand, I'll use soap and it works fairly well. I've heard this depends on the 'softness' of the water though.

Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but I find I can't use the blades on these gillette razors very often. I get like two uses out of it and then it's too dull. Am I doing something wrong? Then again, I'm in a different city than my girlfriend and I'm only shaving once a week or so, so there's much shaving to be done.

I've been thinking of switching to a straight razor. Does anyone still do this? Is it a viable option? The trend towards disposable everything is getting kind of annoying.
posted by ODiV at 10:20 AM on July 26, 2005

I have tried many razors, but Gilette mach III works for me. Cant go back to cheaper razors. Lasts long too.
posted by webmeta at 10:29 AM on July 26, 2005

To help avoid injury, make sure to move the blade perpendicular to the cutting edge. Then the only thing to worry about is irregularities in your skin (acne, etc) that the blade might catch.

If you move the blade parallel to the cutting edge, it will slice you. But just be careful at first, you'll be fine.
posted by one at 10:30 AM on July 26, 2005

I have never used an electric razor. Unless you have acne, you'll probably be OK as far as cutting yourself goes.

Only shave after showering, or at least wash your face with warm water first (don't use soap on your face).
Apply gel-based shaving cream. Give it a few minutes. Shave downwards, with the grain first, then upwards if you feel lucky.
posted by Count Ziggurat at 10:41 AM on July 26, 2005

I found the best shaves come from not pressing the razor to my skin. I just let it glide over the stubble and let the blades do the work. Pressure just increases the likelihood of nicks and cuts.
posted by boo_radley at 10:54 AM on July 26, 2005

one mentioned the first and most important rule to not hurting yourself: NEVER move the razor itself in a side-to-side direction while shaving (the blades always need to be perpendicular to the path of the stroke motion) or you will cut yourself. It's also good to keep the razor at an angle such that the head of the razor is parallell to the surface of the skin; and .

Regarding force/pressure: I can't get by using "no pressure" or the blade will snag on my coarse facial hair; rather I use just enough that the blade doesn't get stuck on the hairs, but not much more than that. Then make a consciuos effort to stick to the same pressure and use long slow strokes, ideally rinsing after each one. Never shave in a hurry; it shouldn't ever take more than 10 minutes or so, but if you rush, you'll get careless and cut yourself.
posted by p3t3 at 11:14 AM on July 26, 2005

Linked to in the thread evoo posted is this excellent article that expouses a back-to-basics single blade safety razor approach. I'm going to give it a shot once I run out of my damned expensive Mach 3 cartridges, just for fun. If you don't go with the English shaving soap and German blades, I agree that good shaving gel is very important. Even some more expensive gels like Edge and Gillette's can be quite irritating to some (like me), even in their "sensitive skin" varieties. I've had good luck with Aveeno and Nivea.
posted by zsazsa at 11:15 AM on July 26, 2005

I am right handed, and I only shave with one hand. I found that I cut the left side of my face more often, and realized that I was not going as much down as I was across my throat on the left side towards the middle of my neck.

Now I just pay more attention to bending my wrist so that I come straight down and back towards my left side, as if I were shaving with my left hand. I can't remember the last time I cut myself.
posted by Third at 11:17 AM on July 26, 2005

I have always used a Mach3 (blades last 6-10 uses for me) but never fully elminated cuts/nicks/bumps until I swore off 'regular' shaving creams and gels and switch to using a shaving brush and a better cream.

I bought a $5 Wilkinson Sword shaving brush from Walmart about a year ago that is still perfectly shaped and have settled on a Body Shop foaming shaving cream.

Hop out of the shower, lather a small, dime size amount in my left hand with the brush then shave my face in smooth downward strokes without much pressure.

Add a bit of hot water to the foam left on the brush and reapply more foamed cream then shave neck with upwards strokes.

Don't use 'aftershave' because the alcohol burns and dries your face out - I use a Neutrogena Razor Defence moisturizer that smells pretty good too.

Again, I'm going on almost a year and haven't cut myself since making the change. You don't have to buy expensive brushes and creams ($15 Body Shop was purchased at least 6 months ago and is about half done)
posted by jeffmik at 11:33 AM on July 26, 2005

So, what counts as "good shaving cream"? I use Edge gels, but I imagine that doesnt cut it...
posted by Irontom at 1:00 PM on July 26, 2005

Get some little flesh-colored bandaids in advance in case you cut yourself.
posted by grouse at 1:15 PM on July 26, 2005

I'm 68 and still have a lot of facial hair, skin not too sensitive. For 30 years I've used BIC brand disposable razors, single blade, regular sensitivity edge (the edge for sensitive skin is sharper and more apt to nick). They stay sharp for me for nine days, during which time I also drag the razor over my head hair and avoid haircuts (haven't been to a barber shop in those 30 years). At Wal-Mart they have, from time to time, bags of 30 of these razors for $3. I also buy the cheapest canned shaving foam at Wal-Mart, usually an extra-size can for $1. I bought a boar's hair shaving brush, used, in a Paris antique store for $5 US, about 15 years ago. It was very old when I bought it -- wood handle etc. It still works great and I prefer it over a genuine badger brush my son gave me ($200 at Nieman-Marcus, but available for about $40 from a Madison WI outfit online). Before putting the canned foam on the brush I wet the brush and rub it a little on the bar of Dove soap by my basin -- the combination works better than either just soap or just foam. I've tried the Wilkinson Sword disposable razors, all the Gillette razors, but find the BIC to be uniformly sharper and a good deal less expensive. PT Barnum would be very proud of the selling job Gillette has done on American males.
posted by ozziemaland at 1:45 PM on July 26, 2005

The Gillette M3 Power razor is most excellent, the vibrating action helps get a better close shave with very few strokes.

I shave with the grain usually, but sometimes for special occasions, when one needs to look spiffy, I go against the grain for that great close shave.

As for shaving cream, I use the Neutrogena for men line, shaving cream & after shave moisturizer. Nivea for men makes decent stuff too.
posted by riffola at 1:51 PM on July 26, 2005

- Brush and shave soap (soap with clay is best) with hot water.
- Gillette Mach 3 (or Mach 3 Power, I'm still deciding).
- Shave directly after showering.
- Shave with the grain. For extra closeness, re-lather and shave again against the grain.
- Rinse with cold water.
- Apply aftershave (I use a thick witchazel gel, but Nivea balm is a close second).
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 2:30 PM on July 26, 2005

The Nivea after shave Balm is superb and not a bit oily/greasy (which I despise) and makes a world of difference. The mentioned Aveno shaving gream is nice if you get the soy one - the oatmeal I hear poor things about.

As far as this having to be able to shave blind to do it in the shower, what, none of you have heard of shower mirrors? Mine was about $10 at Target. The 'no fog' claim is somewhat deceptive - once the shower has been running a while and the room has warmed up it will be fogged, so you need to hold it under the shower for a few seconds to bring it up to room temperature (cuz condensation happens on cold things, you know) and it's fine.

Anyone feeling more do-it-yourself can just take any old mirror and apply a tiny amount of gel toothpaste to it then just BARELY rinse it off so it's clear. It's what we used to use for our SCUBA masks and no anti-fog chemical in the universe works as well.
posted by phearlez at 3:16 PM on July 26, 2005

What an amazing thread . . .

Sensor Mach 3. When they stop making that razor I will be as frantic as Elaine on Seinfeld when they stopped making Today's Sponge. That said, I get no more than four shaves out of a blade, five if I feel cheap. (The damn blades are seriously expensive, like $1.50 each or more. But buy OEM. The store brand ones suck the first time and last half as long, so they are no bargain.) I need to shave every day. I do it in the shower, no mirror, and often in a hurry, using shampoo as shaving cream (perhaps related to my short blade life?). I've tried fancy creams and cheap ones and brushes and aftershaves and none of it made any difference or worked any better than shampoo (you can keep refreshing it from your hair) and constant rinsing of the razor and your face under a very hot shower while you shave. If I don't shave against the grain -- esp. on the neck and chin, but cheeks and upper lip as well -- I don't get shaved, and it takes a fair bit of pressure and a gracefully articulated finishing motion at the top and bottom of each stripe. Overlap parallel long stripes for best coverage. I almost never cut myself. But even if you do, it's not that bad. It bleeds a lot, but doesn't hurt.

If you haven't used a razor before, practice for a while in front of a mirror before you get into the shower thing. You should be able to shave in the dark before long (unless you have sideburns or a mustache. When I've had either I have had to see what I was doing to make them symmetrical). Of course, as many said above, a lot depends on the sensitivity of your skin, and the angularity of your face. Happy shaving. Welcome to the world of Rugged Masculine Types who are as obsessive about their debarbing regimens as any woman is about her toenail cuticle lotion.
posted by realcountrymusic at 4:03 PM on July 26, 2005

As a self taught shaver, I've found that the current razors are somewhat idiot proof. Sure, you can slice yourself if you go side to side but that's about it. Unless you have lots of acne or moles, even nicking yourself is pretty rare.

As for which way to go, like some of the other posters, I, too find that shaving with the grain only does not get a close enough shave (and I do not have particularly thick or tough facial hair). However, I've always resisted shaving upwards because everyone, OK, the Queer Eye guys, says not to.

Then, I once saw an episode where they were all impressed by someone's "very advanced" technique of shaving perpindicular to the grain. The guy had the razor turned somewhat perpindicular to his jaw line and shaved from ear to mouth, front to back.

It seemed like something to try so I gave it a whirl. It was by FAR the closest shave I ever gave myself. My girlfriend came over that evening and made her first ever comment about how smooth my face was even though she had not been prompted, seen the episode, or even knew that I did anything different.
posted by aaronh at 4:19 PM on July 26, 2005

So, what counts as "good shaving cream"?

Something that produces a rich, persistent lather with a minimum of effort; something that soothes and protects the skin using ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera; something that contains real, manly aromas like West Indian limes or fresh-cut violets rather than some generic scent like "Arctic Fresh" or "Sport".

The better English creams like Geo F Trumper or Taylor of Old Bond Street go for as much as US$25 for a 7oz jar. QED makes a range of products of similar quality for just $9.50 for a 5oz jar - their lime cream is a hit on the wetshaving scene. Proraso makes a lovely cream that's quite inexpensive and great for everyday shaving - it's very refreshing.

May I suggest you send an e-mail to Charles at QED and pick up the same 'starter' kit I did? I got a Savile Row SRT8 super badger brush (made by Kent) for US$58 (I think it has a new code now - SR208?), a Merkur classic hefty double-edge razor for US$28, a tub of QEDMan Fresh Lime for US$9.50, and a jar of Geo F Trumper violet for US$25. The brush is especially good value - some twits pay as much as $160 for the same thing with "Kent" on the handle. Charles is a lovely guy and will be happy to answer all your silly questions.
posted by obiwanwasabi at 4:48 PM on July 26, 2005

Some good advice here. My own:

Don't start by shaving up. You may find that you get ingrown hairs and/or increased razor burn this way. At least let your skin get used to the new type of razor first. Try it later. As you've seen here, some people swear by it. I used to. But for some reason my skin decided one day it didn't like that anymore. I don't know of any hard and fast rules here.

You want a good shaving cream. Mary Kay makes a really excellent men's shaving cream. It's expensive, and totally worth it. Only shaving cream I've used that I don't hurt or itch at ALL after shaving. Even without bracing with aftershave.

Too much pressure is bad. Hold the razor towards the bottom of the stem, rather than very close to the blades. It makes it much harder to put too much pressure, but you can still apply plenty enough to do the job.

And don't sweat cutting yourself. Chances are you won't even feel it. You'll just look like a goofball.
posted by solotoro at 4:52 PM on July 26, 2005

I shave in the shower--best place to do it. After you wash, make sure your beard has had lots of hot water contact, then turn off the spray. Hard to do, but it's best. Then turn on just the cold water (you might wanna angle it away from you). You should rinse your blade in cold water--it contracts the metal and sharpens the blade.

Also, the whiskers on your face should go down, but check your neck, if you grow hair on your neck. My neck hairs are willy-nilly, so I have to carefully shave sideways, kind of. Everyone is different. Point is, go with the flow of your whiskers.

Finally, it took me a long time to do this and sometimes I don't--shave slowly. Easiest way to control razor burn and the dreaded cuts. Cuts happen, BTW, almost exclusively because you're shaving too fast.
posted by zardoz at 5:11 PM on July 26, 2005

If you cut yourself and are in a rush to stop the bleeding, buy yourself a styptic pencil beforehand.
posted by shepd at 6:05 PM on July 26, 2005

Follow these instructions exactly.
posted by luckypozzo at 6:49 PM on July 26, 2005

Gillette M3-Power. Aside from being a cocktail party conversation starter, the vibrating action allows you to use MUCH less pressure while still getting the closest shave in our local galactic cluster.

Gillette spent in excess of $2 billion last year on shaving technology research. Did you catch that? TWO BILLION DOLLARS. And the year before that, and the year before that; and adjusted to their corporate earnings, they've been spending that much for decades. Take advantage of this amazing public good that is available to you.

Use a shaving cream with aloe, it minimizes irritation.
posted by ikkyu2 at 7:44 PM on July 26, 2005

I began shaving with an electric in 7th grade and wore a full beard through most of high school; but I didn't pick up a blade until my 20s. I learned via Google. You're not alone.

Aside from repeating advice given above, the only thing I would add is this: Don't be afraid of cutting yourself -- first, because it's absolutely, positively going to happen; and second, because it's not a big deal. You don't feel it, won't notice until you see the blood, and it'll clot inside of five minutes.
posted by cribcage at 8:38 PM on July 26, 2005

Aveeno shaving cream! Aveeno shaving cream! Aveeno shaving cream! Never try anything else. Aveeno will keep you from nicking yourself--the others will just stink up a room and cause a face full of hurt. Aveeno shaving cream!

P.S. -- I swear they don't pay me.
posted by equipoise at 9:21 PM on July 26, 2005

I taught myself, later than most, and, after 15 years, can count the times I've cut myself on one hand. And they were all minor. It really is idiot proof. Took me a while to realize I could press down pretty hard without cutting myself. It's much easier to NOT cut yourself than to actually cut yourself. Of course, if you have really sensitive skin, you're experience maybe different, but it won't be bad, and the shave you get is so much better than electric. You'll never go back.

Lot's of good info in the thread. Just remember everyone's different. Such as this:

The first use of a new razor is tough, as it is a little too sharp. After a use or two, it'll be perfect. After a couple of weeks (depending on your hair), you'll notice it pulling hairs. It's getting dull. This is when you replace it.

The newer the razor, the better for cutting, and the better for me. I change the blade about once a week, and I don't shave every day. When I am rich I will shave with a new razor every day, and it will be good.

I second the mirror in the shower. But don't take the no-fog mirror off the wall to let the running water hit it. That would be really annoying. Just rub a thin layer of sope on the mirror, then rinse it with water (you can cup your hand under the faucent). No fog.

And I also second all Neutrogena products.
posted by justgary at 9:29 PM on July 26, 2005

Gillette M3-Power. Aside from being a cocktail party conversation starter, the vibrating action allows you to use MUCH less pressure while still getting the closest shave in our local galactic cluster.

Gillette told to drop false razor claims.

"M3 Power is a razor powered by a small Duracell battery, which vibrates slightly when it is used. Gillette claimed that this "gentle pulsing" lifted hair up and away from the skin...Judge Hall, in Connecticut, ruled that this was "both unsubstantiated and inaccurate"...The court also ruled that the product demonstrations and Gillette's advertising are "greatly exaggerated" and "literally false"."
posted by obiwanwasabi at 9:38 PM on July 26, 2005

Maybe it's a false claim, but I've found that the M3 Power gives a better shave than the old reliable Mach 3 Turbo.
posted by riffola at 11:05 PM on July 26, 2005

I don't care whether the claim is false or not. I use about 1/10th the pressure on my M3-Power as I did on the old Mach 3, and it shaves closer anyway. This means I simply do not cut myself anymore.

I bought it when I moved to town because it was 11 PM, the store was out of regular Mach 3s, and I was bone tired and wanted to shave the next day. But now if you want mine you'll have to pry it out of my cold dead hands.
posted by ikkyu2 at 10:36 PM on July 27, 2005

Here's a complete guide to wet shaving for the novice. I think you'll find just about all the info you need there.
posted by LeisureGuy at 7:25 PM on July 23, 2006