Depilation is a generic term for hair removal which affects the part of the hair above the surface of the skin.
 Wet shaving infographic
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Would an electric knife sharpener be good to sharpen a straight razor with? (archive)
- The consensus is no.
- https://theshaveden.com/forums/portal/
- https://sharpologist.com/
Notes ∞
- Dip in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to displace water and help it dry fast.
- Store in baby oil to protect the blade from water.
- Use olive oil on the face, possibly as a lubricant during shaving but definitely after shaving.
- Do not touch the face, this is a major source of the bacteria that’s causing inflammation.
- Shave in the direction of the growth, and never against. I think this is to prevent pushing the hairs inward. Hairs grow in various directions, so you must also shave appropriately for each part of your skin.
- Pull/stretch, and maybe even pinch, the skin t
- Hot towel beforehand is optional but probably a very good idea.
- Massage the face and whatever shaving cream-type stuff into the face to help get the lubricant under every hair, and help every hair stand up better.
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Alcohol on the skin is bad.
- Very bad; it de-fats.
- Long smooth strokes.
- No pressure. If there is any tugging on hairs, it’s time for a new blade.
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Using a strop is not necessary on safety razor blades, because of the materials in use. However, rubbing the blade against a pair of jeans may be a good idea. This is probably only good because it helps align any burs and clean the blade.
The shaving brush:
- Do not boil the brush.
- Lather lightly without pressure.
- Rinse it thoroughly after use and remove all excess moisture (shake it gently)
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Leave it in the open air to dry. Never enclose a damp brush.
Cuts and irritation ∞
See also Pseudofolliculitis barbae
- Place a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the cut after most of the bleeding has ended stops the bleeding without forming a scab.
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A styptic pencil
- These are magic!
Avoiding cuts and irritation ∞
Pre-shave ∞
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Heat: A warm wet cloth will open pores. A hot cloth will soften stiffer hair (like neck hair).
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Buy a fingernail brush. These are small plastic brushes with relatively stiff bristles. You must use a brush with stiff bristles. Brush your face in the direction that hair normally grows.
- There will be some irritation when you first start brushing but as time passes you will build up a tolerance and the irritation will go away. Or allow the brush to soak in hot water until the bristles become softer.
Mid-shave ∞
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Double blades (or cheap disposable razors) are more likely to pull skin which could cause hair to grow back into pores.
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Don’t apply any significant pressure. It’s the sharpness of the blade and not your strength which is doing the shaving. Even if your skin looks ok while you’re shaving, you still must not apply pressure or you’ll regret it later.
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Shave with the grain, and not against. Most people have much more trouble with irritation when they have, even delicately, shaved against the grain.
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If you find that the electric razor gives you burns, use talcum powder on the skin as a dry lubricant.
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Shave “wet”. Water provides good lubrication. Use the loudness of your shave as a sign when you need more water or lubricant.
- Shaving in the shower
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Pure aloe vera is a good lubricant for the face when shaving.
Post-shave ∞
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Use an aftershave. (what kinds?)
- I’ve tried Wild Sage Slap It On! Aftershave. It seems nice enough, but it really isn’t useful compared to my face wipes.
- Strange, but Wet Ones® Sensitive Skin Moist Wipes worked quite well too.
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Rinse with cold water, or rub an ice cube over your face to close the pores and shrink the follicles.
- I’ve heard that water temperature’s effect on pores is a myth.
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After the shave, brush your face again, just like the pre-shave brushing. (Do this every day for 3 days after first shaving)
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Leave the disposable razor in a cup of alcohol.
- What kind of alcohol?
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Do not wipe blades. Rinse them and then shake them dry.
Also, lather once and shave with the grain. Lather again and shave perpendicular to the grain. If you are still rough, lather again and touch up. Always rinse cold and use a moisturizing aftershave. Most people can go 1-2 days between shaves after a thorough shave like this.
Care ∞
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Aside from being a poor shave, why is a dull blade bad?
2006-07-11 ∞
This was created, in celebration of my receiving the pieces which will go into a nice shaving kit.
I bought a razor shaver from lehmans, along with a bunch of other toys. I hope to shave a different way so as to help my stupid ingrown hair and shaving bump issues. I may also have Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a persistent inflammation caused by shaving.
[2018-01-30 – This is likely a lack of skill, shaving cream or just bad tools. Things got way better when I began using a really high quality self-cleaning electric shaver, and stayed great in the last number of years.]
Added some links.
partially-ported