Wet Shave vs. Electric – Which Provides A Closer Shave?

It’s true, you may save a few minutes by using an electric razor and yes you can also use this method while riding down the road, but it’s a fact that a wet blade gives the closest shave and that’s what we’re all looking for. A closer shave will, of course, cut the beard nearer to the skin, which will extend the time until you need to shave again.

A wet shave gives you more effective shaves and better looking skin. The hot water opens the pores of your skin, relaxes your facial muscles, and softens your whiskers for more effective cutting. The key to proper wet shaving is keeping your face as moist as possible at all times during the shave. Always shave right after (or even during) a hot shower. When you get out don’t dry your face or open the door to let the steam out. You want to keep all that good moisture around. You will marvel at how much closer and more comfortable shaving can be!

If you’re running late and have to use an electric razor there are a few products available to help you achieve a closer shave.

We Got A Bleeder!

“Nurse! We need to prep for surgery; start an I.V. drip STAT!”

Calm down now. It’s not that serious! However, you do need to know how to properly take care of shaving nicks and cuts. No, don’t grab the toilet paper. Although this will eventually stop the bleeding, here at Foreman we don’t feel it is the most hygienic… do you??? Just think about the area the toilet paper hangs out in! Plus, you know you’ll end up forgetting to remove the paper and walk around with little white dots stuck to your face (see posted image of douchebag)

In the event you do cut yourself, the best way to stop the bleeding is an alum block or styptic pen. They use the constricting quality of alum to stop the bleeding immediately on most minor cuts. The alum block will also cleanse your skin and close your pores after shaving, so feel free to rub them over the entire shaving area!

To sum it up: Don’t dial 911, hang up the phone and grab your alum block or styptic pen!

Creams vs. Gels

When it comes to deciding what shaving products to purchase it’s not as easy as grabbing the first thing you see or running out to get a new product you just saw on a commercial. Along with good technique, the shaving products you use can have a huge impact on the quality of your shaving experience. Therefore, if you strive to get the best shave possible it is imperative that you research the products and understand what you are using before you scrape a razor across your skin. This article will arm you with some basic knowledge of the essential difference between shaving creams and shaving gels or foams.

Shaving Creams

Creams offer the best and most effective products for achieving a good shave.

Lathering Cream (Foreman preferred product)

A lathering shaving cream provides the best protection and ultimately the most comfortable shave because it incorporates the use of water to create lather, which also provides moisture for your skin. Other essential elements of good shaving products are fat content and glycerin for the best possible lubrication and protection. Most high quality lathering creams will contain between 30 and 50 percent fat, as well as glycerin, which toughen the walls of the bubbles, allowing the cream to build a smooth, rich lather. The glycerin also acts as a humectant to lock in water and hydrate the skin.

These creams can be applied with the fingers or a good shaving brush. We recommend using the brush because it will provide a better lather and will also raise whiskers off your face, preparing them for cutting.

Non-lathering Cream

These creams are meant to be applied using the fingers and do not require the use of water, providing ease of use. There are many products like this that offer a good shave and some guys prefer a non-lathering cream because they can more easily see where they have already shaved. However, the lack of water and the application method do not offer the same hydration and whisker raising benefits achieved with a lathering cream and a shaving brush. We suggest you keep both kinds on hand to address your different shaving situations (relaxing home shave vs. quick gym/travel shave).

Shaving Gels

Aerosol shaving gels or foams are by far the most popular product available. Not because they work better, because they are easy to use and find. Gels and foams provide a handful of lather at the press of a button, but it’s the quality of the lather, not the quantity that is important. What really matters is what is going on at the interface between skin and shaving cream. Most gels and foams use gas to produce their foam. The gas (isobutane or propane) is compressed to liquid form and mixed in with the shaving substance. Then, when it is removed from the container at the touch of a button the pressure reduction allows it to move back into a gas state, providing the foaming action. Although what comes out of the can may appear fluffy and rich, it is mostly gas that provides no protection when you scrape a razor across your skin.

Choose your shaving products wisely… it will make all the difference!

Pre-Shave Oil – To Protect and Soften

What you use BEFORE you shave is just as important as what you use WHILE you shave. Pre-shave products can mean the difference between obtaining a close, comfortable shave or having one that leaves your skin irritated and stubbly. The main purpose of these products is to add a protective layer to the skin and to soften the beard prior to shaving.

Pre-Shave Oil is the number one addition any man can make to his shaving routine that will make a world of difference. It will reduce irritation and minimize the chance of getting ingrown hairs. These are both good enough reasons to use it, but that’s not all! The process of applying the oil also has the added benefit of massaging the skin, which stimulates blood flow and helps lift the individual hairs off the face, allowing them to be cut easier.

Contrary to popular belief, using a high quality pre-shave oil will not leave a slimy residue on your face. The oil simply rests on the skin during the shave and is wiped off by the razor as it passes by. Make sure you select a high quality oil made of all-natural ingredients like castor or vegetable oil. These natural oils are better for your skin and will not clog the pores. Stay away from synthetic or petroleum based products, most are not good for your skin and could cause breakouts.

Purchase pre-shave oil and other men’s grooming products online at Productforeman.com.

How To Apply

The most common mistake with new users is that they pour half the bottle into their hand and smear it around. You don’t need much! Remember part of the reason for the oil is the application process itself, so you want to focus more on working a small amount of oil into the hair instead of globing it on. A few drops (nickel-sized amount) should do the trick. Rub the oil between the palms of your hands to warm it up. Then, massage the pre-shave oil into your beard focusing on upward motion to raise the hair off the face.

You are now prepped for the perfect shave.

A Good Shave – Buying Quality Men’s Shaving Supplies

It is easy to achieve a high quality shave with the right men’s shaving supplies. No matter how rushed a man’s morning routine might be and no matter how fast paced life may seem, there is time for a good quality wet shave in the morning if a man has the right shaving supplies.

What are the Benefits of a Good Shave?

A close and comfortable shave is a wonderful way to start the day. A dry shave with an electric razor or a shave with cheap shaving gel that comes from a can and a disposable razor can leave a man’s face irritated. These inferior shaves can result in uncomfortable razor burn, red bumps and remaining facial hair, which can leave a man feeling not up to par.

A nice wet shave, on the other hand, can brighten a man’s entire day. A quality wet shave leaves the skin soft and moisturized. The skin is smooth and comfortable. The scent can be refreshing and relaxing and tailored to the man’s preferences. This is the way a good day should begin.

What Shaving Supplies are Needed?

The right men’s shaving supplies are necessary to achieve the benefits of a good shave. These supplies include everything from pre-shave to post-shave products. Pre-shave oils are often used to prepare the face for shaving by softening the facial hair. These oils help prevent razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs.

Next, it is important to apply the right shaving cream, gel or soap formulated for your specific skin type such as sensitive, dry, normal or oily skin. They also each have a unique fragrance. In order to apply the shaving cream, gel or soap a man needs a good quality shaving brush such as a badger hair shaving brush. Applying shaving cream, gel or soap to the face with a badger shaving brush rather than with fingers results in a more luxurious lather and a more comfortable shave.

One of the most important supplies needed is a high quality razor. Disposable and electric razors are not recommended. There are many good razors on the market. Look for ones with a nice comfortable design that take refillable blades.

After the shave, it is a good idea to apply an after shave lotion, cream or balm. These are designed to soothe and rejuvenate skin after shaving. They come in all different scents and are formulated for specific skin types. Some of these products also contain toner which can help keep your skin looking young by cleaning away impurities and tightening pores. If you suffer from regular razor burn or ingrown hairs, then there are specific products that you can buy to deal with those issues.

If you are looking for great men’s gift, then a shaving kit makes an excellent gift choice. Shaving kits that includes a pre-shave oil, a shaving cream gel or soap, an after-shave and a genuine badger hair shaving brush are particularly good choices.

A good shave is a wonderful way to start the day and buying the right men’s shaving supplies is essential to experiencing a luxurious shave.

Purchasing A Shaving Razor

All of the different shaving razors on the market can make choosing one difficult. It is, after all, an important decision. It is a grooming tool that will be used almost every day and the right razor can mean the difference between a comfortable shave and that uncomfortable burning feeling that comes from an inadequate razor.

How to Avoid Common Shaving Problems

Common shaving problems include razor burn, ingrown hairs and not getting a close enough shave. These problems can be caused by inadequate shaving supplies, particularly shaving razors. Disposable razors have inferior blades to other razors and can lead to all kinds of shaving problems. Electric razors do not allow for as close a shave as manual razors used in a wet shave. So, if you wish to achieve the most comfortable shave available then a good quality wet shaving razor is important.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Wet Shaving Razor

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a razor. First, consider what type of replacement cartridges the razor takes. Make sure the replacement blades are high quality cartridge blades. Some razors take cartridge replacements with more than one blade. Other razors take replacements that are the classic double edged safety blade. Both types will give you a clean and close shave.

Another factor to consider is the handle of the razor. Some fine razors use the same principles that are applied to jewelry making to make the handles as beautiful, comfortable and functional as they can be. Since, this is a product that you will be using often, it is important that it be well made and designed to last for a long time. It is also important that it be comfortable in your hand. If the handle is too long, too short, too heavy, too light or just plain uncomfortable then you will be less likely to use it properly to achieve the results you desire. Further, you want the razor to be attractive. You deserve the very best and it is important to purchase a razor that can provide you the best shave you can get. So, look for a razor that you will enjoy using often. Finally, consider where you will be keeping your razor. You will be using your razor often but you do not want to replace it often, so proper care of your razor is essential. Consider purchasing a special razor stand to ensure the proper care and maintenance of your shaving equipment.

In this fast paced society of ours, so many things change so quickly. We are always looking for a faster and better way of doing things. We need to remember that sometimes the ways of our fathers and our grandfathers were better. Shaving is just one of those ways. The luxury of a real wet shave with hot water, rich lather and a warm scent will bring you back to an era when there was time to take care of yourself and when proper grooming was a priority. So, give yourself a chance to relax and enjoy a little old fashioned luxury in a modern way. Enjoy the luxury of a wet shave with one of the many quality shaving razors on the market.

How to Achieve The Perfect Wet Shave

Most men tend to view shaving as a pain in the face! That type of attitude can lead to careless cuts, riveting razor burn, and infectious ingrown hairs. It just doesn’t have to be that way! Take a minute to think about what you are doing when you shave… you are scraping an extremely sharp blade across your skin in an effort to remove the hair growing out! That canNOT be good for you if you are doing it wrong. However, doing it right can lead to the perfect shave every time.

As anyone who’s ever had a professional barber shave knows, with right tools and methods, shaving can easily go from a daily hassle to a daily indulgence. We are here to make sure you are equipped with both to re-create that barber experience at home.

First things first, always shave after (or during) a nice warm shower. Water hydrates the skin to ensure the blade will glide smoothly over the surface being shaved. Warm water dilates the blood vessels on the skin’s surface, which in turn opens and relaxes pores and makes the hair follicle more pliable. Therefore, the soft hair will bend as the razor passes and allow the hair to be cut at a better angle… achieving a closer shave. There are several face cleansers available that will help you clean the “canvas” you will be working on.

Prep

There is only one thing to say here. Pre-shave Oil! Pre-shave oils are an essential part of achieving the perfect shave. They work to protect the skin and soften the beard. You don’t need much. A couple drops should do (about the size of a nickel). Rub the oil between your hands to warm it up then massage it into the beard using upward motions to lift the whiskers off your face. After you finish, wash your hands to remove the residue before picking up your razor.

Lather Up!

This is where the fun part of the perfect shave begins. First, make sure you have a high quality shaving cream. Preferably one with a high fat and glycerin content, which make for good lather and protection. You can certainly use your fingers, but we strongly suggest a high-quality badger-hair brush. Wet the tip of the brush with some warm water and, using two fingers, embed a small amount of shaving cream into the center of the brush. Give it a couple seconds to let the warm water heat up the cream. Then, work up a good lather by rubbing the brush in circular motions all over the beard. Once you look sufficiently like Old St. Nick… you are ready to shave.

Shave

Warm the blade with some hot water to make sure it is ready for action. You don’t have to start in any one location, but it’s generally easier to start from the outside and work to the inside. Go WITH the grain and don’t apply too much pressure to keep from over irritating the skin. Razor strokes should generally be about two inches in length. Rinse the blade with hot water between strokes to keep it warm and free of shave gunk.

For an extra close shave, you can re-lather and go at it again using either a sideways motion or against the grain stroke, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. You don’t have to worry about getting ingrown hairs at this point because the hair has already been trimmed back and will not tuck up under the skin.

Here’s the last little secret of the perfect shave… rinse thoroughly with COLD water. The first splash might be a little shocking, but after the initial chill the cool water will soothe any irritation, close pores, and refresh the skin.

Moisturize

Okay, so you just scraped a small layer of skin off your face. What next? Add back a little moisture and nourishment to regenerate the skin. A nice alcohol-free antiseptic misting toner (we like hydrosol rose water) works wonders to soothe and invigorate when the skin is freshly shaven. Follow with patting on a thin layer of aftershave balm to complete the process.

Congratulations… you are now a shaving guru!