Editing Improving your preparation to get better results

This article explains different ways of preparing your face and whiskers for shaving. Preparation is an essential part of wet shaving, and an important step in getting an enjoyable shaving result without irritation.  

== Basic information ==

The preparation work is twofold;

1- The skin beneath your beard needs to be protected from the razor's cutting edge,

2- Your beard must also be softened. Soft whiskers are much easier to cut than dry whiskers are, and the razor blade will not hang up in them nearly as easily when they are properly prepared.  

The following links will give you some basic information about hair and skin care which is relevant to the topic of shaving.  

Different methods of preparation listed in this text are not in any particular order. You can choose one to try or grab them all or everything in between. It is just up to you. Skin type, whisker type, climate demand, and how much time you have to spend etc. are different for everyone so I suggest you to try without prejudice. It is the best way to find out what works best for you.  

 

 

 

 

 

=== Hot towel treatment ===

 

This treatment is a very enjoyable method of preparation. Take a soft cotton towel and rinse it with hot water and wrap it around your face tightly. Let it stay several minutes. A popular way to get the towel ready is to heat it in a microwave oven for about 30 seconds. '''''Readers new to this procedure should note: a 1000 watt microwave can heat a wet towel to temperatures capable of scalding skin in less than one minute. The 30 second time given here as "popular" is popular for a reason.''''' Please start low and proceed gradually to the time and temperature that's right for you.  

In the market there are several different pre shave oils to choose from. The main purpose is to help the blade glide over the skin without so much exfoliation. They do soften the whiskers too but the main idea is to protect the skin.  

Keep in mind that it takes very little of these oils for it to work properly.  

Use just enough to cover your face with the thinnest possible layer of oil.  You do not want to get sticky and all shiny.  

Should this happen, a good shampooing will help clean your brush.&nbsp;<ref>[http://www.mankind.co.uk/showall/true/Pre-Shave-DEPT822/website mankind.co.uk's website] has some examples and customer's comments.</ref>  

 

 

Last thing to mention is very usual in my country. A Substitute for a hot shower/bath is to use a Sauna. Let the heat affect a long time. It really softens the skin and whiskers.  

=== Examples ===

Here are two different examples how you can combine methods to get&nbsp;the best results for you.  

 

*massage skin food again to get a good skin protection for the next pass

*notice that do not use too much skin food and let it dry well and create the good film on your skin otherwise you sweep it away with your brush

 

2. Second example takes a little more time and it is more useful on weekends, or&nbsp;when there is no hurry.  

 

== Lather ==

 

*Cushioning, i.e. the ability to create a buffer between the blade and your skin  

While scent and price can and likely will also influence your decision, packaging should not. While glass containers may look good, they constitute a health hazard when dropped. And you will one day drop that container.  

 

There are three main types of brushes:  

#Boar hair bristle brushes  

#Badger hair bristle brushes  

#Synthetic bristle brushes

Badger hair bristle brushes are believed to hold the most water, and therefore be the best shaving brushes. As with other pieces of equipment mentioned in this article, the choice is ultimately down to personal preference, and budget.  

There is, however quite a few seasoned wet-shavers who feel that a cold water shave yields very good results too. It is said to be less comfortable, but quite effective when chasing that smooth shave.  

 

 

 

 

#Let the brush rest in hot water until thoroughly soaked and heated. Then whip out the water.

#If you are using cream, you may want to squeeze the brush dry in order to avoid turning the cream in your container into liquid. Add water to the bowl instead.

=== Lathering up ===

*Put lather on brush

=== Ready to start ===

*Turn on the polka

*Grasp the razor tightly

*Shave to the music

One aspect that has not been mentioned here is the group of shavers that find hot water and hot lather detrimental to a good shave and skin condition. For those with sensitive skin and/or reactions to some ingredients in soaps and creams the following is recommended.

Use an unscented product. Make sure to check the ingredients list. Depending on sensitivity a few of the products people can be allergic to are menthol, eucalyptus and Shea butter, even though they are used widely.  

Use lukewarm, tepid or cold water to build your lather. I have not found cold water to be detrimental to building a good lather.  

Wash your face with cold water and when done shaving rinse with as cold water as you can stand. Tightens up the skin.  

For aftershave use it is suggested to use an aftershave balm. Several brands are available and the bottle/tube will be labeled 'for sensitive skin'.  

You may also find that alcohol based products give you problems when used in aftersahve lotions or colognes.