Preparation

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Preparing the face for shaving is almost as important as having a shave ready razor and proper technique. This article outlines what is considered best practice in preparation (commonly referred to as prep) by the regulars at SRP.

Cleaning your face

The aim of this step in the preparation process is to remove dirt, oil, cosmetics etc. from your face while at the same time softening your whiskers.

Shower and cleanse

While you need not necessarily shower before you shave, it is arguably the easiest way to get a lot of hot water onto your face. So this is what you should do. Some people use an exfoliating soap to get their faces extra clean. With respect to avoiding irritation, this may not work for every skin type, as the straight razor shave will also have an exfoliating effect.

An alternative to showering is to either simply splash your face with hot water, or use a hot towel which you let rest on your face for one to three minutes.

Do not towel dry

Water, and certain cosmetics, will soften your whiskers. Dry toweling your face after the shave would therefore be counter productive.

Using a pre shave?

Reviews of pre shaves have been mixed. The aim of a pre shave is twofold: soften the whiskers, and providing an extra cushion for the shave. If your whiskers are particularly stiff, you may find that applying a pre shave and a hot towel afterwards will make your shave more comfortable.

Building lather

• Foam vs. soap vs. cream
• Which brush to use?
• Heating up everything
• Building Überlather

Lathering up

• Put lather on brush
• Put brush on face
• Move brush so as to impart lather on face

Ready to start

• Turn on the polka
• Grasp the razor tightly
• Shave to the music