How To Get a Close Shave: Tips and Tools

Getting a close shave can be a game-changer. It's all about technique, the right tools, and a little know-how. 

If you're new to the shaving game, nailing down that baby-smooth finish is easier than you might think, and The Beard Club has you covered from prep to finish. 

Let's break down the steps for a clean, close shave.

1. Prep The Skin Like a Pro

Before the razor touches your face, you need to prepare your skin and hair for the shaving process. Proper prep helps reduce irritation and gives you a smoother glide for each pass with your razor.

Always wash your face, including your facial hair, with warm water before shaving. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference and feels amazing. A hot shower or a warm towel softens your beard and opens up the pores. Warm water will relax the hair, making it easier for the razor to do its thing.

Gently exfoliating your face before shaving removes dead skin cells and any buildup that can clog up your razor. Not only does exfoliation help you get that silky feel, but it also reduces the chances of ingrown hairs by clearing the way for your razor to work more effectively.

A few drops of hydrating beard oil before shaving can help create a slicker surface for the razor to glide over. This reduces friction and helps avoid nicks. Plus, it moisturizes your skin, setting the stage for a smoother shave.

Lather Up

Getting a good lather isn’t just for the fancy barbershop experience — it’s essential for a close shave. Here’s how to master the lather game.

First, choose a high-quality shaving cream, gel, or soap. A rich, foamy lather cushions your face from the blade, ensuring a smoother shave. Premium shaving cream is packed with natural ingredients that protect your skin and smell incredible. Keep an eye out for shaving cream and gel from the Beard Club in the near future.

Second, make sure you apply your shaving cream or shaving soap with a brush. A shaving brush helps lift the hairs and works the shaving cream deep into your beard. Plus, it’s an old-school method that just feels right. 

Swirl the brush in your shaving cream and apply it in circular motions. It’ll create a nice lather, prepping it for a closer shave.

2. Know Your Straight Razor

Now we’re getting to the heart of it: the straight razor. If you’ve never tried one, it’s a whole different level of shaving. It’s all about precision and control, delivering an especially close shave.

Here’s how to get the most out of it:

• Hold It Right: Grip the straight razor with your dominant hand, holding it at a 30-degree angle against your skin. The angle is key — too steep, and you might nick yourself; too shallow, and you’ll miss the closeness.
• Use Short, Steady Strokes: Start with the grain (the direction your hair grows) and use short, steady strokes. A straight razor gives you more control, so take advantage of that and focus on smaller areas. Avoid going over the same spot repeatedly — let the razor do the work.
• Stretch the Skin: Use your free hand to stretch the skin tight as you shave. A flat surface gives the blade a better chance of cutting hair evenly without snagging.

When you follow these steps, you lower your risk of nicking or irritating your skin. It might take some practice at first, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

What Are Some Tips for Shaving With a Straight Razor?

While the technique is key, a few extra tips can make the experience even better:

• Don’t Rush: Shaving with a straight razor isn’t something to rush through, especially when you’re aiming for that smooth finish. Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember that a careful shave is a close shave.
• Keep the Blade Sharp: A dull blade can lead to more nicks, cuts, and irritation. Replace your straight razor’s blade regularly, ensuring each pass is as smooth as possible.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to straight razor shaving, it might take a few tries to get the hang of it. Stick with it — once you’ve got the technique down, you’ll never want to return to anything else.

3. Practice Post-Shave Care

A close shave doesn’t end when you put the razor down. Your skin needs some love afterward to keep it smooth and irritation-free. Here’s what you need to do:

Always rinse with cold water after you shave. After your final pass, rinse your skin with water cold enough to feel like a bit of a shock. It closes up the pores and helps reduce any irritation. 

Aftershave is the next step. An alcohol-free aftershave balm will soothe your skin without that stinging burn. Choose an aftershave made with natural ingredients like aloe and witch hazel to calm your skin and lock in moisture.

When you’re done with the aftershave, don’t forget to follow up with a good moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer will help keep your face smooth and hydrated throughout the day.

When To Use a Safety Razor

If the straight razor seems intimidating at first, don’t worry — there’s no shame in using a safety razor. In fact, it’s a solid way to get used to the art of wet shaving before stepping up to the straight razor. 

Here’s when to reach for a safety razor:

• When You're Short on Time: A safety razor is a little faster than a straight razor and still offers a close shave. It’s perfect for those mornings when you’re in a rush but don’t want to compromise on a smooth face.
• If You’re New to Wet Shaving: A safety razor gives you a feel for using a single blade against your skin without the same level of risk as a straight razor. It’s a good stepping stone before you dive into the world of straight razors.

Why Are Straight Razors Worth the Investment?

Why go through the trouble of learning to use a straight razor when there are easier options out there? 

For one, it’s about the experience — a certain satisfaction comes with mastering the art of a straight razor shave. Still, it’s not just about feeling like a classic gentleman. There are real benefits.

One big perk of this method of shaving is precision. A straight razor allows for unparalleled control, making it easier to define lines and edges. It’s perfect for maintaining that clean beard neckline or achieving a smooth finish on your cheeks.

A straight razor is cost-effective, too. While a quality straight razor might have a higher upfront cost, it pays off in the long run. With proper care, a straight razor can last a lifetime.

Straight razors are also a greener choice for shaving. Without disposable plastic cartridges or packaging, you’re doing the planet a favor every time you shave.

Must-Have Tools From The Beard Club

To get the best shave, you need the best tools. 

Here are a few essentials from The Beard Club that’ll have your shaving game on point:

• The PT45 Trimmer: If you have fast-growing facial hair or want to get rid of a big beard, you need a trimmer before you can shave. The PT45 Beard and Hair Trimmer is durable, sleek, and easy to use, and it comes with 45 unique trim settings for the perfect cut.
  

• The Beard Club Straight Razor: A durable, well-balanced blade designed for precision. It’s easy to handle and perfect for anyone looking to level up their shave.
• Beard and Face Wash: You need to cleanse your skin before you’re ready for your closest shave ever. That’s where our Beard and Face Wash comes in. It creates a rich lather that effortlessly deep cleans to prep you for a close shave.

How To Troubleshoot Common Shaving Issues

Even seasoned pros run into a few shaving challenges from time to time. Here’s how to handle them:

• Razor Burn: If you’re dealing with razor burn, make sure you’re using enough lather and not applying too much pressure. A lighter touch and a properly prepped face can make all the difference.
• Ingrown Hairs: To minimize ingrown hairs, always shave with the grain and avoid stretching the skin too much. A gentle exfoliating scrub before shaving can help keep your skin smooth and reduce ingrowns.
• Nicks and Cuts: Keep a styptic pencil on hand for those occasional slips. It’ll stop the bleeding quickly and get you back on track.

Wrap-Up

A close shave is all about feeling confident and taking pride in the little rituals that make you, you. With a straight razor from The Beard Club, you can take your shaving game to a whole new level. 

Looking for more shaving tips, grooming guides, and beard culture? Check out The Beard Club’s Blog and take your facial hair to the next level.

Sources:

How to Prepare Your Skin for Shaving | Gillette

Razor Burn | Healthline

Ingrown Hair: What It Looks Like, Causes, Treatment & Prevention Cleveland Clinic