Are you looking for a way to shave without cutting yourself? Are you tired of nicks and razor burn ruining your morning routine? We’ve got the answer!
Read on to learn how to keep the blade from getting too close to the skin when shaving, so you can have smooth, nick-free legs every time.
Table Of Contents
−- 1. Wash Your Face Beforehand – Soften the Skin
- 2. Exfoliate
- 3. Choose the Right Razor – Use Single-Edge Blades
- 4. Never Dry Shave
- 5. Use Pre-Shave Oil
- 6. Use Shaving Cream, Soap or Gel
- 7. Rinse the Razor After Every Few Strokes
- 8. Take Your Time
- 9. Learn the Correct Technique and Possess an Unflinchingly Steady Grip
- 10. Follow Up With Aftershave Balm or Lotion
- 11. Upgrade Your Weapon of Choice
1. Wash Your Face Beforehand – Soften the Skin
One of the best ways to ensure your blade isn’t getting too close to your skin when shaving is to soften the skin before you start. Soaking your face with warm water or using a warm, damp washcloth for about three minutes will help hydrate your skin and keep it soft between shaves.
Moisturizers or creams will help keep your facial hair soft and reduce irritation. Taking a few moments to do this before you start shaving can make the difference between a comfortable shave and an uncomfortable one.
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating is an important step in preparing the skin for shaving. It will help remove any dry skin and dead skin cells that could block the razor’s path and lift and condition the hairs, making them easier to cut.
You should exfoliate a couple of days before you shave and then follow up with a gentle scrub or exfoliating glove on the day of your shave to remove any extra skin or lose hair. Doing this will help prevent irritation and ensure you get the closest shave possible.
After cleansing, use an exfoliating scrub, cloth, or shaving brush to slog away dead skin cells and any lingering dirt or oil. This will help to ensure that your razor won’t get too close to your skin when shaving and will also help to reduce the risk of razor burn.
3. Choose the Right Razor – Use Single-Edge Blades
When choosing the right razor, the key is to opt for one with fewer blades and avoid anything in a pressurized can because the fuel tends to dry out the skin.
Regarding shaving, using a single-edge razor is the best way to keep the blade from getting too close to your skin. Single-edge razors are designed with a single blade, which reduces the amount of friction that occurs between the razor and your skin.
This allows for an even shave with less irritation and less risk of nicks. Additionally, single-edge razors require less pressure when shaving, reducing the risk of cutting yourself or irritating your skin. A single-edge razor is perfect if you’re looking for a close shave with minimal irritation.
Additionally, make sure your razor is sharp and replace it regularly. Finally, hold the razor at a 30-degree angle to ensure you don’t get too close to the skin.
4. Never Dry Shave
Shaving scrapes natural oils off your face, so the next most important item is some shaving gel or foam to keep your skin from becoming too dry and reduce the risk of razor burn.
To reduce friction and ensure a smoother shave, it is best first to soak your beard in warm water for several minutes. This will help soften the hair and relax your skin, making the shaving process much easier. After soaking, dry your beard with a clean towel, as this will help create an even surface for the razor blade.
If your skin is too moist, then the movement of your razor can irritate. A pre-shave preparation can help those with sensitive skin, giving an extra layer of protection between the blade and the skin.
5. Use Pre-Shave Oil
With the right razor and technique, you can keep the blade from getting too close to your skin while shaving. Another great way to keep the blade from getting too close is to use pre-shave oil. Pre-shave oils are made specifically to provide a layer of lubrication between the razor and the skin.
This helps to reduce any friction that might cause irritation or cuts. Pre-shave oils also help to soften and protect the skin as you shave. Massage a few drops of pre-shave oil into your face before you begin, and you’ll be on your way to a safe, comfortable shave.
6. Use Shaving Cream, Soap or Gel
Use shaving cream or gel to help keep the blade from getting too close to your skin. A great shaving soap, cream, or gel creates a thick barrier between your skin and the razor and provides greater lubrication for “an overall higher degree of protection when shaving.” In addition, using someone else’s razor blade can cause infections if you get nicks and cuts.
So, it’s important to not only frequently change the blade in your razor but also ensure that you use a clean blade each time. Applying shaving cream or gel shows where you have and have not shaved so you won’t miss any spots. Don’t add too much cream, or your blade will get clogged and won’t touch the hair.
After you’ve lathered up, use the triple pass technique: run the blade (or blades) under hot water to remove any shaving oil, shaving cream, or errant hairs, shave with the grain, then against the grain.
7. Rinse the Razor After Every Few Strokes
Rinsing the razor regularly is an important step in the shaving process. It helps remove dirt, debris, and bacteria from the blade and prevents clogging, which can cause irritation and discomfort when shaving.
To thoroughly rinse, use warm water and mild soap to remove any residue from the blades. Rinse the blade after each stroke to keep it clean and sharp. When you are finished shaving, rinse the razor thoroughly with warm water and dry it off before storing it away.
If you experience an incredibly clogged blade, gently wipe the razor clean with a toothbrush you’re no longer using to bring it back to life.
This will help prevent rusting and keep the blade in good condition. These steps will ensure you get a close shave while protecting your skin from irritation and razor burn.
8. Take Your Time
It’s important to take time when shaving to ensure you don’t get too close to your skin with the blade. Make sure to shave in short strokes and apply minimal pressure. If the blade is sharp enough and your skin is properly prepped, you should get a good shave without worrying about nicks or cuts.
You can stretch the skin slightly with your free hand to help you keep the blade from getting too close. Taking your time also allows you to go over the same area multiple times without causing any irritation.
9. Learn the Correct Technique and Possess an Unflinchingly Steady Grip
Once you’ve chosen your preferred razor blade, it’s time to get to work. Open the razor using your dominant hand’s thumb and index finger to grip the blade’s back. Use short, slow strokes, and remember to move the razor in the direction your hair is growing.
Hold the safety razor at about a 30° angle to the skin and place your thumb on the side of the blade near the middle. This grip gives you more razor control and can help you keep it at the right angle.
Find the right pressure—too hard, and you risk nicking yourself; too gentle, and you won’t get a close shave. Keep the skin tight as you shave—you don’t want to drag the razor, lose grip, or accidentally apply pressure. Control your approach with a steady hand and organized system to ensure a clean shave every time.
10. Follow Up With Aftershave Balm or Lotion
Once you’re done with your shave, follow up with a soothing aftershave balm or lotion. This can help nourish and hydrate your skin and reduce any irritation caused by the razor blade.
Aftershave balms and lotions are specifically designed to help speed up the skin’s recovery after shaving while protecting against potential infections. Make sure to choose a product suitable for your skin type, such as one specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
11. Upgrade Your Weapon of Choice
If you’re still having trouble avoiding nicks and cuts, upgrading your weapon might be a good solution. Investing in a quality safety razor can help you maintain a better angle when shaving and avoid cutting your skin too close.
Jay Kang
Just because i'm asian does not mean I don't need shaving. I always wanted to grow a beard when I was young, now I need to shave because hair growth for me is a problem. I'm going through what every man will and has gone through before.