Tips for wet shaving

THE ALTERNATIVE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Clean contours or a close, full shave – reaching for a cartridge razor can fundamentally change a man’s appearance in a matter of minutes. But who is this practical grooming tool best suited for, what do you need to bear in mind when using it, and how can the right preparation save you money? Master barber and style expert Behar from Eric:Barbier shares his tips on wet shaving here.

The great thing about a wet razor, also known as a cartridge razor, is how easy it is to use: it really is child’s play to shave with it or to maintain your contours after a visit to the barber. What’s more, they are often the best choice, particularly for men with sensitive skin, as unlike a straight razor, you don’t have to hold it at a specific angle and mistakes won’t result in cuts. Electric dry shavers put even more strain on the skin, as the hairs pull at the skin during removal and can thus cause irritation.

The right shaving preparation

A gentle shave with a cartridge razor requires thorough preparation. The rule is: the softer the hair, the better for the skin! Soft hair is easier to cut and therefore puts less strain on the blades, meaning they stay sharp for longer and need replacing less often. That’s why you should allow plenty of time for the procedure and use a long shower, steam or warm towels to soften the hair.

To ensure the blades glide smoothly later on, I always recommend massaging in a good beard oil or our new pre-shave oil afterwards. Once these steps are complete, it’s time for the shaving foam. It ensures the beard is softened even further and provides optimal protection for the skin. We advise using fresh shaving foam rather than ready-made products from a can – here, master barber Anthony reveals how to lather up shaving soap perfectly.

A close shave – the perfect wet shave

Once you’ve completed these preparations, you’re ready for the next tips on wet shaving. During the procedure, the skin must be stretched with your fingers – just as with a straight razor – so that the hairs stand up and can be smoothly cut by the blades. Always move the cartridge razor with the grain, as otherwise irritation can occur, particularly on sensitive skin. Speaking of irritation: blunt blades can also cause redness by literally pulling the beard hairs out. As soon as you feel a slight tugging sensation, it’s best to change the cartridge.

Once the contours are back in shape or the beard is completely off, the shave needs to be finished off to avoid small spots or blackheads. First, remove any remaining lather with cold water and close the skin pores again, before an alcohol-free aftershave moisturises the skin and prevents the outer layer from becoming rough. This allows regrowing beard hairs to emerge easily and prevents them from becoming inflamed beneath the hardened epidermis. Clean the razor thoroughly afterwards and, ideally, leave it to dry in a stand to prevent bacteria from settling and to keep the material hygienic.

As you can see, a safety razor is a good everyday alternative if using a straight razor takes too long and the electric option is too harsh on the skin. When buying, make sure the model has a pivoting head so you can easily remove hair even on curved areas like the chin. It should also have at least three to five blades to ensure the cleanest possible result. By the way: Eric:Barbier also offers complete sets with safety razors, finished with a handle made of ebony, olive wood or buffalo horn, ensuring they sit perfectly in your hand.

Do you have questions about how to maintain your look after your appointment at the barber’s or how to remove your beard thoroughly? I’d be happy to share my tips on wet shaving with you at our salon in HafenCity! In the meantime, I’ll tell you here which beard style suits your face shape.

Yours, Behar