SHAVING IN THE SHOWER

Posted March 11th, 2008 by Will Williams

When asked my preference of shaving methods, I opt for wet shaving. As a Master Barber for over thirty years, it has been my experience that wet shaving gives you a quicker, smoother shave and leaves you with cuddle-soft skin.

The ultimate in wet shaving is shaving in the shower. The benefits include continuous hydration, soothing relaxation, and steady streams of water to keep the razor clean and warm. There is no clean up: Just shake your razor after shaving and let it air dry.

The hot water relaxes your facial muscles, softens the beard and prepares it for shaving gel. Shaving gel keeps your face wet and prevents tugging of the beard by lubricating the skin at the surface and subdermally. This lets the razor glide along your skin, removing hair quickly and smoothly.

The Bump Patrol® Directional Shaving Method – shaving with a downstroke toward the Adams Apple and with an upstroke beneath the Adams Apple – helps you shave without over-irritating your skin because it follows the exact direction of hair growth. After you've completed all downstrokes and upstrokes, rinse your face and follow up with a few cross strokes to ensure a clean, smooth shave. Another key to a smooth shave is keeping your razor wet while shaving. Whether you're shaving in the shower or at the sink, just pass your razor under running water after every few strokes to keep the blade clean, warm and wet.

The other key ingredients to a clean, smooth shave are a quality, multi-blade razor and Bump Patrol Shave Gel (I prefer the Cool Shave Gel in the tube). To apply the gel, I use a Badger bristle shave brush, but using your fingers works just as well.

When shaving in the shower, use a fogless mirror to ensure that you see the area shaved. This is a small step to take to enjoy the feeling of complete hydration along with the knowledge that all the lather and hair are going down the drain and that you will emerge from the shower clean and smooth shaven. The fact that you saved time and maybe water are extra bonuses. Oh, and did I mention that shaving in the shower takes the drag out of shaving?

Stay smooth,

Will Williams