Wet shaving is a time-honored tradition, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Whether you are a beginner or a shaving pro, here are some common wet shaving mistakes that you should avoid if you want the best results.

Not preparing your skin before shaving

One common mistake men make when wet shaving is failing to adequately prepare their skin before the shave. While you may use a hot shower or a hot towel to soften your facial hair and open the follicles, what you should do first is exfoliate. Exfoliating helps improve the closeness of your shave by removing old dead skin cells. Make sure to use an exfoliant that is specifically formulated for faces as regular body scrubs can be too abrasive for sensitive facial skin. Then, apply a deep moisturizing cream and finish with a pre-shave oil or pre-shave lotion – this will ensure a smooth razor glide. Without these steps, you’ll find that your razor passes easily over rough patches, which can lead to ingrown hairs and other issues.

Shaving with a dull razor blade

While a dull razor blade may save you from having to invest in new blades, it could be costing you more money in the long term. Not only can using a dull razor cause skin irritation and cuts, but it can take you longer to complete your shave. We recommend using a new razor or sharpening your blade.

Not using enough shaving cream or soap

Shaving without the right amount of cream or soap can make the whole experience uncomfortable – and even dangerous. Not using enough can cause razor burn, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs. Investing in a quality shaving cream that is designed to help prepare your skin for a smooth shave will help ensure that you are using enough every time. It’s also important to remember that a little goes a long way, so start with only a small amount before adding more as needed – doing this will save you from wasting unnecessary product. Achieve the perfect shaving experience with fresh ingredients, protection from razor burn and irritation, an adequately lubricated surface, and comfortable strokes.

Shaving too quickly

One common mistake many make when wet shaving is going too fast. After all the preparation of lathering up foam and setting up to shave, it can be tempting to quickly make a few strokes for an easy shave. However, this can lead to a sloppy finish, with potential cuts, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Slow down while shaving and focus on taking more time with each individual stroke, pushing the skin gently back with the free hand to prevent tugging and yield a smoother shave that results in fewer follicle disasters along the way.

Going against the grain of your hair

Your facial hair grows in different directions and angles on different parts of your face - it's important to take this into account when shaving. Taking some extra time between passes to determine which way the grain of your facial hair is pointing can make all the difference in your shave and ensure you avoid any potential irritations or discomfort.

Not rinsing your razor after each stroke

Not rinsing your razor after each stroke of your wet shave is one of the most common mistakes made. The build-up of residual hair, shaving cream, and bacteria can begin to accumulate on the razor which can lead to irritation and blemishes on your skin. To keep a clean shave and prevent these potential problems, it is important to rinse off the razor thoroughly between each stroke, helping to ensure that you get the closest possible shave from start to finish.

If you're new to wet shaving, avoid making these common mistakes so you can enjoy a close, comfortable shave. Preparing your skin, using a sharp razor blade, and taking your time are all key to getting the best results.