The badger brush is the most popular. There are different grades of badger hair brushes. From coarseness to softness, you will find black, pure, best, super and silver tip which is the softest. The price range goes up as you go from the black to the silver tip.
The badger is excellent at exfoliating without being harsh on your skin. It retains the heat from the water longer which feels good as you apply the lather to your skin. The downside to the badger is that it does take a bit longer to make your lather than the boar.
An important thing to remember about a brush is that after using and cleaning, you MUST store it on a stand with the bristles pointing down. The bristles are in a knot attached to the handle. If the water is not allowed to drain away from the knot, eventually the knot will rot and the bristles will fall out. I recommend a stand that will store your razor as well as your brush.
An additional point with a brush is that from time to time you might find a loose bristle. This is normal. It will shed from time to time with use. One or two bristles is no reason for concern.
So now what? You’ve decided to give this a try. You have your razor, blades, a brush and a stand to properly store your brush and razor. Should you get a soap or cream? The truth is either will work. Consider one that is unscented if you will be applying make-up after shaving. However, depending on which way you go, you may need the additional mug.
If you use a cream, like Proraso, you simply squeeze out a small amount, about the size of a quarter, into the mug. Some creams, such as Taconic, come in a pump. Generally, just one pump into the mug and you’re good to go.
Some soaps come packaged in what is known as a puck because it is shaped like a hockey puck. It fits down into the mug and you work your lather from there. When finished, you leave the soap in the mug and it will be fine until next time. You should know that mugs and pucks generally come in two different sizes. Your puck may not fit into the mug or it may spin around a lot.
Other soaps are packaged in a container some call a jar that is made of plastic. It eliminates the need for a separate mug because you can make your lather right there. The downside is that there will inevitably be over spill which can be messy. I simply hold mine upside down over the sink so more lather gets on the brush and the excess falls into the sink.
Some will take this soap and break it into smaller pieces to put into a mug because mugs are deeper and reduces the over spill. You can also place it into a double boiler to soften it up for transfer into a mug. Do not put into a microwave as this can disturb the properties of the soap ingredients.
Let’s see, we have razor, blades, brush, stand and have decided if we need a mug or not. We’re ready to shave now, right? Not exactly. I will now discuss step by step what I feel is the best way to get that baby butt smooth shave. You must be ready to commit some extra time at least until you get the routine down. Once you get that, it will become easier and quicker.
- The first step is to wash your face. It seems simple. The key though is to use a moisturizing soap or an exfoliant scrub with moisturizers. It is also best to wash your face while in the shower so as to take advantage of the steam. This will help to open the pores of your skin as well as soften up the whiskers.
- After your shower, place a hot towel on your face. Usually around 15 seconds or until you feel it start to cool. This is necessary because while drying off from the shower, the cool air is already closing the pores and you have dried off your face. So, the towel reopens the pores and keeps the whiskers wet and soft.
- The next step is to use a pre-shave oil or cream. Cover the entire area that you are about to shave and work into the skin well. This has many benefits. It keeps the skin moisturized, keeps the whiskers soft and helps to create a slick barrier between your skin and the razor blade. You do not wash off the oil or cream.
- Now we move to applying shave soap or cream. Stay away from the foams that come from a can. There are too many chemicals. Choose one that has more natural ingredients with moisturizers.
Soak your brush thoroughly in hot water. I simply lay mine in the sink and run hot water on it while I am applying my hot towel. Shake off the excess water. Too much water and you will create a soup. Remember, it’s easier to add water as you’re mixing than it is to get rid of any excess water.
With the soap or cream in the mixing bowl, move your brush vigorously in a circular motion. Work it until you have the consistency of a meringue pie or Cool Whip. If you feel that you need extra water on your brush, just dash it quickly under the running hot water. You don’t want to rinse off what you have already built up.
- You are now ready to apply your lather. Take your brush and apply the lather in a circular motion or a figure 8. This will allow the brush to lift the whiskers up as well as to further exfoliate the skin. Make sure to cover the entire area that you are going to shave and don’t skimp. This helps in moisturizing.
- After applying the lather, you are ready for your razor. To avoid ingrown hairs and reduce razor burn, it is best to shave in the direction of the grain. Remember that there is a big learning curve here. Take your time! The long edges of the razor head are called the safety bar. Place the bar against your skin and slowly rotate towards your skin. Then make your stroke. Eventually you will determine the right amount of pressure and the correct angle needed for your razor, blade, skin and whisker hair. With experience you will be able to go faster.
Section off your face. For example, using one edge of your blade, shave the entire right cheek area. Then, using the other edge of the blade, shave the left cheek area. Then shave the chin area, again alternating each edge side of the blade. Proceed to the neck and repeat the process.
RINSE! RINSE! RINSE! Do not allow the gunk to build up. By constantly rinsing your razor and avoiding gunk build up, you allow more blade to be exposed and therefore better performance.
If at any time you feel that you missed some spots and want to shave over that area, RE-LATHER! You want to keep that slick barrier.
- Okay, so now you have completed your shave. The next thing is to rinse with cold water. Yes, cold water. Then a cold towel. Leave the cold towel on for about 30 seconds. What we are doing now is closing up the pores and tightening the skin.
- After you have rinsed and applied the cold towel, you should use alum. This is a natural, colorless astringent compound that is a hydrated double sulfate of aluminum and potassium. It can be purchased in either stick or block form.
This will help close off any nicks from shaving and kill bacteria. It will also eliminate razor burn before it starts as well as calming any irritation. Simply wet the alum and apply to your damp face. You will feel some slight stinging if you have any small nicks, even if you can’t see them. Let it work for a couple of minutes. (This is a good time to clean your razor and brush as discussed below.) Rinse your face with cold water just in case there is any residue from the alum. Pat dry.
- This is a good time to apply a moisturizing cream or balm. This helps in the healing process.
- Once you have completed your shave, it is time to take care of your brush and razor. Thoroughly rinse your brush to remove any excess soap. Shake out excess water. GENTLY squeeze the bristles into a towel and run the bristles over the towel a few times. Place the brush into its stand, bristles down.
CLEAN YOUR RAZOR! Open up your razor. Run water over all the pieces while gently brushing with a soft bristle tooth brush. Clean the blade. Using a cotton ball, carefully apply alcohol to the edge of your blade to sanitize it. Flip the blade over, place it back into your razor and reassemble. Place the razor into its stand.
- If you are dressing drab, apply after shave. If not, get yourself glammed up!
That’s it. Trust me, it gets easier with practice. Now you know how to get your face baby butt smooth. You can now apply your make-up and be your fabulous self with more confidence.
I hope everyone finds this helpful.
Sincerely,
Karla
Thank you Karla, very informative articular. Do you shave body hair the same way or just your beard?
Sherri
Thank you Sherri, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I apply the same steps to shaving body hair. However, be careful if you use the DE safety razor. There is a big learning curve and they can be unforgiving. The main thing I would suggest if using the DE for body hair is to take your time. I do not use the DE for the “personal" area because of that. I stick to the Venus in that region.
Thanks again!
Thank you Karla for taking the time to write a detailed step by step article….not only for a smooth face but the chest and torso…
happy holidays, Leonara
I’m so glad you liked it and I hope you find it helpful!
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you
The few times I’ve tried using any sort of blade on any part of my body has left me so many cuts nick and ingrown hairs.
I can only electric razor and clippers to remove hair and keep things clean
Bless you, Karla. This is the most extensive and detailed description of shaving I have ever seen. It should be published in a men’s magazine. any man who shaves could benefit greatly from your research and thorough explanation of the shaving process.
Dana
Thank you so much Dana! I’m glad you liked it. I hope that everyone who reads it will find some benefit.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Karla, Thank you for the article! Do you have a heavy beard? I do and sensitive skin. I’ve gone through countless cartridge razors. I have to go over the same area multiple times, with and against the grain. It leaves my skin raw and the heavy beard shadow areas around the lips and chin really get chewed up with small cuts. I could never shave like that every day if I was on a trip and able to dress all the time. Also, do you shave in just one direction with the single blade? I’m at the point of… Read more »
Hi Jen, I’m glad you liked the article! No I don’t have a heavy beard, thankfully. I recommend ditching the cartridge razors. Remember, if you have a cartridge that has five blades, that is the equivalent of a single blade, double edge going over that area 5 times with each stroke. Second, I would also recommend using a pre shave oil or cream as I mentioned. The slicker you make your skin, the less friction. Also, as I mentioned, it will help soften up the whiskers making the blade do it’s job more efficiently. I generally recommend shaving in one… Read more »
Fabulous article. I’m very conflicted. When in male mode I love my beard. When en femme I wish it wasn’t there. Any advice on hiding it, gratefully accepted.
I’m glad you like the article. Thank you! If you are wearing a beard en femme, as far as I know there is no way to really hide it. I had a mustache for many, many years. When I came out to my wife about dressing, she was fully accepting and is completely supportive. For me personally, I wish to present a full, complete female persona as best as I can. Therefore, I shaved off my mustache. I know that others have beards and mustaches while dressing en femme and that shaving them off is not an option they wish… Read more »
I shave H 2 T everyday. I’ve used disposable 5 blade razors. Works great. I only use shave cream on my face and do it in a warm shower. My beard needs shaving twice a day; once before work and then again before going out for the evening. Legs and body are usually included in these sessions, but I can skip the body/leg shave in the evening if time is a concern. I love the sooth feeling that a freshly shaved body/face feel. It really helps me get into my enfemme self and feels great when I’m wearing my dresses.… Read more »
Oh, I completely agree! There is nothing like putting on pantyhose, slip and a dress on to a freshly, completely shaved body. Such a wonderful sensation.
Hugs
Karla
Thank you for the wonderful article. I am waiting for my supplies to come in from Amazon and try this out!!!
Thank you!
If you’ve ordered a double edge razor, remember to take your time until you learn the technique. I hope this works out for you.
Hugs,
Karla
The first go round… Razor `1 Krista -0 Lol
LOL! I understand. The first time I used a double edge, I thought I knew how to shave. When I finished, it looked like I had been in a fight with my cat…and the cat won!
It takes practice, but stick to it. Everything I wrote in Part 1 and 2 reflects my trial and error and a lot or research on trying to get the best shave possible.
Hugs
I got a little inpatient and did not wait for the brush ,pre oil and quality cream come in. I will not make that mistake again but if I do not have access to a heated towel is that really a deal breaker?
A heated towel is best to soften the beard hair, however, not a deal breaker. The pre-shave oil will help to soften the beard hair. I just find it is best to use both. As long as you have access to hot water and a towel, you’re good to go there.
Thank you .. I will give it a shot
☝
Have done all the above and manage not to cut my face so progress made. Just one one questions, Some time the razor feels like its pulling instead of shaving. Is that more of a angle , pressure or time to change the blade thing?Your advice so far has been priceless !!
If it’s a new blade, it could be the angle or pressure as you suggest. It could also be the blade itself. Also, are you using a pre-shave oil or cream to make the skin slick and soften the beard hair? I always tell men when I’m teaching them to shave that you have to experiment with the blades. The right blade for any particular person depends on the razor, the skin type and the beard/hair type. If one blade doesn’t seem to work and you have done all the necessary skin prep, then perhaps try a different brand of… Read more »
Thanks Karla! I loved the article and will try out the technique. I don’t get a lot of body hair including my face but really like to be smooth and undetectable. I will let you know how it goes. Thank Brooke
I look forward to hearing a great success story!