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How to Shave with Shave Soap

Learning how to shave with shave soap is an important skill to develop, especially if you want to achieve a quality shave. Unlike modern gels or foams, traditional shaving soap offers a rich lather, close shave, and better control over your skin's moisture.


Our guide will walk you through each step of shaving with shave soap, covering everything from what you need to how to properly clean your shaving brush afterwards.


What You'll Need


Before you begin shaving with shave soap, make sure you have these essentials on hand:


  • Shave Soap: Look for a quality soap that suits your skin type.
  • Shaving Brush: A brush helps create a good lather and lifts your hair so you can achieve a closer shave.
  • Shaving Bowl (optional): While you can lather directly on your face, a bowl makes things easier.
  • Razor: Whether you prefer a straight razor, safety razor, or cartridge, make sure that it's sharp.
  • Warm Water: Helps to soften your beard and prep your skin.
  • Towel: A hot towel will help open your pores and soften your beard before shaving.

    • Choosing the Best Shave Soap


    With so many shave soap's on the market, it can be hard to know what the best choice is. To make your decision a little easier, consider the following factors when choosing a shave soap:


    Natural Ingredients

    Shea butter, coconut oil, and lanolin help protect and moisturize your skin when you shave.


    Fragrance

    Shave soaps come in a wide variety of scents, from sandalwood to citrus. Choose one that you like.


    Skin Type

    If you have sensitive skin, opt for unscented or hypoallergenic shave soaps. Oily or dry skin? Look for soaps that balance your skin's needs.


    You can check out options like [X] for sensitive skin or [X], which is a favorite among those with dry skin.



    How to Lather Your Shaving Soap

    In order to shave with shave soap, you'll need to create a nice lather. Here's a simple step-by-step:


  • Soak your brush: Before using, soak your shaving brush in warm water for 1-2 minutes. This will help soften the bristles.
  • Drain excess water: Shake out excess water from the brush but leave it slightly damp.
  • Load the brush: Swirl the damp brush on your shave soap for about 20-30 seconds. You should notice a creamy lather starting to form.
  • Build the lather: Either use a shaving bowl or apply the soap directly to your face. If using a bowl, continue swirling the brush in the bowl until you get a lather that’s thick in consistency. 

    • How to Shave with Shave Soap


    Now that your lather is ready, let’s get into the steps for a proper shave using shave soap. Whether you’re a newbie or more experienced, learning how to shave with shave soap should get easier with practice. 


  • Prepare your face: Start by splashing warm water on your face or using a hot towel to open up your pores and soften your beard. This step ensures a smoother shave.
  • Apply the lather: Using your brush, apply the thick lather evenly across your face. Move the brush in circular motions to lift the hairs, making them easier to shave.
  • Begin shaving:
    •
        • Use your razor with short, gentle strokes.
        • Shave with the grain of your hair (in the direction your hair grows) to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs.
        • Rinse your razor frequently to remove any soap and hair buildup.
  • Re-lather if needed: If you need a second pass, reapply the soap to areas that need more attention.
  • Finish up: Once you're done, splash your face with cold water to close the pores and refresh your skin. Pat your face dry with a towel.

    • If you’re wondering how do you whip shave soap, it's simple: just continue swirling the brush in the soap for a longer time until you get a meringue-like consistency. You can check out razors like the Merkur Safety Razor for a close, comfortable shave, or a straight razor from Dovo if you prefer the traditional route.


    How to Clean Your Shaving Brush


    After your shave, taking care of your shaving brush is important to make sure it continues to perform well and will last a long time. Here's how you can clean it properly:


  • Rinse: Rinse the brush thoroughly under warm running water to remove all the soap residue.
  • Squeeze and shake: Gently squeeze out excess water from the bristles and shake the brush a few times to fluff it back up.
  • Dry: Let the brush air-dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably with the bristles facing downward. This will help avoid water collecting at the base.
  • Store it properly: Keep your brush in a stand or a dry spot. Avoid storing it in a closed drawer or cabinet, as this can lead to mildew.

    • In Summary


    Learning how to shave with shave soap offers a smoother shaving experience that can reduce irritation and give you a cleaner shave. If you're ready to take your shaving routine up a notch, try experimenting with different shave soaps to find what works best for your skin. 


    Frequently Asked Questions


    Can I use regular soap to shave with?

    While you can use regular soap in a pinch, it’s not recommended. Shaving soap is specifically designed to create a protective lather that softens your beard and reduces irritation. Regular soap tends to dry out your skin and doesn't provide the same level of lubrication.


    How many shaves does a shaving soap last?

    Shaving soap is quite long-lasting. A typical puck of shave soap can last you several months, depending on how often you shave and how much soap you use per shave. Shaving with shave soap might take a bit more time compared to using canned foam or gel, but it’s worth the effort for the closer shave and smoother skin. 

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