A double edge safety razor is the best way to get a barber shop shave at home. In this post, Matt (one of the co-founders of Thomas Clipper) gives his top tips for a perfect shave.
Step 1: Preparation Is Everything
First get your blade loaded - we recommend Shark for sensitive skin in a plastic-free package. Put on some music, fill up the sink with piping hot water and pop in your razor and brush. Wet your flannel and hold it to your face to really get your skin warmed up, then rub to exfoliate.
We recommend that you shower before you shave, not after - this gives your face even longer to prep for the upcoming de-stubbling.
Step 2: With Oil, Less Is More
A drop or two of our organic frankincense shave oil is all you need. The purpose of the oil is to add a very thin base of lubrication. Ours also includes an active ingredient to reduce razor rash.
Step 3: Brush Up
Next up roll the tip of your moist (but not soaking) brush on your shaving soap using a circular motion: when it's fully loaded up you can lather in a bowl. Apply to your face gently. You might want to brush gently against the grain to lift your stubble up.
Step 4: Shave With The Grain
Take your razor from the water, gently shave down from your sideburns in the direction of least resistance. This is called shaving ‘with the grain’ and makes for a much much more comfortable shave, and far less chance of razor rash especially when shaving with a double edge safety razor.
Take short, gentle strokes - let the razor do the hard work. After every stroke or two pop the blade back into the water to clean and wet it. You should also spin the razor 180 degrees after every couple strokes to use both sides of the blade.
Step 5: Wind Down
After you’re thoroughly de-stubbled it’s time to clean your gear. Wash your brush and bowl thoroughly in cold water and stand them out to dry. Pop your blade out for re-use or recycling and wash out your razor.
Next splash some cold water on your face to get rid of the soap, close up your pores, and re-invigorate you for the day ahead.
Finally, end with a spritz of quality cologne: we unsurprisingly recommend the Thomas Clipper UNITE Cologne collection (but we're not the only ones: GQ, Monocle and others also think it's the business...).
