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Shaving soap bars are a great alternative to traditional shaving cream or gel, but because they’re a little different, it can be intimidating to get started with. However, as you’ll see they’re really quite easy to use, long-lasting, and come in a great variety of different smells. In this quick-start guide, we show you how to use shaving soap bars, to get the best shave possible.
Step 1: Prepare your face
Before you start shaving, it is important to prepare your skin. Start by washing your face with warm water, to open up your pores and soften your hair. This will make it much easier to shave, and will significantly reduce the risk of shaving rash and irritation.
Step 2: Create a lather
To lather up your shave bar, you’ll need a shaving brush. Wet the brush, and swirl it around the soap bar to create a lather. If you don’t have a shaving brush, you can also create a lather by rubbing the soap bar directly onto your face, but using a brush will help to lift the hair and create a smoother shave.
Step 3: Apply the lather
Once you have a thick, creamy lather, apply it to the areas you plan to shave. Make sure to use circular motions when brushing it on, to lift the hair and work the lather into your skin. This will help to lubricate the skin, and further reduce the risk of irritation.
Step 4: Shave
Using a sharp, clean razor, start shaving in the direction of hair growth. This should help to reduce the risk of irritation, and of those dreaded ingrown hairs. Be sure to take your time, and go over each area multiple times to ensure a close, smooth shave.
Step 5: Rinse
After shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close your pores and reduce inflammation. Closing up your pores reduces the risk that any dirt can get in them, making it less likely that you’ll get any spots or blemishes.
Step 6: Moisturise
Finally, moisturise your skin, using a moisturiser or aftershave. This will help to soothe any irritation, and will keep your skin nice and hydrated.
Tips for using shaving soap bars
- Always use a sharp, clean razor, to avoid excess irritation and ingrown hairs.
- Experiment with different shaving soaps, until you find the smell that you prefer.
- If you find that your shaving soap is too dry or hard, you can soften it by leaving it in a damp place, or by adding a few drops of water to it before lathering it up.
- If you have sensitive skin, look for shaving soaps that are formulated for your skin type, or ones that contain soothing natural ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile.
In conclusion, shaving soap bars are a great alternative to traditional shaving cream or gel. They’re really easy to use, long-lasting, and come in a wide variety of textures and scents. By following the steps outlined in this quick-start guide, and using the additional tips provided, you can achieve a close, smooth shave, with minimal irritation.