ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

Home Spa: Wet Shaving

Three all-natural grooming recipes. Plus: environmentally friendly shaving

by Adam Polakoff

Photos by Garry McLeod

Need a shampoo, wax, or shave? Stop dropping coin on costly, chemical-filled products at the salon and instead cook up these home-brewed recipes. Then flip the page for a what, why, and how-to on the (nearly) lost art of wet shaving.

Every few years, the grooming industry introduces a new, high-tech-looking contraption that is guaranteed to revolutionize men’s shaving. We’ve had enough of the hype, expense, and waste of it all. Instead, we’re joining the ever-growing number of converts who have embraced the art of the wet shave—shaving with a safety razor and a cream applied with a brush. It’s better for your face, cheaper (replacement double-edge blades are a mere 25–50 cents), and better for the planet (since the only disposable part is the blade). So get lathered up! Being a beardo is so last year.
1. It’s best to shower before shaving to soften facial hair. 2. Put razor and brush in sink and fill with hot water. 3. If using pre-shave oil (for added lubrication), rub a few drops over your stubble. 4. Remove brush from water and give it a light flick to remove excess water. 5. In a mug, your palm, or the shave-cream tub, use the brush to whisk a marble-sized amount of glycerin-based shave cream into a thick lather that is wet but not overly runny. 6. Brush lather onto face in circular strokes. 7. Hold razor perpendicular to your face. To achieve the proper blade angle, rotate the handle down toward your face until the blade can just cut hair. The secret to a closer shave is making multiple passes, and a safety razor allows you to make them without tearing up your face. Once you gain confidence with the safety razor, you can experiment with a more
aggressive blade angle. 8. Shave with the grain of the hair using short strokes and as little pressure as possible. 9. After completing the first pass over your face, rinse face with hot water, reapply lather, and make another pass. 10. Repeat until desired closeness is achieved (two passes is generally sufficient). For best results, shave across or against the grain on final pass. 11. Rinse face with cold water to close the pores, and pat dry. Wet shaving takes practice, so use a styptic pencil to stanch bleeding from any small nicks and cuts. 12. Dab toner on your freshly shaven skin, then apply aftershave and/or moisturizer.
13. Rinse razor and brush. Shake brush dry. Marvel at how manly you suddenly feel.