I've got a process essay due for my composition class tomorrow, and I was hoping some of you guys could check over it for me and make sure it sounds good. I had to cut alot of stuff because I was about 500 words over the limit. I tried to throw out a simple into into the world of wet shaving, and found it hard to do with a goal of 800 to 1000 words. I just figured that this bunch would the the group to ask for input on it, so here it is.
An Introduction to Wet Shaving
Stop! Are you really about to shave with that canned goo and cheep disposable razor? Dont you know thats not good for your skin? The propellants in that canned shaving cream can dry your skin and those disposable razors simply cannot deliver a satisfactory shave without causing unnecessary irritation. What are you supposed to do, you ask? Well, Sir, today is your lucky day. Im going to tell you a bit about a far superior way to shave, and even the misses will be able to benefit it. Its called wet shaving.
What is wet shaving? Well, have you ever seen an old film or been to a barber shop and seen someone applying shaving lather with a brush? Well, that lather is amazing for hydrating the skin and lubricates the razors travel to reduce irritation. Im going to tell you how to build a proper shave lather, but first lets talk about what youll need.
To start off youll need to get yourself a shaving brush. These can be purchased online and in various retail outlets and there are many to choose from and many are easily obtained in the shaving goods section at virtually any pharmacy, grocery store, or general merchandise store.
Next youre going to need a mug or bowl to build your lather in. This can be an old coffee mug, soup bowl, or even a specialty mug made specifically for shaving. The key points are to make sure you can grip the vessel firmly, the sides arent so shallow that youll lose your lather over the sides, and that the opening is wide enough that you can get your brush in there to work up the lather without beating up your knuckles.
Now, of course youre going to need a shave medium from which to build the later. There is a world of possibilities when it comes to soaps and creams, but for the purposes of your initial outing I suggest picking up one of the old standards available at most major retailers. You can go with a shaving soap like Williams Mug Soap or Van Der Hagen, or a cream such as Prorasso, Head Slick, or Clubman. None of these will cost very much and any of them will serve you well.
Begin building your lather by letting your brush soak in hot water for about ten minutes to soften up the bristles. This softens up the bristles and allows them to soak up some water. Now if youre using a cream squeeze an almond-sized amount into the bottom of your mug or bowl. If youre using soap simply drop the puck into the dish and build the lather on the puck. Remove your brush from the hot water, and allow all the extra water to run out of it. Next begin working your shave medium in a circular, in-and-out motion to work up lather similar in consistency to whipped cream. This usually takes about thirty seconds to a minute. If youre not getting the right volume add more water a drop or two at a time, however; if youre getting volume but the texture is loose and bubbly youll want to add a bit more cream or soap to the mix, because youve got too much water. After building your own lather regularly for a while it becomes easier to judge the amount of medium and water needed. Now youve got a quality shaving lather.
Apply the lather to your skin by moving the brush over the area in a circular motion for about thirty seconds (I am assuming youve washed the area to be shaved diligently). This helps stand the hairs up and distributes the lather fairly evenly. When youre satisfied that the area is well covered you are ready to shave.
What do you shave with if youre not supposed to use the cheep disposables? Well, I shave with a straight razor, but Im not recommending that you make that kind of commitment. You would however do well to get a traditional safety razor. These are the kind that uses the double edged razor blades. You can find them in antiques stores or at various online retailers including eBay. Just make sure youre getting a trusted brand such as Merkur, Gillette, or Weishi. If youre not sure about safety razors get yourself a cartridge style razor, but remember the fewer blades the better. More blades equal more skin irritation no matter what the advertisements say.
During your shave remember to apply as little pressure as possible, and keep the razor at roughly a thirty-degree angle with your skin. Stretch the skin slightly in the opposite direction you are shaving and use short strokes about a half an inch at a time. Rinse your razor after every stroke or two to keep the blade clean of hair, skin, and lather build-up. When youre done shaving rinse the area with cold water to help close the pores.
Now lets talk about aftershave. Even women should apply some form of aftershave treatment to help soothe and tone the skin. Alcohol based aftershave splashes are very popular, and there are many aftershave balms on the market. I find that the best aftershave is a home-made balm consisting of fifty percent witch hazel and fifty percent aloe gel. This soothes tones and helps heal the skin.
Welcome to the world of wet shaving! Youve broken free of wasting your time and money torturing your skin. Pretty soon youll start noticing how much better your skin is feeling and looking. Once youve gotten comfortable with the process I advise you to do some research. One of the best places to learn more about wet shaving is at the Badger and Blade forum at www.badgerandblade.com. There are many friendly and helpful members there who will be happy to help you out by answering questions about techniques and products or by offering advice.
An Introduction to Wet Shaving
Stop! Are you really about to shave with that canned goo and cheep disposable razor? Dont you know thats not good for your skin? The propellants in that canned shaving cream can dry your skin and those disposable razors simply cannot deliver a satisfactory shave without causing unnecessary irritation. What are you supposed to do, you ask? Well, Sir, today is your lucky day. Im going to tell you a bit about a far superior way to shave, and even the misses will be able to benefit it. Its called wet shaving.
What is wet shaving? Well, have you ever seen an old film or been to a barber shop and seen someone applying shaving lather with a brush? Well, that lather is amazing for hydrating the skin and lubricates the razors travel to reduce irritation. Im going to tell you how to build a proper shave lather, but first lets talk about what youll need.
To start off youll need to get yourself a shaving brush. These can be purchased online and in various retail outlets and there are many to choose from and many are easily obtained in the shaving goods section at virtually any pharmacy, grocery store, or general merchandise store.
Next youre going to need a mug or bowl to build your lather in. This can be an old coffee mug, soup bowl, or even a specialty mug made specifically for shaving. The key points are to make sure you can grip the vessel firmly, the sides arent so shallow that youll lose your lather over the sides, and that the opening is wide enough that you can get your brush in there to work up the lather without beating up your knuckles.
Now, of course youre going to need a shave medium from which to build the later. There is a world of possibilities when it comes to soaps and creams, but for the purposes of your initial outing I suggest picking up one of the old standards available at most major retailers. You can go with a shaving soap like Williams Mug Soap or Van Der Hagen, or a cream such as Prorasso, Head Slick, or Clubman. None of these will cost very much and any of them will serve you well.
Begin building your lather by letting your brush soak in hot water for about ten minutes to soften up the bristles. This softens up the bristles and allows them to soak up some water. Now if youre using a cream squeeze an almond-sized amount into the bottom of your mug or bowl. If youre using soap simply drop the puck into the dish and build the lather on the puck. Remove your brush from the hot water, and allow all the extra water to run out of it. Next begin working your shave medium in a circular, in-and-out motion to work up lather similar in consistency to whipped cream. This usually takes about thirty seconds to a minute. If youre not getting the right volume add more water a drop or two at a time, however; if youre getting volume but the texture is loose and bubbly youll want to add a bit more cream or soap to the mix, because youve got too much water. After building your own lather regularly for a while it becomes easier to judge the amount of medium and water needed. Now youve got a quality shaving lather.
Apply the lather to your skin by moving the brush over the area in a circular motion for about thirty seconds (I am assuming youve washed the area to be shaved diligently). This helps stand the hairs up and distributes the lather fairly evenly. When youre satisfied that the area is well covered you are ready to shave.
What do you shave with if youre not supposed to use the cheep disposables? Well, I shave with a straight razor, but Im not recommending that you make that kind of commitment. You would however do well to get a traditional safety razor. These are the kind that uses the double edged razor blades. You can find them in antiques stores or at various online retailers including eBay. Just make sure youre getting a trusted brand such as Merkur, Gillette, or Weishi. If youre not sure about safety razors get yourself a cartridge style razor, but remember the fewer blades the better. More blades equal more skin irritation no matter what the advertisements say.
During your shave remember to apply as little pressure as possible, and keep the razor at roughly a thirty-degree angle with your skin. Stretch the skin slightly in the opposite direction you are shaving and use short strokes about a half an inch at a time. Rinse your razor after every stroke or two to keep the blade clean of hair, skin, and lather build-up. When youre done shaving rinse the area with cold water to help close the pores.
Now lets talk about aftershave. Even women should apply some form of aftershave treatment to help soothe and tone the skin. Alcohol based aftershave splashes are very popular, and there are many aftershave balms on the market. I find that the best aftershave is a home-made balm consisting of fifty percent witch hazel and fifty percent aloe gel. This soothes tones and helps heal the skin.
Welcome to the world of wet shaving! Youve broken free of wasting your time and money torturing your skin. Pretty soon youll start noticing how much better your skin is feeling and looking. Once youve gotten comfortable with the process I advise you to do some research. One of the best places to learn more about wet shaving is at the Badger and Blade forum at www.badgerandblade.com. There are many friendly and helpful members there who will be happy to help you out by answering questions about techniques and products or by offering advice.
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