The Best Shaving Cream To Use With Your Safety Razor
A safety razor, or a double-edged razor as it is often called, is a tool which never goes out of style! It features a protective device between the blade and your skin, preventing nicks and cuts. This kind of razor was introduced shortly after World War I, revolutionising men’s shaving habits as it allowed them to shave at home much more easily, rather than needing to go to the barbers every time they wanted to tame their facial hair.
Today, there are lots of options available for all your shaving needs, but a classic safety razor is still a great option for anyone looking for a good old-fashioned shave.
The classic status of this razor doesn’t mean that it can’t be combined with one of the newer shaving inventions — shaving cream. In fact, shaving cream is a brilliant addition to any shave, including one that involves a safety razor.
Getting a great shave with a safety razor
Safety razors can be great when you’re looking for a clean, close shave, avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs. Replacement blades for a safety razor are also very affordable, making a safety razor a great investment, which will save you money in the long run.
We tend to think that shaving using a classic safety razor is a bit of an art form, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be complicated or difficult! You can follow these easy steps to get the great results you’re looking for:
- Prep your skin: Rinsing your face with plenty of nice warm water, or shaving after a hot shower is great for opening up your pores and softening hairs.
- Apply shaving cream or soap: You’ll want a good layer of creamy lather all over the area you intend to shave.
- Shave with the grain: Use your fingers to pull your skin taut, then run your razor over it, going with the grain. This means you follow the direction of growth. With a safety razor, you’ll want to maintain an angle of about 45 degrees, and you won’t need to apply much pressure.
You can find out more and pick up some handy extra tips by taking a look at our detailed guide to shaving using a safety razor.
What should you use when shaving with a safety razor — shaving cream, gel, foam or soap?
Generally at Wilkinson Sword, we like using a vintage shaving brush to work a classic shaving soap up into a foamy lather, or smothering on a lovely rich shaving cream for maximum moisturisation.
A gel can be a little thick for use with a safety razor, while foams often don’t provide as much lubrication and protection against irritation. The light lather from a shaving soap is the traditional companion for the safety razor. However, we love using a shaving cream with a safety razor. Shaving soap can be a bit more dehydrating than shaving cream, while using the latter leaves your skin feeling lovely and soft.
Softens facial hair and hydrates skin with moisturising agents for a smooth shave. Barber's Style Face Wash allows you to clean your face for smooth, gentle skin.
Shaving Soap Bowl
Barber's Style Shave Cream
The best shaving creams to use with a safety razor
Picking a shaving cream with the right texture is the most important factor to consider when choosing a mate for your safety razor. Safety razors can often be better than cartridge razors for those with sensitive skin because they cause less friction, and the blades don’t get blunt as easily. Adding a shaving cream means you’ve got the recipe for a perfect shave!
Your safety razor glides most easily over your skin when you use a lighter product, meaning gels aren’t always the best option. A product with a light, slippery consistency allows the blade to slide across your face effortlessly. However, for some people, especially those with sensitive or dry skin, a shaving cream with good moisturising properties is best.
The best shaving creams for safety razors don’t foam up too much, as this can make it harder to see what you’re doing and stop the blade from giving you the smoothest possible shave. It’s also best to look for a shaving cream which doesn’t contain artificial fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate your skin.
