Irritation, clogged razors, and extra passes – shaving can be a bit of a minefield for those with thicker or coarser hair. If you’re looking for some advice on where to start– see below as we explore our top tips for shaving with coarser hair and ultimate habits to avoid!
Step 1: Consider A Pre-Shave Oil
Applied to the face before any shaving soap or cream, pre-shave oil helps soften facial hair and provides an additional layer of protection from the razor. Great for those with sensitive skin or coarse hair, the oil allows for a smoother cut and overall more comfortable shave.
We suggest: MÜHLE Organic Argan Oil
Softening hair and protecting irritated skin, Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and valuable active ingredients. Incredibly versatile, the oil can be incorporated into almost any part of your skin (and hair) regime!
Step 2: A Hot Towel
Essential to a smooth, irritation-free shave, warming the skin is one of the most important steps in your pre-shave ritual - especially if you have thick hair. Working to open the skin’s pores, the steam from a hot towel softens hair and leaves the skin smooth for shaving. Even acting as a gentle exfoliant, a hot towel ensures your blade is not needlessly dulled by dead skin, extra oil and dirt (which can drag the hair and cause irritation).
We suggest: MÜHLE 'Waffle Pique' Shaving Towels
Supplied as a pack of two, warm one towel pre-shave to soften hair and the other cold post-shave to reduce puffiness and help close pores.Step 3: Leave Your Lather on For Longer
Providing a layer of protection between the blade and your skin, a good-quality lather reduces irritation and allows for a close, comfortable shave. For coarser facial hair we recommend leaving the lather, once applied, for a minimum of five minutes as it allows the hair more time to hydrate and soften. If you can, leave the area on your upper lip and around your mouth the longest, as the hair here is generally the thickest.
We suggest: MÜHLE Aloe Vera Shaving Cream
Glycerin-based, this hydrating shave cream features Aloe Vera extract and is fantastic for dryer, sensitive or irritated skin.
Step 4: Consider an Open Comb
With more blade exposed, the Open Comb safety razor offers a more direct, closer shave than its closed-comb counterparts. Featuring distinctive "teeth", the open comb design helps channel facial hair directly to the blade and is less likely to become clogged by lather and hair making it ideal for thicker, coarser growth.
We suggest: MÜHLE Traditional R41 Chrome Safety Razor
Long-lasting and corrosion-resistant, the MÜHLE R41 chrome choice finish provides incomparable quality and longevity!
Alternatively, for the really experienced, the new ENTHUSIAST PRO straight razor can be used to achieve accurate, direct shaving at its highest level.
Step 5: Go with the Grain
For the first pass (at least) always shave with the grain. This prevents the razor from dragging and pulling the hair, which can cause irritation and in-grown hairs.
Step 6: Change that Blade
More work for the blade, shaving coarser, denser hair can mean that your blade becomes dull more quickly. Not slicing as effectively through the hair, a dull blade will only lead to further friction and skin irritation so make sure to replace them frequently.
Step 7: Shave Regularly
Finally, if you want to keep that coarse beard under strict control, it may be worth considering shaving more regularly. While this will help make your shaves more manageable, keep in mind shaving every day can be harmful without taking extra caution and proper shaving techniques – so make sure your pre and post-shave routines are extra nourishing!
