Wet shaving is more than just grooming; it's a ritual that embodies precision, care, and timeless craftsmanship. At MÜHLE, we strive to help you transform this daily task into a moment of refinement and relaxation. As we step into the new year, our Managing Director, Andreas Müller, shares his five essential tips to elevate your shaving routine, ensuring a smoother experience while extending the life of your tools.
1. Prep Your Skin Thoroughly
Start by cleansing your face with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser. This removes dirt and oil while softening facial hair, making it easier to shave and reducing irritation.
2. Invest in High-Quality Tools
Use a sharp blade and a high-quality shaving brush. A sharp blade prevents tugging and irritation, while a brush helps lift hairs and evenly distribute shaving cream or soap for a smoother glide.
3. Don’t Rush— Lather Thoroughly
I always recommend lathering directly on your face, taking about two minutes to do so. As barbers used to say in the old days: 'Proper lathering is half the shave.' Once you've applied your lather, let it sit on your skin for a minute or two before shaving. This gives the cream or soap time to soften your hairs and moisturize your skin, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable shave.
4. Technique is Key
When using a Safety Razor (or DE razor), I recommend using short, quick strokes instead of long, slow ones. This technique is gentler on the skin, as it minimizes hair pulling. Additionally, keeping your strokes short makes it easier to keep the skin taut, enhancing the effectiveness of your shave.
5. Clean Your Tools
Caring for your shaving kit is just as important as caring for your skin. After each shave, rinse your razor and brush thoroughly under warm water, remove all residue, and dry them properly—pat the razor with a towel and hang the brush bristle-side down to air dry. This simple habit keeps your tools in excellent condition, ensuring a consistently smooth shave.
