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Over 90% of the male population makes shaving the first order of business each day, yet this daily chore is neglected and done incorrectly by the vast majority of men. Too often the result of a poor shave is discomfort in the form of cuts, razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin.

We at Ele believe that the simple pleasure of wet shaving, when done correctly, will make a man look and feel better every morning. The benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many. For starters, it gives a man the closest, most comfortable shave possible that lasts throughout the day. It also exfoliates the skin (removing dead skin cells) and allows the skin to breathe. The aftershave process restores moisture and soothes the skin. We hope our shaving method helps you enjoy the best shave possible!

Are You Shaving Correctly?

Surprisingly, water is one of the most important aspects of shaving. Wet shaving would not be called what it is without water! This is not to minimize the need for a high quality shaving cream, razor, badger hair brush and aftershave product. There are two major purposes for hydration in the shaving process. One purpose is to prepare the skin before shaving and the other is to "activate" the glycerin-based shaving cream we recommend for the closest, most comfortable shave.

 

Step 1

Prepare The key to a perfect shave is to prepare your skin before you apply your shaving cream. If possible, shave during or after a hot shower, or apply a hot damp towel to the face for about 2 minutes before shaving. This softens the beard and stimulates the skin's oil glands leading to a closer, smoother shave. Un-softened whiskers are extremely hard on the blade and are the primary cause for short blade life. Curiously, your whiskers are tougher than the edge of the blade. When you do not adequately prepare them for a shave, they create imperfections on the edge of the blade that make it very dull. A dull blade is the primary cause for razor burn and cuts.

Step 2

Apply Shaving Cream Use a glycerin-based shaving cream or shaving soap that lathers with water. Stay clear of foams, gels, or products that contain numbing agents such as benzocaine or menthol. These agents will close your pores and stiffen your beard. Use the shaving cream sparingly. Just a little cream gives a really close shave. As mentioned before, our shaving cream works best when "activated" with liberal amounts of water. The water mixes with the ingredients to create a rich lather. Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers, a shaving brush makes the lathering process much easier. Other benefits of using the badger hair brush is that it exfoliates the skin and lifts the whiskers so they are ready to be shaven. The more thorough the lathering process the better the shave. Use a small amount of shaving cream and massage onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion. Lather back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce a full lather. If you do not have a badger hair brush, cup your hand, place shaving cream in the palm of your hand, and mix with water by rubbing vigorously with your other hand. Then apply the shaving cream to the face with your fingers using a circular motion.

Step 3

Shave Use a quality blade with a handle that offers weight and balance for better control that are carefully designed for optimal performance and can accommodate replaceable blades. Remember that a dull blade is a leading cause for cuts and razor burn! While using a straight razor is an art and, when done correctly, gives an incredibly close shave, it is a difficult process to perform on yourself at home. Today, blade technology is so advanced that it is easy to find suitable blades that are convenient and safe. We recommend shaving with or across the grain of the beard, but not directly against it. Failure to do this is a major cause of razor burn and in-grown hairs. Some men find that their skin can tolerate shaving against the grain, but only after shaving with the grain first. Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand. Keep the razor well-rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary. Repeat a second time if necessary.

Step 4

Moisturize & Disinfect We want to stress that aftershaving is a process, not just a product. After shaving, apply cold water to the face to close the pores then pat the skin dry. It is important to use an aftershave product to moisturize and disinfect the skin. Some men prefer using a traditional splash-on Aftershave we recommend Lemon Cologne.

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