Guide: How to shave with a shavette
Wet shaving with a Straight Razor an undoubtedly seem intimidating. You have to learn how to hold it correctly, make sure that the knife is always sharp with the help of a leather strop and sharpening paste - and in addition, a Straight Razor can be very expensive.
If these are some of your concerns - and you're not yet ready for such a commitment, a Shavette might be for you! Just watch here...
If these are some of your concerns - and you're not yet ready for such a commitment, a Shavette might be for you! Just watch here...
.png)
What is a Shavette?
A Shavette resembles a Straight Razor in many ways at first glance, because the shape of the shaving tool itself is almost identical. In addition, both versions provide a super close shave. However, the difference is unmistakable. Where a Straight Razor has a fixed blade that must be maintained with a strop and paste – a Shavette has an exchangeable razor blade that only needs to be changed when needed. No maintenance!
A Shavette uses the classic double edge blades, which are split in the middle before being inserted into the Shavette. You can also choose to buy Half Blades, which are already split from the manufacturer so that they fit perfectly in the shavette.
A Shavette is extra good for shaving small and hard-to-reach areas that require extra precision. You will often find it easier to create a straight edge with a Shavette, as its shape gives you a good view while shaving.
Se all Shavettes
A Shavette uses the classic double edge blades, which are split in the middle before being inserted into the Shavette. You can also choose to buy Half Blades, which are already split from the manufacturer so that they fit perfectly in the shavette.
A Shavette is extra good for shaving small and hard-to-reach areas that require extra precision. You will often find it easier to create a straight edge with a Shavette, as its shape gives you a good view while shaving.
.png)
Razor Blades for a Shavette
You typically have two choices when it comes to razor blades for a shavette. Either you can choose to buy the classic double edge blades and break them in half before putting them in the shavettes blade holder. Or you can choose to buy the so-called Half Baldes, which are already ready for use when you buy them.
No matter which type of razor blade you choose, the razor blades are very cheap!
With a Shavette in hand, you no longer have to compromise on the sharpness of the razor blade, but you can replace it in time with a clear conscience. This means that you get a much closer and smoother shave and at the same time minimize the risk of irritations and beard plague.
In other words, a Shavette provides a close and smooth shave at a very low price!
See all Half Blades
No matter which type of razor blade you choose, the razor blades are very cheap!
With a Shavette in hand, you no longer have to compromise on the sharpness of the razor blade, but you can replace it in time with a clear conscience. This means that you get a much closer and smoother shave and at the same time minimize the risk of irritations and beard plague.
In other words, a Shavette provides a close and smooth shave at a very low price!
.png)
The history of the Shavette
The name 'Shavette' was a term used by the German company Dovo Solingen to market its interchangeable blade razors. Dovo originally designed and sold razors to professional barbers who needed a tool to shave the edge perfectly at the nape, hairline and sideburns - an alternative to scissors or a razor.
The Shavette became popular when the German government began requiring licenses for hairdressers and barbers who used the classic Straight Razors. There was a concern that they were not disinfected for bacteria between customers - and that they could therefore pass on blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. All Straight Razors therefore had to be disinfected after each customer, which was very time consuming.
Due to the difficulty of disinfection, more and more barbers began to use razors, as the disposable blades removed concerns about lack of sanitation and hygiene. As the Shavette's use became more widespread and other companies produced their versions, the name 'Shavette' was now used as a general term for razors with interchangeable blades.
The Shavette became popular when the German government began requiring licenses for hairdressers and barbers who used the classic Straight Razors. There was a concern that they were not disinfected for bacteria between customers - and that they could therefore pass on blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. All Straight Razors therefore had to be disinfected after each customer, which was very time consuming.
Due to the difficulty of disinfection, more and more barbers began to use razors, as the disposable blades removed concerns about lack of sanitation and hygiene. As the Shavette's use became more widespread and other companies produced their versions, the name 'Shavette' was now used as a general term for razors with interchangeable blades.
_(2)_(3).png)
Step by step: How to shave with a Shavette
1: Preparation is essential
If you have a long beard, it is an advantage to trim it before you shave. Take a shower before you shave. Firstly, it is important that you only shave on clean skin. Secondly, the warm water softens the beard, which ensures an easier shave. If you don't have time for a hot bath, you can choose to wash your face thoroughly with warm water instead.
Then apply a Preshave. A Preshave softens the stubble and puts a protective film on the skin so that it is prepared for the encounter with the razor blade. By providing an easier glide over the skin, the risk of irritation and beard plague is reduced, and you get a closer and more comfortable shave.
See all Preshaves
If you have a long beard, it is an advantage to trim it before you shave. Take a shower before you shave. Firstly, it is important that you only shave on clean skin. Secondly, the warm water softens the beard, which ensures an easier shave. If you don't have time for a hot bath, you can choose to wash your face thoroughly with warm water instead.
Then apply a Preshave. A Preshave softens the stubble and puts a protective film on the skin so that it is prepared for the encounter with the razor blade. By providing an easier glide over the skin, the risk of irritation and beard plague is reduced, and you get a closer and more comfortable shave.
_(2)_(3).png)
2: Apply Shaving foam
Shaving on dry skin is a stupid idea if you want a clean and smooth shave. Sliding a blade on dry skin will cause more friction, resulting in damaged skin and increasing the risk of cuts and irritation.
If you are in a hurry, you can use canned shaving foam that is ready to use. But you should do yourself the favor of making your own shaving foam out of shaving soap or shaving cream.
How to do it: Soak the shaving brush in warm water and then give the brush a squeeze so that the water drains away. Run the brush around in your shaving soap or shaving cream until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Apply the now foaming product to the face in circular motions so that the stubble is lifted from the skin.
Shaving on dry skin is a stupid idea if you want a clean and smooth shave. Sliding a blade on dry skin will cause more friction, resulting in damaged skin and increasing the risk of cuts and irritation.
If you are in a hurry, you can use canned shaving foam that is ready to use. But you should do yourself the favor of making your own shaving foam out of shaving soap or shaving cream.
How to do it: Soak the shaving brush in warm water and then give the brush a squeeze so that the water drains away. Run the brush around in your shaving soap or shaving cream until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Apply the now foaming product to the face in circular motions so that the stubble is lifted from the skin.
_(2).jpg)
3: The grip
There are many ways to hold a shavette and it is a matter of taste which grip works best for the individual. At hairdressing schools, students are taught a standard grip, which remains the most popular grip today. In this grip, you open the razor as much as possible so that you almost feel like you are turning it inside out. Then place the fingers as shown in the top four pictures.
There is also another grip that may be easier and more intuitive for you. In this grip, the razor is an extension of your finger, as you can see in the bottom two pictures.
However, it is important to point out that you cannot maintain the same grip throughout your shave. You have to change the grip along the way, in order to shave the entire face optimally.
There are many ways to hold a shavette and it is a matter of taste which grip works best for the individual. At hairdressing schools, students are taught a standard grip, which remains the most popular grip today. In this grip, you open the razor as much as possible so that you almost feel like you are turning it inside out. Then place the fingers as shown in the top four pictures.
There is also another grip that may be easier and more intuitive for you. In this grip, the razor is an extension of your finger, as you can see in the bottom two pictures.
However, it is important to point out that you cannot maintain the same grip throughout your shave. You have to change the grip along the way, in order to shave the entire face optimally.
.png)
4: Shaving with a Shavette
So make sure you use a sharp and clean razor blade. Start by shaving in the direction of the stubble. Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle. Avoid pressing the shavette against the skin, but guide it carefully over the skin.
So make sure you use a sharp and clean razor blade. Start by shaving in the direction of the stubble. Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle. Avoid pressing the shavette against the skin, but guide it carefully over the skin.
_(2)_(3).png)
5: After shaving
When you have finished shaving, it is important that you rinse your shavette (and shaving brush) clean of shaving foam, soap residue and stubble.
Also, rinse your face with cold water to close the pores. Finish with a good aftershave, which soothes the skin and provides plenty of moisture and care. An aftershave prevents irritation and minimizes the risk of red bumps, redness, itching and beard plague. It maintains the skin's moisture balance and has a calming effect.
See all Aftershaves
When you have finished shaving, it is important that you rinse your shavette (and shaving brush) clean of shaving foam, soap residue and stubble.
Also, rinse your face with cold water to close the pores. Finish with a good aftershave, which soothes the skin and provides plenty of moisture and care. An aftershave prevents irritation and minimizes the risk of red bumps, redness, itching and beard plague. It maintains the skin's moisture balance and has a calming effect.
Other good tips for your shave:
- If you really want to pamper yourself, you can start your shave by softening your face with a soaked, warm towel. Exactly as you would experience at a real barber.
- Do not pull out ingrown hairs with tweezers. There is a good chance that the hair will break and not come out properly. Instead, pull the hair forward slightly with a pin and shave as usual. After a few weeks, the hair will most likely be normal again.
- Shave with the direction of the beard - never against.
- Frequently rinse the razor blade of soap residue and stubble under hot water while shaving.
- Use an alcohol-free aftershave balm if you tend to have irritations and sensitive skin.
- And most importantly: A clean and sharp razor blade is the most important element when you need to achieve an irritation-free shave.
- Do not pull out ingrown hairs with tweezers. There is a good chance that the hair will break and not come out properly. Instead, pull the hair forward slightly with a pin and shave as usual. After a few weeks, the hair will most likely be normal again.
- Shave with the direction of the beard - never against.
- Frequently rinse the razor blade of soap residue and stubble under hot water while shaving.
- Use an alcohol-free aftershave balm if you tend to have irritations and sensitive skin.
- And most importantly: A clean and sharp razor blade is the most important element when you need to achieve an irritation-free shave.
Have a great shave!
Best Regards,
Proshave.com
Proshave.com