Handling a safety razor might seem a bit intimidating for people whose hands are more familiar with a standard cartridge razor. Worry not! It’s easier than you think, and the benefits are more than just a closer shave—they’re a gateway to beard sculpting mastery. If you’re ready to take the plunge into wet shaving with the precision of a straightedge, follow these tips for using a safety razor to shape your beard like a pro.

The Preliminary Step

Before shaving, you must prep your skin. Hopping in a warm shower can immensely benefit this process. The warmth and steam can soften your beard hairs, making them easier to cut. On top of that, clean skin will allow for a closer shave around your beard with less irritation.

If time is of the essence and you’re in a hurry, there’s a quick alternative. Soak a hand towel or washcloth in warm water and place it on your face for a few minutes. This method mimics the effect of a warm shower by opening up the pores and softening the hair, preparing your skin for an equally smooth shave.

Set Up a Plan

Once your face is ready, it’s important to have a plan in mind for how you want to shape your beard. If it needs a trim to achieve the shape you desire, you’ll need to start with an electric razor to cut it down a bit. Once your beard is short enough, figure out which sections you want to shave. Then, you’ll need to lather up those sections with shaving cream.

Lather Up With Precision

The secret to achieving the closest shave possible when using a safety razor to shape your beard lies in the quality of the lather. Our tip is to use a high-quality shaving brush to evenly apply shaving cream in a circular motion, ensuring each strand of hair is fully coated for the best possible glide and protection against nicks and cuts.

If you have stiff facial hair, a thicker lather is necessary for a smooth shave. You can create this by gradually adding small amounts of water to the shaving cream until the consistency is perfect for your skin and hair type.

Shave in Sections

This should come as no surprise—shaving is an art. Much like how Michelangelo chipped away at a marble slab to reveal David, you must take the same approach with your beard. Go slow and steady, especially around tight curves and beveled angles on your cheek and jaw. This will not only ensure a better job while shaping, but it can also help you avoid nicks. Patience will ensure you’re not muttering “oops” to yourself in the bathroom mirror.

Post-Shave Care and Finesse

Once you’ve sculpted your beard and it’s to your liking, rinse with cold water, pat your face dry, and apply a soothing aftershave balm to calm the skin and stave off irritation. If you see small imperfections, take the clean side of your double-edged razor and pare it off. As long as it’s just a few out-of-place hairs, you won’t need to lather up again. However, don’t be afraid to go the whole nine if the area of misaligned hair is quite large.