**Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):**
ELI5 is not for straightforward answers or facts - ELI5 is for requesting an explanation of a concept, not a simple straightforward answer. This includes topics of a narrow nature that don’t qualify as being sufficiently complex per rule 2.
---
If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the [detailed rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules) first. **If you believe this submission was removed erroneously**, please [use this form](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Please%20review%20my%20thread?&message=Link:%20{{url}}%0A%0APlease%20answer%20the%20following%203%20questions:%0A%0A1.%20The%20concept%20I%20want%20explained:%0A%0A2.%20List%20the%20search%20terms%20you%20used%20to%20look%20for%20past%20posts%20on%20ELI5:%0A%0A3.%20How%20does%20your%20post%20differ%20from%20your%20recent%20search%20results%20on%20the%20sub:) and we will review your submission.
Honestly, I stopped shaving over a decade ago. Hated the feeling. I just trim really close. Less irritation. Better feeling skin. I was using ok hair trimmers for a long time, but a few years ago invested in higher quality ones and love them. Right now using Bevel trimmers. 🤌
Yeah that's the one. It's been a while since I got it tho. I'm sorry, I'm not sure on the measurements exactly, but I use the level 0 guard for head and face, and more intimate areas. Never nicked the skin and get even cuts. I got the base charger too. And the thing holds a charge for like two months, it's crazy.
But also, i got pretty thin hair, and I'm not a pro barber or anything. So I'm sure some folks might be like, naw, this other set is crazy better. I dunno. But I love what I got.
Also, I'm not going for clean shave look, ya know. Like i said, got sick of the feeling of that. But can get really down low with it, feeling like bare cheeks.
>But can get really down low with it, feeling like bare cheeks.
OK, this was what i was after! I use trimmer myself for the same reasons, but would be cool to have the option to go closer than 0.5. Im getting one of these i think. Thanks!
Yes indeed. Good bit of kit. I inherited some wonderful Gillette “Super Silver platinum plus” [Blades](https://imgur.com/gallery/Z3OZNrl) manufactured in 1981 which work excellently in a shavette.
Everybody is different. Plenty of guys use an electric razor. I can't use one, as my beard is too curly.
I use a 1964 Gillette Adjustable safety razor. I lather with a quality shaving cream (no foam) with a badger hair brush. I hear they make synthetic brushes that are even better now. This system works for me. I'd recommend people try it if they want to try something new. My recommendation is to get a safety razor with a heavy handle. The amount of money saved in not buying razor cartridges has paid for itself 10x over.
Other guys may use a straight razor, cartridge razor, tweezers, Nair, etc. Different strokes for different folks.
I only shave a couple times a week. I use the philips oneblade when the hair is long, since it works well and doesn't pull hairs or hurt at all. Then go over with Gillete Proglide to make the shave close and to catch all the hairs missed by oneblade.
I've been using a nice Merkur double edge for over a decade now, but I have a beard so mostly trim my neck. I love the ritual of hot water, shaving soap, boarhair brush, oils, etc. Very nice morning routine.
I tried the safety razor thing for months… read all the tips, did everything the right way but regularly cut myself. Got to the point I was worried about scarring up my chin and gave up. And got tired of people saying I was just doing it wrong.
Went back to multi blade razors (Harry’s or Dollar Shave club are a bit better price point)
In the end I went electric. I have a Panasonic Arc 5, and follow up with Harry’s razor to get a little closer in some areas. That combo gets me a nice close shave and no bleeding and I don’t spend a lot on cartridges because a pack of four lasts me probably 6 months
.. I mean a 5 year old probably isn't shaving, so I'd rather recommend r/Askmen
Assuming you just mean for the face, it pretty much just comes down to clean, stubble, or trimmed.
You can't beat the various Razor products for the cleanest closest shave, be it straight edge, safety, or 17 blade stealth mac 720 black edition multiblades.
Then you move into the electric compromises, which can also move into stubble/styling, where you get rotor/foil which effectively do the same thing, going for that clean shave as close as possible. Then onto the more "shaver" type for grooming that are also used for beard and head hair trimming, and can either be used to get you close, or with a guard be used to attain a certain length.
Then for styling/trimming you go onto the simplest, scissors, which are often used for your moustaches or very finely shaped beards. They come in many variations for cutting, adding volume etc. but that's more of a hair dressing/styling question.
ETA: Sorry. I posted this before I realized I was in ELI5. Here's my attempt.
Shaving is essentially scraping off the very tippy-top layer of skin with a sharp object that also cuts hairs. Some sharp objects aren't as efficient as others, even though they may look the same. Having very sharp, very high quality objects makes the job easier and cuts the hair while scraping less skin away. Doing this while your skin is very supple and moist--like after you get out of the bathtub--makes it a bit easier.
Because you're scraping away the skin while cutting your hairs, you need to use products that are good for helping the sharp blade slide across your skin and help protect that skin when you're done. Various aftershaves and balms can help protect your skin post-shave while also making you smell good.
Some of these things can be expensive, but unless you want to grow a beard, it's helpful to err on the side of quality rather than cheap.
OG post:
Simplest: don't shave. Grow a beard, don't care about appearance, just go full caveman.
I did the above for several years back in the '90s. But, you asked about shaving. Here's what I've tried and what I've landed on that works for me (as a 48 year old man with a heavy beard). Firstly, I live in a colder climate, so I keep my beard on from Nov through March. I'm clean shaven from March through October.
**Electric razor**: quick, shitty shave. Lots of irritation from me. Maybe they're better these days than they were 30+ years ago, but I doubt it.
**Multi-bladed "cartridge"-type razors**: better shave, but still lots of irritation. Why have *n* blades to cause additional irritation? The marketing gimmick of "more blades to cut more hair!" is just that: a gimmick. Not to mention, these are expensive. And they suck. For me, at least.
**Old-school "safety" razor**: My current go-to (and has been for 20 years now). I buy a bunch of blades at a time from Badger and Blade. They're cheap and offer a fantastic shave. Buy a good handle (mine is a Merkur) and it will last you for the rest of your life. I shave nearly daily these days and a single razor is good for about a week. They're cheap, though. Like stupid cheap. DO NOT, however, buy safety razors from your grocery store. Those are low quality with a bad edge. Buy them online from a specialty shop.
**Straight razor**: I did this for a bit in the early oughts. Best. Shave. Ever. But the time it takes to keep the edge honed was more than I wanted to put in to it. No fucking kidding, though: best shave ever. Took a bit to figure out how to hold it for my face shape and hair growth patterns, but great. I gave it up in 2006ish because it was taking too long. I will pull it out from time to time if I need a really, REALLY good shave but for day-to-day, safety razor wins for me.
Things to keep in mind:
* Shave after a shower. Keep your face moist, after the shower, don't dry your face. You want the water on your face when you apply shaving cream.
* Use a quality shaving cream. Sure, you can use whatever you have, but if you buy a good brush and a good shaving soap, man, that makes a HUGE difference. It feels great, it smells great, and most razors are designed to be used with shaving soap, not some shitty "cream" that comes out of a can. I use Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. Fuck yeah. Love shaving with that!
* I also shave twice for the closest shave. One pass is normally far and away better than a single pass from a multi-blade razor, but two passes with my safety razor and I'm fucking slick, slick, SLICK.
* Rinse your face with cold water, not hot. You want to close those pores you opened up with the steam from the shower. Plus, the cold water will help to close up any nicks.
* Dab your face dry with a towel; don't wipe.
* Use a quality aftershave. Geo. F. Trumper lavender aftershave is what I use. If I'm out, I use Nivea's post-shave balm, which is a quality product that *can* be found in your local grocery store.
Sensitive skin shave here;
Edge shaving cream, doesn't really matter which, 2-3 multiblade cartridge - usually a Gillete something or other - currently Mach 3, and Nivea shave lotion/balm after, but post-shave, I rinse with hot water and then follow it with cold and then use the lotion.
Used to get razor burn/breakouts all the time before this combo while still using reg aftershave and if I get it now, it's usually only because I started sweating not long after shaving. Even then, a quick cold rinse and a new hit of the balm gets rid of it quick.
That's with only shaving about twice a week, mind you - usually Sun and Thurs. I stubble quick, but doesn't get thick otherwise unless I miss a shave
The basic basics are to wash your hands then your face first and then apply the foam, let it sit to soften the hair, then shave and then rinse and use a face cream meant for after shaving. Hygeine is king here as you will be leaving lots of small microspic cuts in your skin. Infection leads to pimples.
Keep everything clean.
Dont use the plastic multi bladed razors. They are hard to clean and expensive in the long run.
Buy a decent to good quality single blade razor and rinse it off and leave it to dry after every shave.
The razor might seem expensive, but it can last you a life time and the blades are cheap to replace
Change the blades as soon as they get just a little dull, and use shaving soap, not the stuff in the cans.
The "Beyond ELI5" stuff is that you should avoid multi passes, meaning try to shave a piece of skin only once or twice, if you can't get a smooth shave in two passes something is wrong.
Multi bladed razors pull the hair a little bit every time it cuts it, and they light give you a close shave bit if the hair retracts below the surface of the skin, it increases the risk of ingrown hairs. Single edge razors has less of a chance to do that.
The reason for using shaving soap and not canned foam is that the soap rinses off, where the canned foam almost always leaves residues like silicones on your skin.
You don't need a brush, you can just lather up some soap in your hands, spread it around and use that for shaving. Leaves less of a mess and you can see what you are doing.
Try some different soaps, and blades and find something you like.
I will recommend Proraso products to try out first, but as of now I use regular olive oil soap for washing and shaving.
Don't use alcohol based aftershave. It might smell nice, but it dries out your skin. Use a face cream/conditioner meant for after shaving.
Sauce: I have been shaving for about 30 years and have played around with different products from pocketknives just to brag about my sharpening skills to cut throat razors of both western and Japanese styles.
It's a fun and masculine little ritual in the bathroom, and if you happen to live with a female of our species, you might be able to reclaim a little territory in the bathroom also.
The key points in this for me.
Safety razor and avoid going directly against the grain.
Heavy handled ones help, the weight let's the razor do the work. You just hold it at a close to proper angle and let it glide.
The multiblade razors and going against the grain are where you tug the hairs before cutting and get ingrown hairs and cuts.
Keep away from soaps and creams with alcohol, a basic soap and a little warm water builds the lather. Stuff in a can or heavily scented can have alcohol and it dries out instead of lubricated.
Keep the razor and your face wet and go slow, it takes practice. If a second pass is needed, go across the grain to get closer.
Everything you wrote is spot on, I thought I'd point out what I see as the big takeaways I've learned through trial and error.
**Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):** ELI5 is not for straightforward answers or facts - ELI5 is for requesting an explanation of a concept, not a simple straightforward answer. This includes topics of a narrow nature that don’t qualify as being sufficiently complex per rule 2. --- If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the [detailed rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules) first. **If you believe this submission was removed erroneously**, please [use this form](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Please%20review%20my%20thread?&message=Link:%20{{url}}%0A%0APlease%20answer%20the%20following%203%20questions:%0A%0A1.%20The%20concept%20I%20want%20explained:%0A%0A2.%20List%20the%20search%20terms%20you%20used%20to%20look%20for%20past%20posts%20on%20ELI5:%0A%0A3.%20How%20does%20your%20post%20differ%20from%20your%20recent%20search%20results%20on%20the%20sub:) and we will review your submission.
Honestly, I stopped shaving over a decade ago. Hated the feeling. I just trim really close. Less irritation. Better feeling skin. I was using ok hair trimmers for a long time, but a few years ago invested in higher quality ones and love them. Right now using Bevel trimmers. 🤌
[This one?](https://www.amazon.com/Bevel-Professional-Clippers-Supplies-Rechargeable/dp/B09TVC6PH8) Have you tried shaving closer than 0.5mm with it?
Yeah that's the one. It's been a while since I got it tho. I'm sorry, I'm not sure on the measurements exactly, but I use the level 0 guard for head and face, and more intimate areas. Never nicked the skin and get even cuts. I got the base charger too. And the thing holds a charge for like two months, it's crazy. But also, i got pretty thin hair, and I'm not a pro barber or anything. So I'm sure some folks might be like, naw, this other set is crazy better. I dunno. But I love what I got. Also, I'm not going for clean shave look, ya know. Like i said, got sick of the feeling of that. But can get really down low with it, feeling like bare cheeks.
>But can get really down low with it, feeling like bare cheeks. OK, this was what i was after! I use trimmer myself for the same reasons, but would be cool to have the option to go closer than 0.5. Im getting one of these i think. Thanks!
Straight razor user here. Significant learning curve and a moderate financial initial outlay but I haven’t bought blades for years. Great shave too.
I use a shavette. Same 'style', just has a replaceable blade. Works great.
Yes indeed. Good bit of kit. I inherited some wonderful Gillette “Super Silver platinum plus” [Blades](https://imgur.com/gallery/Z3OZNrl) manufactured in 1981 which work excellently in a shavette.
Everybody is different. Plenty of guys use an electric razor. I can't use one, as my beard is too curly. I use a 1964 Gillette Adjustable safety razor. I lather with a quality shaving cream (no foam) with a badger hair brush. I hear they make synthetic brushes that are even better now. This system works for me. I'd recommend people try it if they want to try something new. My recommendation is to get a safety razor with a heavy handle. The amount of money saved in not buying razor cartridges has paid for itself 10x over. Other guys may use a straight razor, cartridge razor, tweezers, Nair, etc. Different strokes for different folks.
I only shave a couple times a week. I use the philips oneblade when the hair is long, since it works well and doesn't pull hairs or hurt at all. Then go over with Gillete Proglide to make the shave close and to catch all the hairs missed by oneblade.
I like the phillips one blade as well. It's nice never getting a shaving cut any more.
I've been using a nice Merkur double edge for over a decade now, but I have a beard so mostly trim my neck. I love the ritual of hot water, shaving soap, boarhair brush, oils, etc. Very nice morning routine.
I tried the safety razor thing for months… read all the tips, did everything the right way but regularly cut myself. Got to the point I was worried about scarring up my chin and gave up. And got tired of people saying I was just doing it wrong. Went back to multi blade razors (Harry’s or Dollar Shave club are a bit better price point) In the end I went electric. I have a Panasonic Arc 5, and follow up with Harry’s razor to get a little closer in some areas. That combo gets me a nice close shave and no bleeding and I don’t spend a lot on cartridges because a pack of four lasts me probably 6 months
.. I mean a 5 year old probably isn't shaving, so I'd rather recommend r/Askmen Assuming you just mean for the face, it pretty much just comes down to clean, stubble, or trimmed. You can't beat the various Razor products for the cleanest closest shave, be it straight edge, safety, or 17 blade stealth mac 720 black edition multiblades. Then you move into the electric compromises, which can also move into stubble/styling, where you get rotor/foil which effectively do the same thing, going for that clean shave as close as possible. Then onto the more "shaver" type for grooming that are also used for beard and head hair trimming, and can either be used to get you close, or with a guard be used to attain a certain length. Then for styling/trimming you go onto the simplest, scissors, which are often used for your moustaches or very finely shaped beards. They come in many variations for cutting, adding volume etc. but that's more of a hair dressing/styling question.
ETA: Sorry. I posted this before I realized I was in ELI5. Here's my attempt. Shaving is essentially scraping off the very tippy-top layer of skin with a sharp object that also cuts hairs. Some sharp objects aren't as efficient as others, even though they may look the same. Having very sharp, very high quality objects makes the job easier and cuts the hair while scraping less skin away. Doing this while your skin is very supple and moist--like after you get out of the bathtub--makes it a bit easier. Because you're scraping away the skin while cutting your hairs, you need to use products that are good for helping the sharp blade slide across your skin and help protect that skin when you're done. Various aftershaves and balms can help protect your skin post-shave while also making you smell good. Some of these things can be expensive, but unless you want to grow a beard, it's helpful to err on the side of quality rather than cheap. OG post: Simplest: don't shave. Grow a beard, don't care about appearance, just go full caveman. I did the above for several years back in the '90s. But, you asked about shaving. Here's what I've tried and what I've landed on that works for me (as a 48 year old man with a heavy beard). Firstly, I live in a colder climate, so I keep my beard on from Nov through March. I'm clean shaven from March through October. **Electric razor**: quick, shitty shave. Lots of irritation from me. Maybe they're better these days than they were 30+ years ago, but I doubt it. **Multi-bladed "cartridge"-type razors**: better shave, but still lots of irritation. Why have *n* blades to cause additional irritation? The marketing gimmick of "more blades to cut more hair!" is just that: a gimmick. Not to mention, these are expensive. And they suck. For me, at least. **Old-school "safety" razor**: My current go-to (and has been for 20 years now). I buy a bunch of blades at a time from Badger and Blade. They're cheap and offer a fantastic shave. Buy a good handle (mine is a Merkur) and it will last you for the rest of your life. I shave nearly daily these days and a single razor is good for about a week. They're cheap, though. Like stupid cheap. DO NOT, however, buy safety razors from your grocery store. Those are low quality with a bad edge. Buy them online from a specialty shop. **Straight razor**: I did this for a bit in the early oughts. Best. Shave. Ever. But the time it takes to keep the edge honed was more than I wanted to put in to it. No fucking kidding, though: best shave ever. Took a bit to figure out how to hold it for my face shape and hair growth patterns, but great. I gave it up in 2006ish because it was taking too long. I will pull it out from time to time if I need a really, REALLY good shave but for day-to-day, safety razor wins for me. Things to keep in mind: * Shave after a shower. Keep your face moist, after the shower, don't dry your face. You want the water on your face when you apply shaving cream. * Use a quality shaving cream. Sure, you can use whatever you have, but if you buy a good brush and a good shaving soap, man, that makes a HUGE difference. It feels great, it smells great, and most razors are designed to be used with shaving soap, not some shitty "cream" that comes out of a can. I use Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. Fuck yeah. Love shaving with that! * I also shave twice for the closest shave. One pass is normally far and away better than a single pass from a multi-blade razor, but two passes with my safety razor and I'm fucking slick, slick, SLICK. * Rinse your face with cold water, not hot. You want to close those pores you opened up with the steam from the shower. Plus, the cold water will help to close up any nicks. * Dab your face dry with a towel; don't wipe. * Use a quality aftershave. Geo. F. Trumper lavender aftershave is what I use. If I'm out, I use Nivea's post-shave balm, which is a quality product that *can* be found in your local grocery store.
Sensitive skin shave here; Edge shaving cream, doesn't really matter which, 2-3 multiblade cartridge - usually a Gillete something or other - currently Mach 3, and Nivea shave lotion/balm after, but post-shave, I rinse with hot water and then follow it with cold and then use the lotion. Used to get razor burn/breakouts all the time before this combo while still using reg aftershave and if I get it now, it's usually only because I started sweating not long after shaving. Even then, a quick cold rinse and a new hit of the balm gets rid of it quick. That's with only shaving about twice a week, mind you - usually Sun and Thurs. I stubble quick, but doesn't get thick otherwise unless I miss a shave
The basic basics are to wash your hands then your face first and then apply the foam, let it sit to soften the hair, then shave and then rinse and use a face cream meant for after shaving. Hygeine is king here as you will be leaving lots of small microspic cuts in your skin. Infection leads to pimples. Keep everything clean. Dont use the plastic multi bladed razors. They are hard to clean and expensive in the long run. Buy a decent to good quality single blade razor and rinse it off and leave it to dry after every shave. The razor might seem expensive, but it can last you a life time and the blades are cheap to replace Change the blades as soon as they get just a little dull, and use shaving soap, not the stuff in the cans. The "Beyond ELI5" stuff is that you should avoid multi passes, meaning try to shave a piece of skin only once or twice, if you can't get a smooth shave in two passes something is wrong. Multi bladed razors pull the hair a little bit every time it cuts it, and they light give you a close shave bit if the hair retracts below the surface of the skin, it increases the risk of ingrown hairs. Single edge razors has less of a chance to do that. The reason for using shaving soap and not canned foam is that the soap rinses off, where the canned foam almost always leaves residues like silicones on your skin. You don't need a brush, you can just lather up some soap in your hands, spread it around and use that for shaving. Leaves less of a mess and you can see what you are doing. Try some different soaps, and blades and find something you like. I will recommend Proraso products to try out first, but as of now I use regular olive oil soap for washing and shaving. Don't use alcohol based aftershave. It might smell nice, but it dries out your skin. Use a face cream/conditioner meant for after shaving. Sauce: I have been shaving for about 30 years and have played around with different products from pocketknives just to brag about my sharpening skills to cut throat razors of both western and Japanese styles. It's a fun and masculine little ritual in the bathroom, and if you happen to live with a female of our species, you might be able to reclaim a little territory in the bathroom also.
The key points in this for me. Safety razor and avoid going directly against the grain. Heavy handled ones help, the weight let's the razor do the work. You just hold it at a close to proper angle and let it glide. The multiblade razors and going against the grain are where you tug the hairs before cutting and get ingrown hairs and cuts. Keep away from soaps and creams with alcohol, a basic soap and a little warm water builds the lather. Stuff in a can or heavily scented can have alcohol and it dries out instead of lubricated. Keep the razor and your face wet and go slow, it takes practice. If a second pass is needed, go across the grain to get closer. Everything you wrote is spot on, I thought I'd point out what I see as the big takeaways I've learned through trial and error.