The Beginner's Guide to Wet Shaving: How to Avoid the 5 Biggest Mistakes

 

New to wet shaving? Avoid nicks, razor burn, and frustration. Our beginner's guide reveals the 5 common mistakes and how a safety razor gives you the perfect, smooth shave.

So, you’ve decided to level up your grooming game. You’re tired of overpriced cartridge razors that tug and pull, leaving your skin irritated. You’ve heard the legends of the incredibly close, comfortable shave from a classic safety razor.

Welcome. You're on the right path.

But diving into the world of wet shaving can be intimidating. One wrong move and you might end up with a face that feels like it wrestled a cat. Fear not. This isn't a test of machismo; it's a skill, and like any skill, it's easy to master when you know the rules.

Let's walk through the five biggest mistakes beginners make and how you can avoid them with the ultimate tool: the safety razor.

Mistake #1: Treating It Like a Cartridge Razor

The Mistake: Pressing down hard and shaving quickly in any direction.

The Fix: Let the Weight Do the Work.
A safety razor is engineered with substantial, balanced weight. This is its secret superpower. You do not need to apply pressure.

• The Technique: Hold the razor lightly and let its own weight glide across your skin. Imagine you're gently wiping steam off a mirror. This alone will eliminate 90% of razor burn and nicks.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Prep Work

The Mistake: Jumping straight into shaving with canned goo or on dry skin.

The Fix: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate.
Your beard hair is like a tough blade of grass. Try to cut it dry, and it resists. Soften it with water, and it yields easily.

• The Routine:

  1. Wash: Start with a warm shower or place a warm towel on your face for a minute. This softens the hair and opens up pores.

  2. Lather Up: Use a quality shaving brush and cream. The brush action gently exfoliates, lifts the hairs, and creates a rich, protective lather that canned foam can't match. It’s a spa treatment for your face.

Mistake #3: Chasing the "Perfect Angle" (And Getting It Wrong)

The Mistake: Holding the razor at a 90-degree angle and scraping the skin.

The Fix: Find the "Sweet Spot."
This is where the "safety" in safety razor comes from. The head is designed to guide you.

• The Technique:

  1. Start by placing the razor's head flat against your cheek, so the handle is parallel to the floor.

  2. Slowly lower the handle until you just begin to feel the blade making contact with your hair. You should hear a soft "clicking" sound as it cuts—this is the sound of a great shave.

  3. This ideal angle is usually around 30-45 degrees. Once you find it, maintain it throughout the stroke.

Mistake #4: Over-Shaving The Same Spot

The Mistake: Going over and over the same area without relathering.

The Fix: The Rule of Passes.
Chasing that elusive baby-smooth feel in one go is a recipe for irritation.

• The Technique:

  • First Pass: Shave with the grain (the direction your hair grows). This is your foundation.

  • Second Pass: Re-lather and shave across the grain (perpendicular to the growth).

  • Third Pass (Optional): For the ultimate smoothness, re-lather once more and shave against the grain. Beginners, be cautious with this pass until your technique is solid!

Never shave an area of skin that is bare of lather.

Mistake #5: Using a Dull or Low-Quality Blade

The Mistake: Sticking with the same blade for too long.

The Fix: Embrace the Blade Sampler.
A safety razor is a precision tool, but the blade is the star of the show. The beauty of this system is its flexibility.

• The Tip: Every face is different. A blade that feels like a dream to one person might be harsh for another. Start with a blade sampler pack. Try different brands (e.g., Astra, Feather, Derby) to discover your personal "holy grail" blade. A blade typically lasts 3-7 shaves.

Why a Safety Razor is Your Best Choice

You might wonder, "Why go through all this trouble?" The answer is simple: a superior shave.

• Precision & Efficiency: One incredibly sharp blade cleanly cuts each hair without tugging, which means less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs compared to multi-blade cartridges that pull and chop hair below the skin line.

• Economic & Eco-Friendly: Once you buy the razor, you're set. Replacement blades cost pennies compared to cartridges. Plus, you're drastically reducing plastic waste. It's a win for your face, your wallet, and the planet.

• The Ritual: This isn't a chore anymore. It's a 5-minute ritual of self-care. The focus it requires is a form of mindfulness that sets a calm, confident tone for your entire day.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Ditching the disposable shaving mindset is the first step toward a better shave. It’s not about rushing; it’s about the craft.

At JOKMAE, we provide everything you need to begin—elegant, beginner-friendly safety razors, premium badger brushes, artisan shaving creams, and of course, blade sampler packs.

Explore our [Link to Starter Kits/Shop Page] to find your perfect wet shaving setup today.

Your skin will thank you.