Best Shaving Cream for Safety Razor: Expert Wet-Shaving Guide

There is no denying the beauty of a traditional wet shave. What we have observed at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon is a return to the safety razor in our customer base, and rightly so. A traditional shave is a closer shave, less irritating, and a certain ritual that the cartridge razor cannot provide. However, the acquisition of a good safety razor is not the first step in realizing the full potential of a razor. 

In order to do that, you must have the right lubricant. If you’re unsure about grooming or the right tools, our barbers can recommend the right beard trim for you and introduce the essentials of classic wet shaving.

Safety razors require a different method of shaving than cartridge razors, and therefore, they require a different shaving cream. The cream in cans, which is very common in most grocery shops, is not rich enough and is often full of drying alcohols. This cream does not offer the skin the protection it needs while shaving with a bare blade.

At Frank’s, we understand that the secret to learning how to shave yourself like in a barbershop is to select a shaving cream for a safety razor that focuses on skin protection and health. Clients often ask us what shaving cream to use with a safety razor, and we always emphasize the importance of two things: hydration and glide.

What to Look for in a Superior Cream

When you go to buy shaving cream, you should be buying it with the knowledge in mind that you will be using it with the safety razor. The first function of the shaving cream is to serve as a barrier between the skin and the razor. The first thing we should be looking for, therefore, is its high fat content. It could come from animal fat or vegetable oils, such as coconut oil.

Another non-negotiable is slickness. You want the razor to glide effortlessly over the skin. Glycerin is a key ingredient you want to see in this regard. Glycerin will keep the skin moisturized, and it will also ensure the razor glides smoothly over the skin. 

If you have sensitive skin, we would advise you to avoid using strong perfumes. Although sandalwood or eucalyptus are a fantastic boost to the energizing effect, it often tends to have a negative impact on the skin. Unscented or sensitive skin cream is often the best shaving cream for safety razor users who want a slick finish without irritation.

The Art of Application

The presence of good-quality cream would be irrelevant if you do not know how to use it to create lather. Even if you own modern cream which you could apply by hand, we would strongly advise you to use your shaving brush. This will exfoliate your skin and help to prepare your bristled hairs for shaving.

First, soak the brush with warm water. This is to fully hydrate it. Remove the excess water, so it is somewhat damp. Then, take a shaving cream amount about the size of an almond and place it in either the shaving bowl or on top of the shaving brush. To start, work the shaving cream using circular motions. This is to achieve both volume and density. If it is too thick, add some drops of water to thin it out.

You will know the lather is ready when it resembles a stiff meringue. This meringue should be wet and glossy, with a texture that holds peaks without them falling. Now, you will take this luxurious lather and apply it to your face through a painting motion to cover the areas where you plan on shaving.

The objective of this step is to hydrate the cuticle of the hairs. This process ensures that the hairs are softened to such an extent that the razor has no problem cutting them. Nothing compares to the smoothness provided by a quality safety razor shaving cream.

Improve Your Morning Routine

The transition to a safety razor is an investment in your appearance and your skin's health. Along with a quality shaving cream, it can turn a necessity into a ritual of self-indulgence. It's your responsibility to come up with a set of bases and fragrances that leave you feeling refreshed, not stripped. 

All in all, if you are still struggling to reach the ultimate lather or would like to have your technique checked, our door is always open at Frank’s. We would be more than happy to guide you through it or even give you a professional shave so that you can see the level of quality that you are expected to be keeping at home! 

Lisa Franz

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a premier men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.