The Perfect Wet Shave

Mechanical shaving, also known as wet shaving, is the method that provides the best results. The principle is to cut the hair as close as possible to the skin and to keep the skin well protected thanks to a good preparation.

A little history

Founded in Paris in 1808, Plisson is the oldest Shaving Brush Factory in the world. 

In 1808, the Plisson Manufacture invented the first shaving brush for the Emperor Napoleon, called the "beard brush". The Emperor imposed the use of shaving brushes and demanded from his officers a clean shave. Himself never called in a barber and he shaved in a daily ritual even on days of battle. Quickly, the Manufacture acquired a great reputation by becoming Napoleon's official supplier. A legend was born.

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Shave well

The basis of a perfect shave is hydration. Essentially made up of keratin, wet hair is softer and easier to cut, like your hair after a bath. The best practice to shave is just after a shower, or to moisten your face with warm water beforehand.

1- Preparation of the skin

With your face still wet, apply a product called "Shaving Preparation", such as a shaving soap or shaving cream. To do this, run the shaving brush under warm water and gently pat it in a towel so that it is not soaked in water.

  • For shaving soap: Make circular movements on the soap with the shaving brush, then lather either directly on your face, for a greater exfoliation of your skin, or by rising the foam in a shaving bowl previously dipped in hot water and drained. Whichever method you choose, the foam should be voluminous and creamy.
  • For shaving cream: apply a small amount of shaving cream to the tips of the badger hair and work the foam into your face using circular motions. We recommend using a shaving cream with a professional formulation such as the Plisson shaving cream.

This ritual will have two main objectives: to maintain the hydration of the hair while ridding it of its greasy layer (sebum) in order to facilitate the cut and to protect the skin against the aggression of the blade. If the beard is hard, take the time to prepare it properly. 

2- Shaving time

We advise you to use a blade in good condition as it is just as important to prevent irritation and cuts.

Hold your razor at a 30° angle to your face and start with the soft parts, cheeks, throat and underneath the nose, before finishing with the chin. The blade should go in the direction of the hair.

Use short strokes without applying pressure. Don't forget to rinse your blade regularly to avoid foam and hair deposits. If you notice any tightness or unpleasant resistance, it is a sign that you should change blades. In this case, keep your hand light.

If the result is not perfect after the first pass of the blade, apply a new layer of soap and lightly run the razor through against the hair this time.

3- Finish in style

At the end of your shave, rinse your face with warm water and wipe off the excess lather with a towel. We recommend that you finish with an after-shave balm that will moisturize your skin.

You are ready for a great day!

So your shaving accessories last, don't forget to take care of them.

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