In a galaxy not so far away - your own bathroom, to be more specific - a great saga for the ages is taking place. Will you join the rebellion against facial fuzz and prepare to leave behind the dark side of beardedness? Whichever path you choose, young Jedi, to achieve a smooth face, you will need discipline, wisdom and a quality razor.
In honour of May the 4th, it’s time to learn how to shave off a beard like a true Jedi master. A close shave is a ritual. And, like all great rituals, it requires patience, preparation and the right tools. Whether you're removing some Han Solo-esque stubble or tackling a Chewbacca-style beard, this guide will help you wield your razor with precision.
Step 1: Prepare Your Face The Jedi Way
Every Jedi knows you must begin with the correct preparation. Just as you wouldn't charge into battle without a lightsaber, you shouldn’t attack your beard without getting your face in the right condition for shaving.
First, it’s a good idea to soften the area to be shaved. Jump in a warm shower or apply a hot towel to your face for a few minutes. That will help open your pores and soften your beard hair, making it easier for the blade to glide like a hot lightsaber through butter.
Next, you should exfoliate. Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells, preventing ingrown hairs and helping your skin gleam like a freshly polished Stormtrooper's armour. This step is crucial for avoiding irritation and allows for a closer and cleaner shave.
Then it’s time to apply a quality pre-shave oil or cream to create a slick base. Less resistance means more precision. As far as we know, it’s not Jedi wisdom from the films, but it could be.
Step 2: Choose Your Weapon
Forget cartridge razors. You’ll need a double-edge (DE) razor if you want precision. These tools offer superior control, cleaner shaves, and (let's be honest) a more timeless and classy feel.
DE shaving blades are the Jedi lightsabers of the shaving world. They are refined, efficient and meant to be wielded with consummate skill. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned master, using a safety razor with DE blades offers incredible results.
Derby shaving blades are also much esteemed by traditional shavers in the know, primarily for their smoothness and consistency. And if you're wondering where to buy blades for safety razors, you can get all this and more in the Blades & Whiskers range. You’ll never be unarmed when it’s time to tackle the dark side of your facial hair.
Step 3: Shave Wars
Now that you’re prepped, it’s time to shave - Jedis like to use light, short strokes (we would guess anyway). Don’t try to press too hard. DE razors work best when the weight of the handle does the work. For once, it’s not all about the ‘force’. Glide the blade with the grain (the direction your hair grows) first to reduce bulk, then re-lather and go against or across the grain for a smoother finish Luke Skywalker would be proud of.
Stretch the skin slightly as this helps flatten the surface and reduce the risk of cuts, especially around trouble zones like the neck or jawline. Rinse your blade after every couple of strokes to prevent clogging. Shaving is a real skill, and like any Jedi knows, patience will always help you to reach your goal.
Step 4: Bleed You Will Not... (Hopefully)
Even the most experienced Jedi shaver may suffer the occasional shaving cut. But fear not, this is not the end of your training. But you might be asking yourself: how do I stop a shaving cut from bleeding? As Yoda would tell you (again, we’re guessing here), use a styptic pencil or alum block. These ancient Jedi artefacts contain antiseptic properties and help constrict blood vessels. Just dampen and dab them directly onto the cut. A dab of cold water and gentle pressure with a clean tissue may be enough for more minor cuts.
Step 5: Understand the Dark Side
Nothing ruins a smooth shave like the emergence of irritation. So, what does a shaving rash look like? It will typically appear as red patches, small pimples or inflamed bumps, especially around the neck and jaw.
Poor technique, dull blades, dry shaving or skipping aftercare are generally the causes. Still, luckily for you, the Jedi have some ancient and magical remedies (which you can also get in our online shop, funnily enough).
● Use an alcohol-free aftershave balm with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel or chamomile.
● Avoid scratching or applying pressure to the area.
● Apply a cold compress immediately after shaving to reduce inflammation.
If irritation issues persist, consider using a dedicated post-shave treatment to fight razor burn.
If you're prone to cuts, evaluate your technique to see if you can reduce the risk and check your blade sharpness. Dull blades can cause more drag, which increases the risk of irritation and nicks. We recommend…sorry…Jedi Masters recommend replacing your DE blade after every 5 to 7 shaves, depending on the thickness of your hair.
Step 6: Post-Shave Peace
Once the shaving duel is complete, your skin needs a few moments to relax and regain its Jedi zen.
Rinse your face with cold water to close the pores and calm the skin. Don’t rub your face with a towel - gently dab it, and use a clean towel. Then, apply a moisturiser or balm to hydrate the skin.
If you’ve used quality DE razor blades, executed smooth strokes and followed the protocol, your face should feel smoother than a freshly buffed C3PO.
Whether refreshing your look or entering a new chapter in life, doing it right makes all the difference. Using DE blades and razors, prepping your skin correctly and treating it with the care it deserves ensures better results and transforms a routine task into a sacred ritual. With a bit of knowledge, the right tools and the spirit of a Jedi, you can master the art of the shave.
May the smooth be with you.