As a follow-up to this episode, you should do shaving cream vs shaving gel vs shaving foam vs dry shave. Also aftershave vs aftershave lotion vs nothing.
farther still, I shave after a swim in the pool and\or after hot sauna, easy as butter. I also know of the hot wet towel method, although I don't use it myself
I love shave soap. Used to use gels like gilette. But using soap allows me to use a brush to lift up the hairs. The soap feels better on my skin when it lathers. It feels better using soap and a brush. The gels always felt either too light or way too easy to wipe off when using my blade, leaving a too slick surface.
Pro tip: If you dry off the blades after you use them they last about 20 times as long as if you put them away wet. Most of the deterioration of razor blades is from microrust along the cutting edge from water being left on them.
@Matthew Tackett Yep, but it's gotta be near pure alcohol. I've tried leaving the razor in the alcohol to see what happens, apparently that %2 water in the solution is more than enough to cause rust. Also, safety razor is way way easier to dry. Just roll it in a toilet paper and dry in a second. Gilette one just doesn't dry at all. It is so expensive that I've tried using a hair dryer to dry it, even that takes like 3 minutes to dry the razor completely.
@TheDuckofDoom! Just a warning not to use watered-down alcohols. Because it is better to use it 10 times and throw it away then to use it 30 times and get tetanus disease.
@Echorise Why not just get vaccinated for tetanus? I've mostly just been washing my safety razor and setting it in a place where the water can't pool around it (placing it on a raised position, I usually use the rim of my sink).
Matt should probably take this as a sign that he should bring more of the crew into the spotlight. They risked their beards for the chance to be on camera 😭😂😅
Idea for a Halloween theory for october: how much does your costume affect trick or treating efficiency (I.e candy yield, how long you can go before being tired etc)
I would love a version of this episode for women because I desperatly want to know how to make shaving myself more efficent, so it doesn't take an hour or more to shave because I'm not shaving every day or every other day. Also I would love the episode to anwser how often should you shave and should you shave in the shower or bath or somewhere else. I know that this would be a lot of ground to cover, but I(and I belive many others) would find it extremely helpful and eye opening.
I totally agree, shaving my legs is one of my least favorite chores, but I also like being clean shaven. Please tell me the female theorists (or some more brave others) will be working on this!
I was about to type the same comment! These were my exact thought throughout the whole video. Also would like to see some men shaving their legs as well (trans inclusivity)
@Aravis I'd love to see some experimenting because I've found that mens razors are more comfortable on my face but women's razors handle leg and body hair better...which i guess is what they're designed for lol..
I would love to see them do an episode on this. Right now I use two different razors. One for my beard (yes, women can grow beards), and one for my legs/ other areas. I would love to see them do an episode on whether I really need two razors, in addition to all the great points @triaurorar3291 mentioned.
I hope you guys eventually do a follow up focusing on different types of shaving cream and after shave. I swear after shave doesn't actually do anything at all
It also depends on the person that uses it. Sensitivity varies. After shave and shaving cream have different ingredients, some may affect skins differently. Most have anti inflammatory, meaning it makes your skin puff up a little bit less after getting shaved.
for me i had issues until i started getting a towel wet with cold water after i shave and held it against my face for a while haven’t had razor bumps or any issues since 🤷🏼♂️ might work for you, might not, hope it does
I find shave soap to be even more impactful than the razor in some cases. Wits 2 different kinds of shaving cream, certain blades in my safety razor go from being the worst, itching for hours after the shave, to nearly perfect and flawless.
It’s wild that the barber you went to didn’t know how to use a straight razor. My barber and quite a few barbers I know easily use them for facial hair and fades during most haircuts/shaves. They use them very well too. Great video!
I started shaving regularly since I started uni 3 years ago. At the start, razor bumps, cuts, acne for like 3 month, until I finally mastered how to shave, I would say preparing your face beforehand and using an after shave would really help reduce adverse effects.
For a compromise between the ease of use of the gillette with the economy of the safety razor, I'd recommend looking at the leaf razor. It has a pivoting head and multi blade design similar to the gillette but uses standard safety razor blades (though you either have to get single edged which are widely available or snap the double edged ones in half, which is easy because they're designed to do so). Only issue is that its a bit bulky so getting close to the nose can be more difficult. They have a separate detailing razor for those areas if that is a concern.
I've shaved my face nearly everyday due to being in the military. The best shave I've found is using lady razors in the shower. Lady razors tend to have blades that are spaced further apart so I can do more strokes before rinsing. Plus lady razors have the little lotion strips that kinda do the job of shaving cream when you just use water. It's mostly the fastest way I can get a clean shave.
Hey Matpat, speaking of shaving, there’s an idea that shaving your armpits makes them less smelly, but is that actually true and does it even matter if you use deodorant?
I went form normal razor to electric to safety. All in all I prefer safety, but there’s a learning curve. In the end it’s a much smoother and closer shave
DE shaver here (Safety Razor). It looked like you used the Personna blades (based on the paper). They are higher end on the sharp scale, and will give you more weepers/nicks. Better to use a more forgiving blade like the Astra Green. The actual razor also contributes to the aggressiveness (gap/angle etc), so you need to find a beginners razor. From the very short sequences, I can see a lot of pressure being applied to your skin. This is a bad thing. You only want to use the weight of the razor to lean against your skin. It's better to have 2x super light passes, than a single pass with a little extra pressure. And the last thing is the soap. Don't use the canned/aerosolised foam. The propellants/chemicals do react to some peoples skin. Try find an old fashioned soap stick and use a brush. It also makes a better lather.
1000% agree with all you had to say. Been using DE for like 2 years now after getting sick and tried of cartridge razors costing so much and giving me a garbage shave after 4 shaves or so, and then me stretching our the blade for another 3 shaves because I'm a cheapo. I enjoy my $0.15 Russian blades
Been shaving with a straight razor for over 10 years. It’s super easy and way better than any shave on that list. Not to mention I haven’t paid for a shave in 10 years
Exactly. Also, if you're someone that's prone to razor burn like myself you'll find you'll have zero burn with the straight razor, providing the blade is nice and sharp of course.
I've always had an issue with multibladed razors as when my shave is too close I'll get a ton of in-grown hairs because they shave to the point that it's under the skin.
Matpat had a beard before for a while. I think they should be somewhere on the GT(not)Lives. I remember he said that Ollie didn't seem to recognize him because he was so different to his usual look ^^
It's interesting to me that you felt irritation with the safety razor. I have a skin condition and literally the only reason I use a safety razor is that it's the thing that irritates my skin the least, because having just one very sharp blade go over my skin is obviously less irritation than 3 or 5 or a gazillion electrically driven ones. Especially if I only have to go over the area once. Like I have exactly that Gilette and it was a horrible experience using it.
You ought to show how the hair grows differently on different parts of the neck face, and go over the basic techniques of using razors such as short strokes, light pressure, correct angle corresponding to the blade height (action) and the proper styling techniques for sideburns. I shave my neck as well, but I'm bald so I'm not so concerned about messing up my hair
I haven't finished watching, but I've noticed that using an unscented conditioner, particularly a solid conditioner bar for my legs/underarms works better than shaving cream. I've been suggesting it to my husband for when he shaves, though he doesn't shave often. He's had a at least some sort of beard for 15 years.
For all those who use a safety blade, there is the Supply SE by Supply. A single cartridge blade that you INJECT on the side of the razor itself. Functionally easier than multi-blade. Not to mention easy to clean.
When I was still shaving, I quickly learned how to use the safety razor as well. Disposable razors would just clog up so quickly and I'd feel the need to toss them after little use. But another thing I'm surprised MatPat didn't include was any alternatives to typical shaving cream. The grand majority of what's in shaving cream is soap. It provides lubrication, but it also dries out the skin and created the market for aftershave. I would have liked to see them try out typical moisturizer or oil like jojoba and see how it compares. Yeah, it's not as easy to clean off, but at least you don't feel like you set yourself on fire.
I'd love to see a companion episode to this for leg/underarm shaving with the same perimeters. I personally like the cheap razors, but i know women in my life who hate them, so im curious if the results would be similar to these tests or different.
@gloomy_gal I use both electric and the dollar store ones. The electric is great for the long hair if you let it grow out like I do (because I shave if I know I'm gonna show leg at all), but it leaves like the stubble, even on the short hair setting. It's also nice since I don't have to get into the shower with it, so less warm/hot water used. The cheap razor I use to get the smooth finish, but I wouldn't use on long hair. Razor burn
God right? I was thinking about this as well. The legs have a lot more surface area and dull out the razor fairly fast. Then there was a comment i saw below about the difference between woman's and men's products with the price differences and performance.
As a dude who’s face is so sensitive I’ll get razor burn from anything. I learned how to do the straight razor shave to myself for my cheek and chin lines and a single blade shaver for my neck. I have not had bad razor burn in years!
My first razor was a straight razor. It was a bit difficult to get the angle right, but with some practice, my face felt brand new. Fun fact: straight razors go by another name: “Cutthroat razor” Fitting…
I grow quite a substantial amount of facial hair, which is also very dense/coarse, and shave it every day with a safety razor. I definitely like it for the price, although the learning curve was kinda annoying. But now that I've learned it, it doesn't irritate my skin as much as cartridge razors. I also like how masculine it is, admittedly. My goal is to get my face as smooth as possible, because society looks weirdly at women with a 5 o'clock stubble. Also btw the safety razor is called that because it came out as the first (safer) alternative to the straight razor, back in... the 1930's, if I recall correctly. The cartridge razor is much more modern, and yes, even safer than the safety razor. Minus the disposable kind.
I just have to say that the bit with the straight razor at the beginning is hilarious to me because I’ve gone into black barbershops my entire life and every single Barber in the shop knows how to use a straight razor because our hair is so coarse lol I just love seeing little cultural differences like that sometimes lol
Same. Haha. Always have gone to Black or Latino barbershops until recently (my current barber is my Filipino friend from high school). Each one has always been able to line up my hairline and beard with a straight razor.
As someone who's genderfluid, when I'm trying to be more masculine, I typically prefer at least a bit of stubble like MatPat was describing, but the whole baby face thing is genuinely my preferred look, especially when I'm presenting as feminine
@Texas Nationalist my wife has PCOS, and she can't grow a beard. It never gets that thick. Her hair is more of a peach fuzz that grows everywhere then the regular kind of facial hair you see on men. It's def an issue that bothers her so she shaves a lot, but it never actually grows like fully beyond a certain point. If she didn't shave at all, her facial hair would become noticeable. But it's not anywhere as thick as mine gets. That said, not everyone with PCOS has the same exact condition. Can only speak for what I know.
Im pretty familiar with all categories of razors. Personally i prefer the saftey razor for several reasons, altho being inexpensive is critically important for me because i also shave my head and as such i have to replace the blades more frequently. Also for some reason the safety razor gives me a sense of satisfaction that the other razor methods don't. There is a bit of a learning curve but once you get the hang of it it isn't really any slower than a cartridge razor.
Funny fact! I showed my mother this video for the funsies, and what I didn't expect was for her to call out the safety razor. As I had also noticed, it was the razor my grandfather used when he was alive, and I remember it specifically because it felt so heavy and intimidating to me. My mother was shocked that those razors were still around even in modern day. I guess we all just got really used to seeing him with his metallic ikea razor.
I've always found Bic 2 Sensitive Razors to be absolutely fine. I do get a razor bump on my neck here and there, but that might just be because of my technique getting sloppy when I rush, or just the way my skin sometimes reacts.
i would love to see if y’all can find any differences between women’s shaving products and men’s. talking about the pink tax would be so interesting too!
At my Walmart, Gillette's women's 3 blade WAS 10 dollars for 2 sets. Men's 5 blade for a set of FOUR? Seven Dollars. Men get a set of four 5-blade for $7, women get two 5-blade for 10 dollars. The only women's 5blade i could find was a different brand for 9 dollars for a set of 6. Anyways that Pink Tax is ROUGH. We get less blades for More Money. Men's 5 Blade is worth it, they last long and are really Gentle in sensitive areas.
Hey MatPat. As someone who enjoys facial hair myself I have an add on to your theory. I like BOTH clean shaven and non shaven SnowShadow. While I prefer non shaven, the closeness of the shave seriously matters when trimming or shaping my facial hair. If I have stubble where I don't want hair, it looks bad or unwanted. Personal preference works, but I'd say ask ANY of your team WHERE they would like to be clean shaven on their face, and they will most likely say closely shave trim/edges are better than all out clean shaven.
23:53 I’m a beard guy. I’ll occasionally trim under my neck line. I use single blade disposables once every two weeks. I do use an electric razor to trim first. I was given a safety razor & am too intimidated to even consider it. Thanks Matt.
I've replaced shaving foam for ANY soap or shampoo I have laying around. It just works, the soap lubricates the face and some also hidrate the skin. Some razor heads will also have a kind soluble band/"pillow" that at least lubricates the face. You can wet and apply to the skin by rubing the razor againts the face in the direction oposite to cut and then cut normaly
As someone who grew up in the Middle East where straight razors are the norm and pretty much all barbers use them exclusively. I find it slightly odd to hear about them not being safe, and a trained barber being nervous to use one. Also if you are skilled with the blade it's very quick, less than 3 min for a full shave (including lathering with shaving cream).
I always used to shave with the cheap razor. It's not comfortable at all but it is the one that makes you feel a lumberjack that's going to cut off a whole forest afterwards. Highly recommended Now I've been more than a year without shaving. Just every month and a half I go to the barber to lower it
As a professional hairdresser, I can testify of the anxiety surrounding the straight razor😳😂Also, you guys should totally do a theory about how facial hair/hairlines can accentuate the shape of your face🧔♂️
Here in Germany there are that from day 3 in very many different versions (more blades, with aloe vera and more) and one of them from a no name company works best for my face with ultra sensitive shaving foam. But they are also closer to the one from day 4. The version from day 3 is very rare and only available in stores that come from the USA. And for like 2€ for 10 at most here in my area.
I remember when I was a kid, my youngest sister would see our dad shave and think "I want to do that." She was too young to realize it was a bad idea, so she would occasionally go get our dad's razor (don't know if it was disposable or safety) and try to use it to shave her nonexistent facial hair. She would then come downstairs holding the razor with a bloody face.
Well one thing's for sure, this experiment made me feel a lot better about my decision to stick with the 5 bladed razors. I always thought I was washing money down the drain whenever I had to buy new blades, and yeah, sure, compared to a Safety Razor that might be true, but I expected the price to be exorbitantly higher than with the other ones.
Originally i used to use an electric razor then used a multi bladed razor and now i only shave with a single safety razor. If you do it correctly it is insanely smooth and less irritating due to fewer blades. I still use a electric clipper though to trim
Couldn't agree more. Reminds me of LTT, where each team member has their own specialty, and can add in their own perspective on something for a better experience on both sides.
I have a really thick beard. I only used disposable blades twice (13 years of shaving so far) in emergencies. I used to use Fusion5 but each head only lasted me 1 to 2 shaves, It got really expensive. So I now use eletric to trim most days and a few times a year I shave completly with a safety razor since even using the blades only once it still is dirt cheap
One thing I think you need to account for is that any change in saving technique takes a couple weeks for your face to get used to. You're going to be left with irritation whenever using a new type of product
If you learn to use a straight blade, it's even cheaper than the safety blade, since you sharpen the blade instead of replacing it (on traditional straights anyway, the one I bought my boyfriend actually has a relaxation blade using regular razor blades)
Having to shave my face every day I've learned what works best for me and what doesn't. I've personally found the Gillette pro glide to get the most hair when I shave, probably due to the 5 blades and the vibrating motor it has in it. Along with that I've used the Gillette saftey razor and really liked that aswell but i feel like with my inexperience with it I can't get as much facial hair shaved. I do like to use the Gillette foamy sensitive shaving cream. I just find it easier for me to apply. When i shave i start with the grain, then immediately follow up with against the grain to get a closer shave. Overall it's hard to go wrong with any kind of shaving since it all comes down to what you like, and what works best.
With an electric I use a shaving powder made by Remington it comes in a dry stick that you wipe onto your face before shaving. It's mostly cornstarch but it really helps the razor glide along your skin.
I've been using a straight razor to shave recently once you get thru the how to load a new razor and shave. You can get super accurate in touching up your edge of your beard and triming the neck part. Also been using a wash cloth to warm up the skin and then put shaving cream haven't had any razor burn since. I also recommend getting a ice face roller closes your pores after so you shave so you won't get acne also feels nice.
What I heard is that the old fashion way with the actual razor and safety razor are a closer shave then the disposable or regular market shaver or electric. Electric is the quickest but doesn't get as close a shave. That being said this video changed all my opinions about shaving
Dear Mat, my groupmate and I in chemical engineering class were discussing anti aging creams, and she told me that a professor had told her is that what anti aging creams basically do is cause a mild allergic reaction to the skin which makes it swell and thus makes the wrinkles dissapear. I need a theory on this really really bad, I mean she heard it from a professor in chemistry but he majored in biophysics so could you find out if it is true or not??🙏🙏
😂 Retinol one of the most common anti-aging creams doesn’t work that way. Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance. Retinol is also known as Vitamin A.
Hey, to all those prices: you don't need to change out your blades so often, You just have to know how to use it properly for example: I have used the safety one for almost a year and I have yet to change out the first blade. It still does its job perfectly just without the fear of cutting yourself instantly same with the dirt cheap ones. Used one for 2 years. Yes, the same one. worked like a charm till the end where the handle broke
I get the feeling MatPat is the boss that calls you and asks you to volunteer. "Sure, you don't have to...but you know, it would really mean alot to me, buddy. If not I'm sure Dave will do it" Meanwhile, Dave is the intern that just so happens to have your exact skill-set, wants your job, and he smells.
Honestly a funny thing is, my father wasn’t able to grow proper facial hair until he was in his late twenties, and I immediately began growing a beard when I was like 17. He knows infinitely more about shaving and styling it than I do but he always complains how it doesn’t make any sense lol
I think it would be interesting if instead of a try everything and see what works approach, Taking a "what must I do to make this work" approach, and experimenting with different ways of using it until you get a close shave and seeing if all that work is worth it
I personally prefer a close shave and I don’t shave again for about 6 days or until it starts to get itchy, but if I could choose a permanent style for my facial hair I WOULD prefer to NOT have any at all
I use a double edge safety razor. Not as quick a process as your cartirge razors, but talk about smooth. Furthermore, what you spend in refills for a month, could last me years. I was also taught the three pass method: With, then Across, then Against. After that is the clean up. As for shaving products, I use shaving soap and brush, then I moved onto actual old timey shaving cream. I would suggest the Proraso sensitive brand as that's what I use.
When I shaved it was Gillet 5 blade, and I would have to change every shave. I think it really depends on someone's hair. Everyone else I know uses electric or single blade.
So with a straight or safety razor, the technique is to pull your skin tight and shave, and avoid moving the razor back and forth. Because it's one sharp blade, it'll never pull, so shaving against the grain is fine. You are more likely to get ingrowns the smoother you cut it though, because you're pulling the hair out of your pores by pulling on the skin and then it goes back under the skin when you let go. If you're prone to ingrowns, it's likely your hair will curl instead of coming back out of the pore It's also just the cheapest. You can get 100 blades for $10. Learn once, find a blade you like, and you'll just have to order a couple times a year depending on how often you shave (less often because with better technique it's a much closer shave)
@Sherlock WhoYeah I was taught to shave with an electric trimmer and a 5-6 blade razor. Much worse experience imo. I keep a beard so it was more than worth learning a safety and straight to line up my cheeks and neck lol. I haven't bought blades in years
DE safety razor is def the best after you get over the learning curve. As for product, you should try shave butter, oil, cream and foam. Also with and without a shave brush.
I have used so many shaving products in my life for both face and scalp. I have found convenience and speed (or laziness😊) leads me down the electric path. I currently use SkullShaver for everything. If I want a smoother (for special occasions) shave, I go to the safety razor. I have used the straight razor on occasion and found, after a lot of practice, it gave me the closest, most comfortable shave and it was fairly fast. I have gone to the barber (a proper one, not SuperCuts) and the experience was, what I think, women experience when going to the spa. Relaxing, ritualistic and made me feel like I was in an old western movie. It made me feel just a little pampered. 10/10, 100% recommend, will do again!
I would be interested in seeing this video with women's razors and maybe a comparison between women's and men's products. Especially with the price and women's products tend to have the 'pink tax' but I'd love basically the same video but with like women's leg or underarm hair or something!
I have a full beard and a handlebar mustache, but I still use a safety razor to line up my beard once a week. About every three months or so when I get my haircut, I have the guy line up my beard with a straight razor. If you’ve never had a professional use a straight razor it will change your life. Note. Definitely call ahead to a barbershop to see if they have someone that is skilled with a straight razor. I got lucky that the guy that does my hair is also proficient with a straight razor.
Hey MatPat, I would love to see you do a video covering a lot of the 3 in 1 or 5 in 1 shampoo, conditioner, body wash products and how effective they actually are.
@Duck Song Fanshair wash, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and “deodorizer”. It’s an Irish spring one that I use, but it’s for sure just a marketing gimmick lol
I purchased a simple razor years ago for just under $100. Took a bit to learn how to use it safely and once I got used to the razor it's more than paid for itself. I use bar soap and water in combination with the razor.
I've used them all, and I think the safety razor is the best...though I use a combination of that with a trimmer for the beard. I think your cost is off for the safety...not sure why you'd need to buy a new handle every so many years unless you simply lose it. What I will say is that while I buy safety razors in packs of 100, and they are dirt cheap, the main issue is I tend to lose a percentage of them due to them getting lost in a drawer or tossed out by my partner. :p
I used to use the expensive 3/4/5 bladed razors. In my experience they get very clogged after about 3-5 uses and don't shave very well after that. They are also extremely difficult to clean. The more blades, the worse the problem. I found myself changing them every week. This would double the cost estimate in this video. I switched to the safety razor style years ago and never looked back. They also make them in the straight razor style for the smoother contours of your neck and cheeks to speed things up. For the cost of 1 pack of gillete mach whatever razors I can buy enough blades for my safety razor to last a decade.
If anyone is struggling with their downstairs area I recommend waxing using a Himalayan salt scrub and la roche posay lipkar gentle body wash! I struggled for years buying all types of products but this simple routine cleared me :)
YES i was just about to ask this too! and i'd like to see some testing for remover of women's facial hair too (ik ik it's natural but i want to know how effective or safe each method is), because i've used a small electric razer for my upper lip hair (thanks genetics...), products like nair, tweezing, and waxing throughout my life and i've had varying success with each
I've heard many times that the multi bladed cartridges pull out the hairs and cutting them so short that they get pulled back in and cause ingrowth hair. I'm a straight razor kind of guy (stable hand required) but I would think the second best would be the high quality safety razors. We've all seen those Henson shaving sponsorships and all I can say is I believe em 😜
STRAIGHT RAZOR is by far the best shave. The issue with it is the technique that takes a few tries to learn and the fact you have to sharpen it to perfection.
Having used both electric razors and multi-blade razors, my experience has been switching to the other method always causes some irritation the first few shaves.
As someone who's also used all the types of razors in this video, I love my safety razor and absolutely hated the cheap disposable ones. I got a 6 pack of disposable razors and I threw them all away after the first shave. It was that bad. My first ever shave was with a regular cartrige razor and it was just fine, nothing special. At some point I got a safety razor and I've loved shaving with it ever since. I also do two passes - one with the grain and another against, I prefer the close shave. One big factor though is the cream I use. I've tried can shaving cream and it works, yes, but shaving gel or soap you lather up in a bowl with a shaving brush yields such a better shaving cream. I also have an electric razor but I only really use it when I'm in a hurry, it's not as comfortable or close as shaving with my trusty double edge.
To my curly/coils hair friends (ESPCIALLY 4C hair), getting a close shave can be really risky because shaving curlier hair tends to increase your risk of ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis)! This is probably why AJ had the worst reaction to the cheap razor. So if you have curly/could hair, the best option is to avoid shaving. But if you have to shave, don’t try to get a super close shave, use a shaving cream or gel, shave with the grain, and periodically exfoliate! Salicylic acid can also help prevent your pores from clogging up.
Tried all of 'em, landed on safety razor. You don't HAVE TO replace the blade so often: A light touch and knowing the feel of the angle is all you need. Not shaving as regularly also helps. After a while you can be blitz with that thing. Just takes a bit of practice. BUT, I do every now and then opt to go smooth baby face with it... and it's not for me, but for my wife, who LOVES it. You asked _the men_ what shave they prefer, but part of the question is what do the women prefer! (You even hear a ringing endorsement right in the video) Is that advertiser indoctrination? Who knows...
Almost 38, I shave 2-3 times a week but only around edges and keep a short beard. I always use 4-5 blade razors and no shaving cream or gel. Because of less shaving I use mine longer than most I would think
I've known for ages that a safety razor is dirt cheap, but I had no idea that the other options were so close in price. I kinda want to give the Gilette another try, now.
I feel like with most the razors your are not supposed to do long strokes but short strokes across your face while continuously rinsing the blade/gotta use a little more shaving cream to make it glide better. This usually results in less razor bumps and skin issues
I’m not too surprised by the conclusion. I’ve stopped shaving as a whole and just use hair clippers to get me that short stubble whenever my facial hair gets too long. Then I clean up the edges with an epilator
I feel there pain. I am 35 and have never been with out my facial hair since I was 13. During covid I let my beard grow really long, and last Halloween I cut it short for a Halloween costume. The day I cut it my 5 year old daughter looked at me and said What's going on with your face? I thought it was really funny.
I've used a gilette 5 blade, a safety razor, a 3 blade electric and a phillips oneblade and i have to say that the oneblade cuts just as well as the first two and i never enjoyed the 3 blade electric. without a guard i can still get ingrowns and irritation from the oneblade but it's literally impossible to cut yourself with it. i mostly use it for edging my neckline now, and maintaining my beard to a reasonably short length. I actually bought some off brand additional attachments to increase it's cutting length to 9mm but they'll arrive in the next few days
I used to use a beard trimmer to keep my short beard sculpt off my neck and straight curve from sideburn to around my mouth Razors aggrovate but so does long beards, tried shaving jels and lotions and beard oils and conditioners
To get a straight razor cut in the US, get an actual apprenticed barber. I do it once a year after no shave November. I had one bad experience bc I had a novice, but otherwise it is the smoothest, most relaxing experience I've had. Hair takes a week and a half to start growing back, and your face is cleaner and smoother than it's ever been.
This is MatPat’s most sane video this month
And that is saying something🤣
For real 😂
@Xenon9 seconds ago
i feel like your gonna have alot of likes
it's only going downhill from here bro🙏
We need more BeardPat! He is ROCKING that facial hair.
IKRRRRRRR
Chadpat*
matpat john krasinski skin
exacctlyyy
Looks like cal kestis or sellsword art guy
As a follow-up to this episode, you should do shaving cream vs shaving gel vs shaving foam vs dry shave. Also aftershave vs aftershave lotion vs nothing.
There are also methods of using soap or hair conditioner (for especially sensitive areas).
Should add in post shower to that list. Read somewhere that hair soaked in hot water for five minutes has 15% less strength.
farther still, I shave after a swim in the pool and\or after hot sauna, easy as butter. I also know of the hot wet towel method, although I don't use it myself
@Leathandrisit makes a huge difference for myself shaving after a shower
So I'd heavily suggest it
I love shave soap. Used to use gels like gilette. But using soap allows me to use a brush to lift up the hairs. The soap feels better on my skin when it lathers. It feels better using soap and a brush. The gels always felt either too light or way too easy to wipe off when using my blade, leaving a too slick surface.
Pro tip: If you dry off the blades after you use them they last about 20 times as long as if you put them away wet. Most of the deterioration of razor blades is from microrust along the cutting edge from water being left on them.
if you clean it with alcohol after a shave, it displaces the water better and will make that like a 30-35 times longer instead :)
@Matthew Tackett Yep, but it's gotta be near pure alcohol. I've tried leaving the razor in the alcohol to see what happens, apparently that %2 water in the solution is more than enough to cause rust.
Also, safety razor is way way easier to dry. Just roll it in a toilet paper and dry in a second. Gilette one just doesn't dry at all. It is so expensive that I've tried using a hair dryer to dry it, even that takes like 3 minutes to dry the razor completely.
@Echorise Nobody said to store it in alcohol.
@TheDuckofDoom! Just a warning not to use watered-down alcohols. Because it is better to use it 10 times and throw it away then to use it 30 times and get tetanus disease.
@Echorise Why not just get vaccinated for tetanus?
I've mostly just been washing my safety razor and setting it in a place where the water can't pool around it (placing it on a raised position, I usually use the rim of my sink).
Matt should probably take this as a sign that he should bring more of the crew into the spotlight. They risked their beards for the chance to be on camera 😭😂😅
Idea for a Halloween theory for october: how much does your costume affect trick or treating efficiency (I.e candy yield, how long you can go before being tired etc)
I would love a version of this episode for women because I desperatly want to know how to make shaving myself more efficent, so it doesn't take an hour or more to shave because I'm not shaving every day or every other day. Also I would love the episode to anwser how often should you shave and should you shave in the shower or bath or somewhere else. I know that this would be a lot of ground to cover, but I(and I belive many others) would find it extremely helpful and eye opening.
I totally agree, shaving my legs is one of my least favorite chores, but I also like being clean shaven. Please tell me the female theorists (or some more brave others) will be working on this!
I was about to type the same comment! These were my exact thought throughout the whole video. Also would like to see some men shaving their legs as well (trans inclusivity)
@Aravis I'd love to see some experimenting because I've found that mens razors are more comfortable on my face but women's razors handle leg and body hair better...which i guess is what they're designed for lol..
I would love to see them do an episode on this. Right now I use two different razors. One for my beard (yes, women can grow beards), and one for my legs/ other areas. I would love to see them do an episode on whether I really need two razors, in addition to all the great points @triaurorar3291 mentioned.
Also, what's the deal with shaving arms? Armpits? Is there something we can use from head to toe or if not, what are our best options?
I hope you guys eventually do a follow up focusing on different types of shaving cream and after shave. I swear after shave doesn't actually do anything at all
Well depends if you're inch after a shave it helps out, at least for me I like the feeling it calms the skin when the blade is new
It also depends on the person that uses it. Sensitivity varies. After shave and shaving cream have different ingredients, some may affect skins differently. Most have anti inflammatory, meaning it makes your skin puff up a little bit less after getting shaved.
for me i had issues until i started getting a towel wet with cold water after i shave and held it against my face for a while
haven’t had razor bumps or any issues since 🤷🏼♂️
might work for you, might not, hope it does
I find shave soap to be even more impactful than the razor in some cases. Wits 2 different kinds of shaving cream, certain blades in my safety razor go from being the worst, itching for hours after the shave, to nearly perfect and flawless.
I been using isopropyl alcohol and my face hasn’t been irritated since
It’s wild that the barber you went to didn’t know how to use a straight razor. My barber and quite a few barbers I know easily use them for facial hair and fades during most haircuts/shaves. They use them very well too. Great video!
Yeah same here. Every barber I've visited use the straight razor for my cuts.
I started shaving regularly since I started uni 3 years ago. At the start, razor bumps, cuts, acne for like 3 month, until I finally mastered how to shave, I would say preparing your face beforehand and using an after shave would really help reduce adverse effects.
For a compromise between the ease of use of the gillette with the economy of the safety razor, I'd recommend looking at the leaf razor. It has a pivoting head and multi blade design similar to the gillette but uses standard safety razor blades (though you either have to get single edged which are widely available or snap the double edged ones in half, which is easy because they're designed to do so). Only issue is that its a bit bulky so getting close to the nose can be more difficult. They have a separate detailing razor for those areas if that is a concern.
I've shaved my face nearly everyday due to being in the military. The best shave I've found is using lady razors in the shower. Lady razors tend to have blades that are spaced further apart so I can do more strokes before rinsing. Plus lady razors have the little lotion strips that kinda do the job of shaving cream when you just use water. It's mostly the fastest way I can get a clean shave.
Hey Matpat, speaking of shaving, there’s an idea that shaving your armpits makes them less smelly, but is that actually true and does it even matter if you use deodorant?
The hair soaks in your smells. Imo it's more hygienic to shave armpit hair than to wash it.
@Joeytbh, to me it makes no difference, maybe that me tho
Please wear deodorant
it sure does (but don't shave close to the skin)
nice one! Also if there are some brand deo odorants/sticks that cause irritations to the skin.
I definitely agree with the end thing. I'm 21 and I avoid clean shaves because I look freaking 17 when I do
I went form normal razor to electric to safety. All in all I prefer safety, but there’s a learning curve. In the end it’s a much smoother and closer shave
DE shaver here (Safety Razor).
It looked like you used the Personna blades (based on the paper). They are higher end on the sharp scale, and will give you more weepers/nicks. Better to use a more forgiving blade like the Astra Green.
The actual razor also contributes to the aggressiveness (gap/angle etc), so you need to find a beginners razor.
From the very short sequences, I can see a lot of pressure being applied to your skin. This is a bad thing. You only want to use the weight of the razor to lean against your skin. It's better to have 2x super light passes, than a single pass with a little extra pressure.
And the last thing is the soap. Don't use the canned/aerosolised foam. The propellants/chemicals do react to some peoples skin.
Try find an old fashioned soap stick and use a brush. It also makes a better lather.
Agree with that. Safety razors work best with least pressure. Not only you eliminate the risk of cutting yourself, it actually cuts better.
1000% agree with all you had to say. Been using DE for like 2 years now after getting sick and tried of cartridge razors costing so much and giving me a garbage shave after 4 shaves or so, and then me stretching our the blade for another 3 shaves because I'm a cheapo.
I enjoy my $0.15 Russian blades
Been shaving with a straight razor for over 10 years. It’s super easy and way better than any shave on that list. Not to mention I haven’t paid for a shave in 10 years
Exactly. Also, if you're someone that's prone to razor burn like myself you'll find you'll have zero burn with the straight razor, providing the blade is nice and sharp of course.
I've always had an issue with multibladed razors as when my shave is too close I'll get a ton of in-grown hairs because they shave to the point that it's under the skin.
With the beard, matpat looks like he evolved into his third form.
He has evolved into dadpat
Dad pat 3/4 evolution
Dadpat
Matpat had a beard before for a while. I think they should be somewhere on the GT(not)Lives. I remember he said that Ollie didn't seem to recognize him because he was so different to his usual look ^^
It's interesting to me that you felt irritation with the safety razor. I have a skin condition and literally the only reason I use a safety razor is that it's the thing that irritates my skin the least, because having just one very sharp blade go over my skin is obviously less irritation than 3 or 5 or a gazillion electrically driven ones. Especially if I only have to go over the area once.
Like I have exactly that Gilette and it was a horrible experience using it.
You ought to show how the hair grows differently on different parts of the neck face, and go over the basic techniques of using razors such as short strokes, light pressure, correct angle corresponding to the blade height (action) and the proper styling techniques for sideburns. I shave my neck as well, but I'm bald so I'm not so concerned about messing up my hair
I haven't finished watching, but I've noticed that using an unscented conditioner, particularly a solid conditioner bar for my legs/underarms works better than shaving cream. I've been suggesting it to my husband for when he shaves, though he doesn't shave often. He's had a at least some sort of beard for 15 years.
For all those who use a safety blade, there is the Supply SE by Supply. A single cartridge blade that you INJECT on the side of the razor itself. Functionally easier than multi-blade. Not to mention easy to clean.
When I was still shaving, I quickly learned how to use the safety razor as well. Disposable razors would just clog up so quickly and I'd feel the need to toss them after little use. But another thing I'm surprised MatPat didn't include was any alternatives to typical shaving cream.
The grand majority of what's in shaving cream is soap. It provides lubrication, but it also dries out the skin and created the market for aftershave. I would have liked to see them try out typical moisturizer or oil like jojoba and see how it compares. Yeah, it's not as easy to clean off, but at least you don't feel like you set yourself on fire.
I'd love to see a companion episode to this for leg/underarm shaving with the same perimeters. I personally like the cheap razors, but i know women in my life who hate them, so im curious if the results would be similar to these tests or different.
I've only ever used cheap razors so I want to know if there's any big differences between those and fancy electric ones I've seen ads for.
YESSS I was literally just thinking thiss
@gloomy_gal I use both electric and the dollar store ones. The electric is great for the long hair if you let it grow out like I do (because I shave if I know I'm gonna show leg at all), but it leaves like the stubble, even on the short hair setting. It's also nice since I don't have to get into the shower with it, so less warm/hot water used. The cheap razor I use to get the smooth finish, but I wouldn't use on long hair. Razor burn
God right? I was thinking about this as well. The legs have a lot more surface area and dull out the razor fairly fast. Then there was a comment i saw below about the difference between woman's and men's products with the price differences and performance.
Also for the legs, you could test alternative hair removal techniques such as an epilator or wax strips
As a dude who’s face is so sensitive I’ll get razor burn from anything. I learned how to do the straight razor shave to myself for my cheek and chin lines and a single blade shaver for my neck. I have not had bad razor burn in years!
My first razor was a straight razor. It was a bit difficult to get the angle right, but with some practice, my face felt brand new.
Fun fact: straight razors go by another name: “Cutthroat razor”
Fitting…
I grow quite a substantial amount of facial hair, which is also very dense/coarse, and shave it every day with a safety razor. I definitely like it for the price, although the learning curve was kinda annoying. But now that I've learned it, it doesn't irritate my skin as much as cartridge razors. I also like how masculine it is, admittedly. My goal is to get my face as smooth as possible, because society looks weirdly at women with a 5 o'clock stubble.
Also btw the safety razor is called that because it came out as the first (safer) alternative to the straight razor, back in... the 1930's, if I recall correctly. The cartridge razor is much more modern, and yes, even safer than the safety razor. Minus the disposable kind.
I just have to say that the bit with the straight razor at the beginning is hilarious to me because I’ve gone into black barbershops my entire life and every single Barber in the shop knows how to use a straight razor because our hair is so coarse lol
I just love seeing little cultural differences like that sometimes lol
Same. Haha. Always have gone to Black or Latino barbershops until recently (my current barber is my Filipino friend from high school). Each one has always been able to line up my hairline and beard with a straight razor.
As someone who's genderfluid, when I'm trying to be more masculine, I typically prefer at least a bit of stubble like MatPat was describing, but the whole baby face thing is genuinely my preferred look, especially when I'm presenting as feminine
As a woman with PCOS that causes me to grow facial hair I very much appreciate this episode lol I’m always looking for that close shave 🪒
Can you grow a beard
@Texas Nationalist lol idk maybe if I didn’t shave for months. Now that’s a style theory 👀
@Texas Nationalist my wife has PCOS, and she can't grow a beard. It never gets that thick. Her hair is more of a peach fuzz that grows everywhere then the regular kind of facial hair you see on men. It's def an issue that bothers her so she shaves a lot, but it never actually grows like fully beyond a certain point.
If she didn't shave at all, her facial hair would become noticeable. But it's not anywhere as thick as mine gets. That said, not everyone with PCOS has the same exact condition. Can only speak for what I know.
Im pretty familiar with all categories of razors. Personally i prefer the saftey razor for several reasons, altho being inexpensive is critically important for me because i also shave my head and as such i have to replace the blades more frequently. Also for some reason the safety razor gives me a sense of satisfaction that the other razor methods don't. There is a bit of a learning curve but once you get the hang of it it isn't really any slower than a cartridge razor.
Funny fact! I showed my mother this video for the funsies, and what I didn't expect was for her to call out the safety razor. As I had also noticed, it was the razor my grandfather used when he was alive, and I remember it specifically because it felt so heavy and intimidating to me.
My mother was shocked that those razors were still around even in modern day. I guess we all just got really used to seeing him with his metallic ikea razor.
I've always found Bic 2 Sensitive Razors to be absolutely fine. I do get a razor bump on my neck here and there, but that might just be because of my technique getting sloppy when I rush, or just the way my skin sometimes reacts.
This stuff is what I like. I knew I liked the 5 blade but I had no idea I could save money with the safety blade. Will be looking into it 💪
I personally have a beard and I use a combination of electric for trimming and safety for sculpting. I think it works pretty well.
i would love to see if y’all can find any differences between women’s shaving products and men’s. talking about the pink tax would be so interesting too!
At my Walmart, Gillette's women's 3 blade WAS 10 dollars for 2 sets. Men's 5 blade for a set of FOUR? Seven Dollars. Men get a set of four 5-blade for $7, women get two 5-blade for 10 dollars. The only women's 5blade i could find was a different brand for 9 dollars for a set of 6. Anyways that Pink Tax is ROUGH. We get less blades for More Money. Men's 5 Blade is worth it, they last long and are really Gentle in sensitive areas.
Lol. Just buy men's. I don't even buy women's deodorant anymore
Hey MatPat. As someone who enjoys facial hair myself I have an add on to your theory. I like BOTH clean shaven and non shaven SnowShadow. While I prefer non shaven, the closeness of the shave seriously matters when trimming or shaping my facial hair. If I have stubble where I don't want hair, it looks bad or unwanted. Personal preference works, but I'd say ask ANY of your team WHERE they would like to be clean shaven on their face, and they will most likely say closely shave trim/edges are better than all out clean shaven.
23:53 I’m a beard guy. I’ll occasionally trim under my neck line. I use single blade disposables once every two weeks.
I do use an electric razor to trim first.
I was given a safety razor & am too intimidated to even consider it.
Thanks Matt.
I've replaced shaving foam for ANY soap or shampoo I have laying around. It just works, the soap lubricates the face and some also hidrate the skin.
Some razor heads will also have a kind soluble band/"pillow" that at least lubricates the face. You can wet and apply to the skin by rubing the razor againts the face in the direction oposite to cut and then cut normaly
As someone who grew up in the Middle East where straight razors are the norm and pretty much all barbers use them exclusively. I find it slightly odd to hear about them not being safe, and a trained barber being nervous to use one. Also if you are skilled with the blade it's very quick, less than 3 min for a full shave (including lathering with shaving cream).
I always used to shave with the cheap razor. It's not comfortable at all but it is the one that makes you feel a lumberjack that's going to cut off a whole forest afterwards. Highly recommended
Now I've been more than a year without shaving. Just every month and a half I go to the barber to lower it
As a professional hairdresser, I can testify of the anxiety surrounding the straight razor😳😂Also, you guys should totally do a theory about how facial hair/hairlines can accentuate the shape of your face🧔♂️
I second this! I'm not a hairdresser, but I agree lol
I 3rd this. Also not hairdresser but think this would be a sick idea
Third non-hairdresser, I fourth this
As a non professional myself, i fifth this
Here in Germany there are that from day 3 in very many different versions (more blades, with aloe vera and more) and one of them from a no name company works best for my face with ultra sensitive shaving foam.
But they are also closer to the one from day 4. The version from day 3 is very rare and only available in stores that come from the USA. And for like 2€ for 10 at most here in my area.
I remember when I was a kid, my youngest sister would see our dad shave and think "I want to do that." She was too young to realize it was a bad idea, so she would occasionally go get our dad's razor (don't know if it was disposable or safety) and try to use it to shave her nonexistent facial hair. She would then come downstairs holding the razor with a bloody face.
Well one thing's for sure, this experiment made me feel a lot better about my decision to stick with the 5 bladed razors. I always thought I was washing money down the drain whenever I had to buy new blades, and yeah, sure, compared to a Safety Razor that might be true, but I expected the price to be exorbitantly higher than with the other ones.
Something I've kept hearing lately is how the multiblade razors cause ingrown hair & the safety single blade is the best option to avoid it
Originally i used to use an electric razor then used a multi bladed razor and now i only shave with a single safety razor. If you do it correctly it is insanely smooth and less irritating due to fewer blades. I still use a electric clipper though to trim
I love episodes where more of the team is on camera. I love Matpat & Steph but it’s fun seeing the other faces behind team theorist too!
Couldn't agree more. Reminds me of LTT, where each team member has their own specialty, and can add in their own perspective on something for a better experience on both sides.
I feel like based on the theorist squad we need a "how to grow more facial hair" style theory
I have a really thick beard. I only used disposable blades twice (13 years of shaving so far) in emergencies.
I used to use Fusion5 but each head only lasted me 1 to 2 shaves, It got really expensive. So I now use eletric to trim most days and a few times a year I shave completly with a safety razor since even using the blades only once it still is dirt cheap
One thing I think you need to account for is that any change in saving technique takes a couple weeks for your face to get used to. You're going to be left with irritation whenever using a new type of product
If you learn to use a straight blade, it's even cheaper than the safety blade, since you sharpen the blade instead of replacing it (on traditional straights anyway, the one I bought my boyfriend actually has a relaxation blade using regular razor blades)
Having to shave my face every day I've learned what works best for me and what doesn't. I've personally found the Gillette pro glide to get the most hair when I shave, probably due to the 5 blades and the vibrating motor it has in it. Along with that I've used the Gillette saftey razor and really liked that aswell but i feel like with my inexperience with it I can't get as much facial hair shaved. I do like to use the Gillette foamy sensitive shaving cream. I just find it easier for me to apply. When i shave i start with the grain, then immediately follow up with against the grain to get a closer shave. Overall it's hard to go wrong with any kind of shaving since it all comes down to what you like, and what works best.
We're now only a few steps away from MatPat teaching us how to shave our...other places
Heads, let's just go with heads.
"educational content"
MatPat x AlphaM
No, NOOOOO
With an electric I use a shaving powder made by Remington it comes in a dry stick that you wipe onto your face before shaving. It's mostly cornstarch but it really helps the razor glide along your skin.
Hey Matpat, you should look into the Supply Safety Razor. It’s a safety razor, but it’s more engineered. Definitely top-tier of the safety razors
Great episode, now do one on 4 months of facial hair growth and the maintenance that comes with it
I've been using a straight razor to shave recently once you get thru the how to load a new razor and shave. You can get super accurate in touching up your edge of your beard and triming the neck part. Also been using a wash cloth to warm up the skin and then put shaving cream haven't had any razor burn since. I also recommend getting a ice face roller closes your pores after so you shave so you won't get acne also feels nice.
Straight razors don't have new razors. they are literal knives.
@Jeffrey Minter You can get straight razors with replaceable blades. I used one as a test before I got a proper straight razor.
@kwiztas it the one where its not a blade like a knife you break the razor in half then insert the blade in the straight razor to shave.
What I heard is that the old fashion way with the actual razor and safety razor are a closer shave then the disposable or regular market shaver or electric. Electric is the quickest but doesn't get as close a shave. That being said this video changed all my opinions about shaving
Dear Mat, my groupmate and I in chemical engineering class were discussing anti aging creams, and she told me that a professor had told her is that what anti aging creams basically do is cause a mild allergic reaction to the skin which makes it swell and thus makes the wrinkles dissapear. I need a theory on this really really bad, I mean she heard it from a professor in chemistry but he majored in biophysics so could you find out if it is true or not??🙏🙏
😂 Retinol one of the most common anti-aging creams doesn’t work that way.
Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
Retinol is also known as Vitamin A.
I'd like to see a theory on this as well.
Was this Olay Regenerist? That happened to me!
botox is most likely what theyre talking about
I'll never need this information, but I would appreciate having it. Please, Team 💚
I use a straight razor for my neck lines and a safety razor everywhere else. Best shave I've had and I've tried many methods over the years.
Went to safety razors about a year ago after years of getting 1 or 2 shaves of 5 blade cartridges, best decision I ever made.
Hey, to all those prices: you don't need to change out your blades so often, You just have to know how to use it properly
for example: I have used the safety one for almost a year and I have yet to change out the first blade. It still does its job perfectly just without the fear of cutting yourself instantly
same with the dirt cheap ones. Used one for 2 years. Yes, the same one. worked like a charm till the end where the handle broke
I get the feeling MatPat is the boss that calls you and asks you to volunteer. "Sure, you don't have to...but you know, it would really mean alot to me, buddy. If not I'm sure Dave will do it" Meanwhile, Dave is the intern that just so happens to have your exact skill-set, wants your job, and he smells.
Honestly a funny thing is, my father wasn’t able to grow proper facial hair until he was in his late twenties, and I immediately began growing a beard when I was like 17. He knows infinitely more about shaving and styling it than I do but he always complains how it doesn’t make any sense lol
I have a patchy beard that grows like barbwire
So I use an electric razor to give myself a stubble
The facial hair came from your mom.
@sasukeuchiha998you're absolutely right... even if my hair didn't come from my mother I would still be bald or balding
@sasukeuchiha998as your mom i can confirm❤
I personally don't use shaving cream, but use soap. Bar soap. Liquid hand soap. Maybe a Cream vs. Soap episode would be interesting
I think it would be interesting if instead of a try everything and see what works approach,
Taking a "what must I do to make this work" approach, and experimenting with different ways of using it until you get a close shave and seeing if all that work is worth it
I personally prefer a close shave and I don’t shave again for about 6 days or until it starts to get itchy, but if I could choose a permanent style for my facial hair I WOULD prefer to NOT have any at all
I use a double edge safety razor. Not as quick a process as your cartirge razors, but talk about smooth.
Furthermore, what you spend in refills for a month, could last me years.
I was also taught the three pass method: With, then Across, then Against. After that is the clean up.
As for shaving products, I use shaving soap and brush, then I moved onto actual old timey shaving cream. I would suggest the Proraso sensitive brand as that's what I use.
When I shaved it was Gillet 5 blade, and I would have to change every shave. I think it really depends on someone's hair. Everyone else I know uses electric or single blade.
That's crazy that Matt managed to find a barber who can't use a straight razor. Never been to one who didn't use one
So with a straight or safety razor, the technique is to pull your skin tight and shave, and avoid moving the razor back and forth. Because it's one sharp blade, it'll never pull, so shaving against the grain is fine. You are more likely to get ingrowns the smoother you cut it though, because you're pulling the hair out of your pores by pulling on the skin and then it goes back under the skin when you let go. If you're prone to ingrowns, it's likely your hair will curl instead of coming back out of the pore
It's also just the cheapest. You can get 100 blades for $10. Learn once, find a blade you like, and you'll just have to order a couple times a year depending on how often you shave (less often because with better technique it's a much closer shave)
It's not a talent that is always taught especially as most men shave at home
@Sherlock WhoYeah I was taught to shave with an electric trimmer and a 5-6 blade razor. Much worse experience imo. I keep a beard so it was more than worth learning a safety and straight to line up my cheeks and neck lol. I haven't bought blades in years
Sadly many barbers nowadays can't use "Straight Razors".
I get one everytime I get my hair cut, cause its so relaxing when you have someone who knows what they are doing.
DE safety razor is def the best after you get over the learning curve. As for product, you should try shave butter, oil, cream and foam. Also with and without a shave brush.
I have used so many shaving products in my life for both face and scalp. I have found convenience and speed (or laziness😊) leads me down the electric path. I currently use SkullShaver for everything. If I want a smoother (for special occasions) shave, I go to the safety razor. I have used the straight razor on occasion and found, after a lot of practice, it gave me the closest, most comfortable shave and it was fairly fast. I have gone to the barber (a proper one, not SuperCuts) and the experience was, what I think, women experience when going to the spa. Relaxing, ritualistic and made me feel like I was in an old western movie. It made me feel just a little pampered. 10/10, 100% recommend, will do again!
I've used all options over the years, and the safety razor is the best in terms of not irritating my face.
I would be interested in seeing this video with women's razors and maybe a comparison between women's and men's products. Especially with the price and women's products tend to have the 'pink tax' but I'd love basically the same video but with like women's leg or underarm hair or something!
I have a full beard and a handlebar mustache, but I still use a safety razor to line up my beard once a week. About every three months or so when I get my haircut, I have the guy line up my beard with a straight razor. If you’ve never had a professional use a straight razor it will change your life.
Note. Definitely call ahead to a barbershop to see if they have someone that is skilled with a straight razor. I got lucky that the guy that does my hair is also proficient with a straight razor.
Hey MatPat,
I would love to see you do a video covering a lot of the 3 in 1 or 5 in 1 shampoo, conditioner, body wash products and how effective they actually are.
5 in 1?
@Duck Song Fanshair wash, conditioner, body wash, face wash, and “deodorizer”. It’s an Irish spring one that I use, but it’s for sure just a marketing gimmick lol
@Colin G the most I saw was 4 in one and I can't remember what the 4th was supposed to be
15 in 1
That’s a video I need lol.
I purchased a simple razor years ago for just under $100. Took a bit to learn how to use it safely and once I got used to the razor it's more than paid for itself. I use bar soap and water in combination with the razor.
I've used them all, and I think the safety razor is the best...though I use a combination of that with a trimmer for the beard. I think your cost is off for the safety...not sure why you'd need to buy a new handle every so many years unless you simply lose it. What I will say is that while I buy safety razors in packs of 100, and they are dirt cheap, the main issue is I tend to lose a percentage of them due to them getting lost in a drawer or tossed out by my partner. :p
I love the end conclusion is essentially "don't shave." Which is where I've ended up. Maintaining a trimmer is cheaper in the long run as well.
Hold up, an actual video worth watching from the style theory channel? I’m happy there’s finally something for me, this is a gem
I used to use the expensive 3/4/5 bladed razors. In my experience they get very clogged after about 3-5 uses and don't shave very well after that. They are also extremely difficult to clean. The more blades, the worse the problem. I found myself changing them every week. This would double the cost estimate in this video. I switched to the safety razor style years ago and never looked back. They also make them in the straight razor style for the smoother contours of your neck and cheeks to speed things up. For the cost of 1 pack of gillete mach whatever razors I can buy enough blades for my safety razor to last a decade.
Definitely want a follow up episode covering body hair removal, not just with different types of razors but also with waxing, epilators, cream etc.
If anyone is struggling with their downstairs area I recommend waxing using a Himalayan salt scrub and la roche posay lipkar gentle body wash! I struggled for years buying all types of products but this simple routine cleared me :)
YES i was just about to ask this too! and i'd like to see some testing for remover of women's facial hair too (ik ik it's natural but i want to know how effective or safe each method is), because i've used a small electric razer for my upper lip hair (thanks genetics...), products like nair, tweezing, and waxing throughout my life and i've had varying success with each
I've heard many times that the multi bladed cartridges pull out the hairs and cutting them so short that they get pulled back in and cause ingrowth hair.
I'm a straight razor kind of guy (stable hand required) but I would think the second best would be the high quality safety razors.
We've all seen those Henson shaving sponsorships and all I can say is I believe em 😜
STRAIGHT RAZOR is by far the best shave. The issue with it is the technique that takes a few tries to learn and the fact you have to sharpen it to perfection.
Definitely would love one for woman advertised razors and for leg shaving! Also maybe shaving vs waxing, etc.
but the video is about face shaving and most women dont need to shave their faces
just get a philips oneblade
Yes! That would be so helpful huh?
Having used both electric razors and multi-blade razors, my experience has been switching to the other method always causes some irritation the first few shaves.
As someone who's also used all the types of razors in this video, I love my safety razor and absolutely hated the cheap disposable ones. I got a 6 pack of disposable razors and I threw them all away after the first shave. It was that bad. My first ever shave was with a regular cartrige razor and it was just fine, nothing special. At some point I got a safety razor and I've loved shaving with it ever since. I also do two passes - one with the grain and another against, I prefer the close shave. One big factor though is the cream I use. I've tried can shaving cream and it works, yes, but shaving gel or soap you lather up in a bowl with a shaving brush yields such a better shaving cream. I also have an electric razor but I only really use it when I'm in a hurry, it's not as comfortable or close as shaving with my trusty double edge.
To my curly/coils hair friends (ESPCIALLY 4C hair), getting a close shave can be really risky because shaving curlier hair tends to increase your risk of ingrown hairs (pseudofolliculitis)! This is probably why AJ had the worst reaction to the cheap razor. So if you have curly/could hair, the best option is to avoid shaving. But if you have to shave, don’t try to get a super close shave, use a shaving cream or gel, shave with the grain, and periodically exfoliate! Salicylic acid can also help prevent your pores from clogging up.
Much thanks for the advice!
And use a safety razor so it doesn't cut below the skin
This is why I'm electric all day every day.
🏆 MVPSA! As a coily girl, I felt especially sorry for him🥺 What a sacrifice!
Tried all of 'em, landed on safety razor. You don't HAVE TO replace the blade so often: A light touch and knowing the feel of the angle is all you need. Not shaving as regularly also helps. After a while you can be blitz with that thing. Just takes a bit of practice.
BUT, I do every now and then opt to go smooth baby face with it... and it's not for me, but for my wife, who LOVES it. You asked _the men_ what shave they prefer, but part of the question is what do the women prefer! (You even hear a ringing endorsement right in the video) Is that advertiser indoctrination? Who knows...
Almost 38, I shave 2-3 times a week but only around edges and keep a short beard. I always use 4-5 blade razors and no shaving cream or gel. Because of less shaving I use mine longer than most I would think
I've known for ages that a safety razor is dirt cheap, but I had no idea that the other options were so close in price. I kinda want to give the Gilette another try, now.
I would add that the shave from a new safety razor blade is always better than the 5-20 of the Gillette.
I feel like with most the razors your are not supposed to do long strokes but short strokes across your face while continuously rinsing the blade/gotta use a little more shaving cream to make it glide better. This usually results in less razor bumps and skin issues
I’m not too surprised by the conclusion. I’ve stopped shaving as a whole and just use hair clippers to get me that short stubble whenever my facial hair gets too long. Then I clean up the edges with an epilator
Can we all respect how the team sacrificed their precious facial hair 😭🙏
Ikr🙏🏻
My school did this with the teachers and I had no idea who the male teachers were without their beards🧍🏼
I feel there pain. I am 35 and have never been with out my facial hair since I was 13. During covid I let my beard grow really long, and last Halloween I cut it short for a Halloween costume. The day I cut it my 5 year old daughter looked at me and said What's going on with your face? I thought it was really funny.
id love to see something similar for leg shaving !
I've used a gilette 5 blade, a safety razor, a 3 blade electric and a phillips oneblade and i have to say that the oneblade cuts just as well as the first two and i never enjoyed the 3 blade electric. without a guard i can still get ingrowns and irritation from the oneblade but it's literally impossible to cut yourself with it. i mostly use it for edging my neckline now, and maintaining my beard to a reasonably short length. I actually bought some off brand additional attachments to increase it's cutting length to 9mm but they'll arrive in the next few days
I used to use a beard trimmer to keep my short beard sculpt off my neck and straight curve from sideburn to around my mouth
Razors aggrovate but so does long beards, tried shaving jels and lotions and beard oils and conditioners
To get a straight razor cut in the US, get an actual apprenticed barber. I do it once a year after no shave November. I had one bad experience bc I had a novice, but otherwise it is the smoothest, most relaxing experience I've had. Hair takes a week and a half to start growing back, and your face is cleaner and smoother than it's ever been.