The one thing that barbers are allowed to use that cosmetologist cannot is a straight razor. Straight razor shaving is usually only done in barber shops. You can use the straight razor for cleaning up around the neck, doing line ups, face shaving and beard line ups. In traditional high end salons, you are not allowed to use clippers, let alone a shaver.
How to straight razor shave the Aveda way:
- Apply hot towel over the face.
- Massage face with All Sensitive Oil.
- Apply Aveda Shaving Cream over the oil.
- Apply another hot towel.
- Apply hot lather all over the face.
- Begin your shave going with the grain. Use another hot towel and apply more lather as needed, if the hairs start to pull.
- Finish with a cold towel to close the pores.
- Apply Aveda After Shave.
The only way to get comfortable and fast at shaving is to practice as much as you can while in school. Before I shaved someone else, I shaved my arms and legs to get the feel for it. Knowing what angle and pressure to use is really important so as not to cut your client. But usually some people spot while getting a shave, so if that happens, just take the correct precautions. Always let your guest know if they are bleeding, because it’s nothing to hide. They will see it later anyway, and telling them helps build the trust they have for you as their barber.
