Thread: Any tips about visibility while shaving in a mirror?

I'm sure this is a newbie question, but I have to ask.

Right now I'm concentrating a lot on my technique looking in the mirror - blade angle, shaving angle, etc., trying to learn. I find that when using either hand, my hand holding the razor seems to always be in the way of what I'm trying to see myself doing. I generally have good visibility when doing my neck, but when doing my face, I generally have to **** my head strongly to one side, and see out of the corner of my eye. Fairly awkward.

After a while, do you just go more by feel as you get more experienced, not having to see every little thing you're doing? Is my lack of visibility just unfamiliarity with the blade?

Thanks

I think you'll get more comfortable as you go on. I've found that making a few practice strokes with the blade folded in (pretending the scale is the blade) is a good way to build confidence. I seem make a very clean pass if I can first visualize it.

Altering your grip can also help open up visibility.

I'm still trying to work this out myself...

I know I should not reply to this, but.......

...and this is easy to say. but - There was a member, forgot his name, who was a blind str8 razor shaver. No kidding! It made me kind of humble and less likely to complain about my shaving woes at the time. He was a very successful shaver.

It does make me think, though, that during these times, usually when shaving the left side of me face, why don't I just use my senses of feel and intuitiveness to get the job done during those brief moments when my eyes have lost track of the blade. I don't have this problem much, anymore, but if I do, I will rely on my powers of, what? - "fill in the blanks" - incognetive senses?

Yes, we've all been there... For me some strokes are almost impossible to see... of course, it had to be when I'm right at my sideburns! After a couple of weeks they're not quite as even as they used to be!

Another way of looking at it is if you can't see it in the mirror, do you really need it?

I've clipped an ear thinking that way......

With some practice, you'll get more comfortable... I still need the mirror for keeping track of ears and the like as they do come in handy some times but I don't really use the mirror for judging angles and such, that's nicely taken care of by the scales of the razor and you can see/feel the angle of the blade by the position of the scales in your fingers. I often pinch the blade between thumb and forefinger at the heel, much like a chef will pinch the blade of an large chefs knife and I get excellent control of the angle but this technique does depend somewhat on the blade style... a shoulderless blade doesn't always allow that to be done safely.
Regards

Christian

What I found to help a lot. Tilting the head didn't help, putting the head in normal position did. So, just look at yourself in the mirror and turn your head to the side by only a few centimeters.

Amazon.com: Jerdon JP7506CF Wall Mirror: Health & Personal Care

Have you tried switching hands with each side of the face? I'm starting to get a bit better view by doing this, but I must admit that my left hand isn't as steady.

I've been shaving with a straight of and on for many many years.

I'm not two handed and so I have learnt how to get a comfortable shave with just one hand.

I have found that without a mirror I'm useless. I've also found that if you ever get overconfident you will nick or cut yourself.

The conclusion is that you will get better as you get more experience and confidence but always be aware that the razor is dangerous when used recklessly.

It's why they invented the safety razor which is safe, fast and efficient but you loose out on the shave quality.

Originally Posted by RayG

Amazon.com: Jerdon JP7506CF Wall Mirror: Health & Personal Care

Nice idea! Didn't occur to me. This could really help until I'm more comfortable with my technique.