Professional Shave for license??

Hey everyone, great site!

I have a few questions. My wife is originally from canada and has a hairstyling license but in order to obtain her New Jersey license, they require that she do a straight razor shave on a real person. She has never done one before.

She needs to know where to get "face cream" and "shaving lotion", and "witch hazel."

She also needs powder and shaving cream which is standard but what the heck is the face cream, shaving lotion, and witch hazel for?

Can someone give me a quick run-through of when/how to use the face cream, shaving lotion, and witch hazel?

Thanks in advance!

Wow it seems tough to get a hairstyling license. I am not sure that I can fully answer your question but let's start with what I know: Witch hazel is an astringent used by many as an aftershave. Shave lotions are used prior to shaving with an electric razors but in the context of wet shaving, probably refers to a lotion applied after the shave, I am not sure. Face cream is a form of hair remover designed for female users. I am sure others will chime in.

Al raz.

That's really hard to believe considering most states do not allow the use of straight razors. That probably means using a disposable razor of one kind or another. Some states distinguish between a barbering license and a cosmetology license. The latter hair styling only and most states do not require using a straight for that type.

At any rate how will she obtain the practice she will need?

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

That's really hard to believe considering most states do not allow the use of straight razors. That probably means using a disposable razor of one kind or another. Some states distinguish between a barbering license and a cosmetology license. The latter hair styling only and most states do not require using a straight for that type.

At any rate how will she obtain the practice she will need?

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I'm from New Jersey and you can NOT get a straight razor shave ANYWHERE in the state. Must be a misunderstanding of some type.

I'm sure he would be referring to a disposable blade straight edge . . .

Coach, is that illegal too?

Notice Q 11 that asks "why do I have to take a shaving test?

http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/cosmetology/cosmoinfo.htm


Go to a beautician supply store, they may only sell to licensed patrons but they will have all the answers for you.

Those are all very old terms, not modern terms. You may want to purchase shaving oil instead of a lotion, again check with the supply store.

I don't think shaving powders or lotions have been used in a few years, but since its a school they may teach the very old traditional (cheap) stuff because barbering is not a lucritive business.

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Coach, is that illegal too?

Notice Q 11 that asks "why do I have to take a shaving test?

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling

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No,,,just straight shaves are illegal...they are allowed to used disposables and even shavettes as long as they change the blade for every shave. Maybe that is what they are asking her for?

Absolutely, that is exactly what they do now a days. In case anyone is wondering they also do not use brushes either.

Off Topic sorta.

Here in Oregon we are allowed to use a straight but it must be soaked for 10 minutes in a lethally strong barbicide. That much is clear, what is unclear is the use of brushes.

The laws state that anything that touches someone must be disinfected and they give the criterion for doing that but a brush would not survive day after day of that. So are brushes disinfected after each use because of the soap or is it "dirty"

You lost me a bit . . . that is why brushes are not used. Because they don't survive repeated disinfecting. They are in contact with a variety of customers. If you used a new brush on each customer that would work. This is why things like latherizers are so popular with barbershops.

Again though, the expense and difficulty of doing these things is the prime problem.

I wish we could get away from the theory of "it's illegal" and learn more about the people that do do it. Anybody seen that Dickies ad lately that shows the barber giving a shave (yes, with a shavette)???.

I wish I had $5 bucks for every barber who said it was illegal and then admitted that they just thought it was a pain and wasn't profitable.

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I wish I had $5 bucks for every barber who said it was illegal and then admitted that they just thought it was a pain and wasn't profitable.

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+1 Agreed!!!

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Originally Posted by coachmike

I'm from New Jersey and you can NOT get a straight razor shave ANYWHERE in the state. Must be a misunderstanding of some type.

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Try Pete's Barber Shop18 New St
Metuchen, NJ 08840-1814

Get Directions
(732) 494-1055

Call to make sure, though. I got one there 2 years ago. It's not my original barber at this point, and the shave was acceptable, but no BBS.

:beer1:

Pete must use a replaceable blade razor.(shavette)

I'm a Hairdresser in VA and DC. I may be able to help. The regulations vary from state to state. But the one thing that the test instructors always look for is cleanliness standards. Tell her to wear gloves when applying shave cream. Have everything clearly labeled too. I have no idea what other requierments she needs to meet. I had to do a perm and study fingernail fungus' for my test. Get back to me if you think I could answer anything for you. All the best-J

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Originally Posted by coachmike

Pete must use a replaceable blade razor.(shavette)

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Actually, he had his own straight - but I brought my own, which he used.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by coachmike

I'm from New Jersey and you can NOT get a straight razor shave ANYWHERE in the state. Must be a misunderstanding of some type.

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I live in NJ and for the last 30 some odd years my barber has been giving straight razor shaves. Also there are barbers even in malls that give straight razor shaves. Most barbers telll you that bc they dont have the skill or they just dont want to give them out so they bs people and tell them its illegal in NJ. So if you want a great shave from an Italian barber try Louies in Union Beach

I think any qualified barber will shave you with your own razor. Mine will. And happy to do it too. $30 fee

Witch Hazel is easy to get hold of. You should be able to get it from any pharmacy/chemist I think you people over the pond call them drugstores.

The normal method of sale is in a brown bottle. It's a mixture of water, Alcohol, And Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel).

I normally find mine in with the face cleaner and make up remover in the women's section. The staff in any store should take you straight to it.

The product itself normally smells like cheap whiskey, And is easy to apply with a damp cloth or cotton pad/ball.

Interestingly it's the same extract that is the active ingredient in some formulations of "preparation H".

As for shaving soap. You can get a big bag of Proraso shaving creme online. The 500ml bags are better value for money, and can be decanted into a 500ml pump bottle.

Most people would agree that the Proraso soap is a great soap that lathers well and has a good smell and lubrication. You should be able to get a cheaper product, This one pushes all the buttons and will be reliable. The added bonus of it been a bulk buy is also nice.

Amazon.com: Proraso Shave Cream Menthol & Eucalyptus 500ml Tube: Health & Personal Care


As for a moisturizer anything thing should be fine. But avoid Lanolin, and propylene glycol based formulas. Both ingredients can cause reactions in people. And even a well priced moisturizer may contain 1 or both ingredients. Propylene glycol appears in places it really shouldn't, I got a Bodyshop ASB and it's 4th main ingredient is propylene glycol needless to say it causes my skin to feel puffy and blotchy for a few hours after a shave I still like the product and use it, But I can't use it every shave. And would not be happy to have it applied to my face after a barbers shave.

The Nivea sensitive post shave balm is pretty good all round. And for me at least gives no problems.