Thread: Shaving other people

+1 on DON'T DO IT. Two different people I know went to barber school in the late 60s and had to learn to give a str8 shave to be licensed. Both told me that they practiced on balloons. They had to lather a balloon and shave it consistantly, without popping it, before they were ever allowed to shave anyone. I laughed the first time I heard it, but the second person told me the same thing years later.

Anybody ever try to shave a balloon?

Dave

Hey Rajagra, what were you doing that brought you to that video?

Getting back on topic, I have a friend that has asked me to shave him, but somehow we never happen to both be at my place and sober at the same time (no, we don't have drinking problems, we just typically get together late on weekend nights). I wouldn't have a problem shaving him. Then again, I have been shaving myself for... 10 months (so I am comfortable with a blade), he is one of my closest friends (so I know he wouldn't sue me), I would be extremely careful (maybe some razor burn, but no cuts), and I have both read barbering text books (available as PDF's here on SRP) and seen someone be shaved up close and in person (at a SRP get together, no less).

My point, use your judgement, and learn as much as you can before making an attempt (just like I hope you all did before you tried to shave yourself with a straight).

I have done it. I have an old barber chair in my home. You really need a decent chair that allows for the person that receives the shave to rest his head comfortably, so that he can hold it still, without overstraining his neck muscles. You also need to be confident how to shave yourself with the appropriate razor grips that barbers use. I shave myself singlehandedly, and I think that's an advantage in this case. I had build experience shaving my wifes legs, before I ever attempted someone's face.
I tell the person I'm about to shave, that there's a possibility of a nick. He has to accept that up front.
I don't think it's any more dangerous taking a friend for a car ride in Belgian traffic. Actually there a much higher risk at serious injury in Belgian traffic, than in my barber chair.

I disinfect the razor with alcohol before and after the shave, and make sure that it is well honed and stropped. When I once shaved 3 persons in a row, I used 3 straight razors. On every occasion I did the full service: moisten face with warm water, lather, hot towel, relather, WTG-pass, warm rinse, relather, ATG-pass, cold towel, Aftershave balm, towel fan.

It is not easy, because you have no other feedback about what you're doing other than what you see and what the person tells you. I regularly ask if it doesn't hurt or pull. I also stay on the shallow side with the razor's cutting angle, especcially ATG. It may not be as close as possible, but it prevents nicks and pull. Everytime I have shaved someone that was not a straight razor shaver himself, the person stated afterwards that he was closer shaved than ever before.

Of course this is not something to dive into after a party. But in the right circumstances, when you reached a certain level of skill, it's a pretty neat experience, both for the guy that's being shaved as for the one doing it.

Bart.

LOL at Rajagra's video.

You need some skill to know how to shave others. I've shaved my brother's face quite often, but at first I had a hard time even though I had no problem shaving my own face. I only shave others with a super sharp blade and when I'm feeling sober.

If I'm going to give them an extremely clean shave, there is always the possibility of nicks. A normal WTG shave is quite safe though, and I never give them any nicks this way.