Hi, I wanted a bit of advice as I’m not sure how to do it properly.
When I shave, I either go both ways which causes me to cut myself a lot more, or I go from top to bottom but when doing this, my skin feels lot coarser. Is there a technique I should be using?
No need to do anything the hard way when you’re just starting out. The whole process with prep, safety razors, after care etc can wait. I’d also skip the disposable two blade razors.
Invest in a decent starter set of the modern 4 and 5 blade cartridge razors with the reusable handle and soap strips around the blades. They’re forgiving compared to everything else, which is perfect when you’re learning. Even if you want to try more trendy shaving equipment later, you’ll be grateful to have something fast and foolproof on hand when you’re in a rush!
As for technique tips: Any kind of soap will help the head glide, but obviously shaving cream is made for it. Light pressure is all that’s needed. Let the razor blades do the work.
Stretching the skin taught helps avoid irritation. Shaving with the direction of the hair to start can help your skin and follicles acclimate to the abrasion. Then you can try shaving against when you’re ready.
I’ve read that shaving soaps is more protective and provides lubrication unlike bar soap, I wouldn’t say any soap is suitable, you want to get shaving soap in particular and learn to lather really well (or use shaving cream). I would never use normal soap on the face unless you truly had no alternative, just because you increase risk of cutting yourself and having irritated skin later.
EDIT:
regarding my own shaving advice, I agree with others to use a safety razor, but I’ve had even better results from an old fashioned straight razor - but it comes at the cost of being difficult to learn, easy to cut yourself, and being very dangerous … so I don’t recommend it to anyone, but technically it is a way to get an even closer shave.
I also like to shave using a magnifying mirror so I can see the follicles better and what I’m doing. I take a slow and meticulous method, and only after a long hot shower where the room can trap the heat and moisture for the shave - the skin being warm and moist is crucial as everyone is saying. If I don’t have time for a shower, I wet a rag and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, and then hold it to my face for a few minutes.
As I mentioned below, sanitize your razor with 70% alcohol - it will help reduce razor burn from bacterial contamination.
If you use a brush to lather, wash out the brush and dry it well (e.g. I like to rub it against a dry towel, so the towel absorbs more of the moisture from the brush) so that the brush lasts longer and doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria. Same with your shaving soap puck, make sure it dries out and isn’t left in the shower or someplace wet.