How to Shave with a Five Blade Razor: Get a Closer Shave and Better Glide

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1Do 5-blade razors work better?

2What are the downsides of using a 5-blade razor?

3Do 5-blade razors cause ingrown hairs?

4Does the number of blades on a razor matter?

5How do you properly shave?

6How do I avoid irritation when I’m shaving?

7How many shaves can I get from a 5-blade razor?

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When it’s time to shave, there are so many different razors to choose from that it gets a little overwhelming when you try to find the best option. Even though a lot of modern razors have 5 blades, you might be wondering if they’re really necessary when there are cheaper options with fewer blades. We know you probably have a lot of questions about what works best for your shave, so keep reading to find all of the answers you’ll need!

Steps

Question 1 of 7:

Do 5-blade razors work better?

1. 
   1
   Yes, they cut your hair shorter so you have smooth skin longer. Your hair pulls further away from your skin and exposes more of the strand once the first blade catches it. Each of the remaining blades cut lower along the strand of hair. The last blade will cut the hair just below your skin so you won’t feel any stubble.
2. 
   2
   You’re less likely to nick or cut yourself when there are more blades. When you push down on your razor, your skin bumps up between and around the outside of the blades. With fewer blades, your skin bumps up higher, so you’re more likely to accidentally nick yourself. Having 5 blades spreads out the pressure to help keep your skin flat while you’re shaving.
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3. 
   3
   Razors with 5 blades stay sharper longer than single-blade razors. Every time you shave, your hair causes the blades to chip and dent. Dull blades are more likely to cause irritation, so you’ll want to replace them for a clean, smooth shave. Since you have 5 blades, you can usually get a few additional uses from your razor rather than only using them once or twice.
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Question 2 of 7:

What are the downsides of using a 5-blade razor?

1. 
   More blades make each razor more expensive. Disposable single-blade razors tend to be pretty cheap for a large pack and typically equal about $0.50 USD per shave after you use them. Multi-blade razors are usually sold in smaller packs for a higher price that comes to a value of about $1 per shave.

   • Overall, you’d probably get a similar number of shaves from a 12-pack of single-blade disposable razors and a 4-pack of 5-blade razors.

Question 3 of 7:

Do 5-blade razors cause ingrown hairs?

1. 
   Yes, some people still get razor bumps and irritation because of the blades. Razor bumps are just another form of ingrown hairs after you shave. Since a 5-blade razor cuts your hair below the surface of your skin, you could risk the hair curling back into your skin and causing a painful bump.

   • Some people say that exposing yourself to more blades could also increase your risk of cutting or nicking your skin.
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Question 4 of 7:

Does the number of blades on a razor matter?

1. 
   If you like a close shave, stick to a 5-blade razor. You can use any type of razor no matter where you're shaving on your body, but your skin will feel the smoothest with more blades. However, everyone has different skin and hair types so try a few different razors out to see what feels the most comfortable for you.

Question 5 of 7:

How do you properly shave?

1. 
   1
   Wet your skin and hair to help soften it. Avoid shaving when your hair and skin are dry since the razor could scrape across your skin or pull your hair. Rinse the area you’re shaving with warm water to get rid of any excess oil and dead skin that could clog up the blades.

   • During or right after a shower are perfect times to shave.
2. 
   2
   Apply shaving cream to get a closer shave. You can use either foaming or gel shaving cream. Start with a fingertip-sized amount and rub it into your hair. Leave the shaving cream on for at least 2–3 minutes before you start shaving to make your hair softer and easier to cut with your razor.

   • Avoid letting your shaving cream dry out before you can shave. If it does start to dry, apply a little bit more before shaving.
3. 
   3
   Pull the razor across your skin in the same direction as your hair grows. Start by pulling your skin taut so you have a flat, smooth surface. Start your razor just above the section of hair and apply gentle pressure. Drag the razor following the direction of your hair in short strokes to cut your hair down to the skin. Rinse your blades after each swipe so it doesn’t get clogged with hair.

   • If you’re shaving your legs, then start at your ankle and guide your razor in the opposite direction of your hair growth.
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Question 6 of 7:

How do I avoid irritation when I’m shaving?

1. 
   1
   Only shave over an area once. The more you go over your skin with a razor, the more likely you are to cut or irritate your skin. Pull the razor over your skin in a single pass and work slowly so you don’t miss any stray hairs.
2. 
   2
   Use light pressure as you’re shaving. Pushing the razor down hard against your skin will get you a closer shave, but you’ll also start scraping the blades against your skin. You could cut or nick yourself, but it also could lead to razor burn and irritation later on. Only press hard enough so the razor trims your hair.
3. 
   3
   Rinse your skin with cold water to get rid of inflammation. When you’re finished shaving, it’s normal for your skin to feel a little inflamed since you were dragging a razor over it. Just splash some cold water or hold a cool compress against your skin to help bring down any irritation.

   • Finishing up with a moisturizer can also help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
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Question 7 of 7:

How many shaves can I get from a 5-blade razor?

1. 
   Throw away disposable razors after 5–7 uses. As you use a razor more, the blades start to get dull and they could snag on your hair instead of cutting it. If your razor doesn’t feel like it’s gliding smoothly over your skin or you notice that the blades look really dirty or clogged up, throw the old blades away and put in a new cartridge.

   • Keeping your razor in the shower can actually make it develop rust faster. Keep your razor dry and put it away when you aren’t using it.

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do you prevent knicks and scratches when you're shaving with a 5-blade razor?

  

  Juan Sabino
  Professional Barber

  Juan Sabino is a Professional Barber and the Owner of Juan's Barber Shop, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Juan has over 20 years of male grooming experience and over eight years of professional barber experience. He specializes in combovers, barber fades, and tapers and is focused on improving men's overall wellness.

  

  Juan Sabino

  Professional Barber

  Expert Answer

  This is one of those things that's just going to happen periodically. The best thing you can do is lather up thoroughly before you shave. That's going to keep the blade lubricated and your hair soft as you're shaving.

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• Question

  Do I need to clean my razor in between shaves?

  

  Juan Sabino
  Professional Barber

  Juan Sabino is a Professional Barber and the Owner of Juan's Barber Shop, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Juan has over 20 years of male grooming experience and over eight years of professional barber experience. He specializes in combovers, barber fades, and tapers and is focused on improving men's overall wellness.

  

  Juan Sabino

  Professional Barber

  Expert Answer

  Yes. Even if it doesn't look dirty. You can use a sanitizer, like Andis Cool Care, or some alcohol. If your blade isn't clean, it could actually cause the blade to catch and rip your pain out painfully, or knick your skin.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

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Tips

• If you normally get razor bumps, try shaving every day rather than letting your hair grow in. That way, your hair doesn't have a chance to grow out and curl back into your skin.
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Warnings

• There hasn’t been a lot of objective scientific research about shaving since the studies are usually sponsored by razor manufacturers and the results could be biased.
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• Avoid using razors that are blunt or dull since you’re more likely to get nicks or irritation while you’re shaving.
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