Wetshaving for the Common Man

Step 4 The second pass

This time you'll be going against the grain, or upwards. It's going to feel a little different than the first pass; less like tugging on the hair and more like tugging on the skin. Technique is more important here than in the first pass, because this is where you're really trying to get every last hair. You might need to press a little harder, but don't overdo it. If your razor is sharp enough it should work just fine.

Work up some more lather and re-cover your face. The idea here is pretty much the same as the first pass, except you're going the other direction. Angle is very important here--if your angle is bad you'll get a bad shave. Remember not to shave upwards on the mustache.

Once you're done, run your hand over your ace to feel for anything you missed. Most likely there will be; I always miss the areas right under my ears. Lather these incomplete places and try again, against the grain, or if that doesn't work, from one side. Don't beat up on these areas too badly if you can't make them perfect--a couple stray whiskers is better than third-degree razor burn any day of the week.

Alright--you should have a shaved face by now. The job needs to be finished, though.