How to Shave With Baking Soda

This seems like an odd idea, I know, but it really is true that baking soda has a million and one uses! This method of shaving (not my own creation, but i don't know who's) has worked better than any other way I've ever tried. I tend to get a closer shave with less irritation, and get to save money on razors, shaving cream and after shave! I think the whole concept is based around the baking soda removing the oils from your skin and facial hair which allows the razor to cut better and last longer while doing the same job as your after shave by lessening irritation and preventing oily skin caused by most shaving creams.

What you need : baking soda, hot water, a razor and, of course, facial hair.

What you don't need : shaving cream or after shave

My razor is a disposable that has lasted over a month of daily usage thanks to this new method. I used two a week with shaving cream.

Step 1: Rinse Your Face

First, rinse your face with hot (or at least warm) water to get open up your pores and clean off dirt, sweat, oil, etc. I guess this probably also helps the baking soda go on easier, but who knows.

Step 2: Apply the Baking Soda

Pour some baking soda into the palm of your hand. you really don't need too much, so I think I went a little overboard in this picture. Just add a little hot water to the baking soda and mix it into a thickish paste.

Rub the paste onto your face (where there's hair!) very thoroughly. The grit of the baking soda is a great exfoliant and will help prevent those gross little white heads that come up after shaving sometimes. Don't rush to get it off because it is sucking the oils out of your hair that would otherwise make the hair harder to cut and dull your blade. It feels kind nice, too.

Step 3: Time to Shave!

Rinse ALL of the baking soda off your face with some more hot water. Make sure you get it all off because it is fairly painful if you slip and cut yourself and it gets in. The box says "warning: no internal use" on it also....

Start shaving! I prefer to shave against the grain to get a closer cut, but some people disagree. This part is up to you.

Step 4: Kiss Your Wife or Girlfriend!

Rinse off all that cut hair (duh) and you've got a nice, close shave! I find this particularly effective because I can shave five days in a row and have a clean shave each time. I can only get a clean shave if I do it once every two or three if I use the typical products.

Also: I don't look all that clean-shaven in this picture, but I assure you, my wife did not fend off my kisses afterward. Smooth like baby skin!