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Teaching Son To Shave

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cupofjoe04
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9:12a, 5/26/25
AG
Ok OB Dad's,

My son turns 13 tomorrow. He is already almost as tall as me (I'm a shade under 6'), and I recon he will need to learn to shave this summer before he goes back to school. I was much more of a late bloomer than he is, so this is a bit of a surprise.

I would love to hear y'all's advice and tips on teaching a son to shave. I was never sat down taught, I just figured it out at some point (don't really remember). I've never used anything other than a cartridge safety razor and various cheaper electrics. I had someone recommend starting them "right" and teaching them to use a double edge safety razor while they are young and it is easy. I'm not sure if that is arrogant hogwash, or decent advice.

What say you gents? How did you start your boys out? My gut says don't overthink this one.

Thanks in advance

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Deerdude
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9:55a, 5/26/25
Go online to Merker and buy him a kit with brush, cup, soap, razor. I got this for son and SUL a few years ago for Christmas.
I don't agree with the choice of blades in the commercial but love the line, "Respect the process."
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goatchze
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In reply to cupofjoe04 • 10:05a, 5/26/25
AG
cupofjoe04 said:
Ok OB Dad's,

My son turns 13 tomorrow. He is already almost as tall as me (I'm a shade under 6'), and I recon he will need to learn to shave this summer before he goes back to school. I was much more of a late bloomer than he is, so this is a bit of a surprise.

I would love to hear y'all's advice and tips on teaching a son to shave. I was never sat down taught, I just figured it out at some point (don't really remember). I've never used anything other than a cartridge safety razor and various cheaper electrics. I had someone recommend starting them "right" and teaching them to use a double edge safety razor while they are young and it is easy. I'm not sure if that is arrogant hogwash, or decent advice.

What say you gents? How did you start your boys out? My gut says don't overthink this one.

Thanks in advance



I switched to the double edge safety razor and a "hot" or "wet" shave (I.e. cup and brush) about 20 years ago. I wish I had learned about it when I was a teenager. I always had problems with skin irritation, razor burn, etc. until I went old school.

Pros:
Better shave.
More comfortable shave.
Way cheaper.
The weighted head of the safety razor can make learning easier IMO.
You feel good afterwards.

Cons
It does take a little bit longer, but not a whole lot.

Steps:
1. Get water running in the sink as hot as it will get (our heater is at 130f)
2. Take a wash rag folded in half/thirds and soak the center of it with that hot water.
3. Immediately apply to face. Cover multiple areas where you will be shaving, focusing more on sensitive areas like the neck. Your face should be just slightly red but obviously not burned.
4. Soak brush in hot water, shake off a little of the excess, make lather in the cup, apply it to the face.
5. Stop up sink to fill with hot water.
6. Hold head of razor in hot water to warm. Using very gentle pressure, shave. I go against the grain and have never had problems. Others may disagree. Every 3-4 strokes, shake razor head in hot water to re-warm and clean.
7. When done, jump in the shower and let hot water hit face.

I haven't had skin irritation or the need for aftershave for two decades using this procedure. It is how I will be teaching my boys when they come of age.
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Aquin
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10:06a, 5/26/25
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Deer dude is absolutely right. Merkur is the right brand. If you buy a cheap razor the blade will shift causing all kinds of nicks and cuts. Most teens have skin issues. A safety razor will work to his benefit because it helps to remove dead skin etc. Be sure to use some beard oil…2-3 drops. It helps the blade to slide. Change the blade when it gets dull. One of my friends hated to shave because it "hurt." Turns out he used the same blade for months. Lastly spray the razor with alcohol after using. Not really to sanitize it but it helps evaporate the water on the blade. Water and left over soap dull the blade. For shaving soap try Taylor of Old Bond St. Amazon sells it.
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Mark Fairchild
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In reply to goatchze • 10:09a, 5/26/25
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goatchze: Howdy, only double edged safety razors when I started, I must be very religious because I was a blood offering every time I shaved!
Gig'em, Ole Army Class of '70
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MaxPower
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In reply to goatchze • 10:18a, 5/26/25
Agree with this. The only thing I'd add is teach him to change blades regularly. When I was younger I would be cheap (or lazy) and didn't do this often. It simply isn't worth it.
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goatchze
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In reply to MaxPower • 11:09a, 5/26/25
AG
MaxPower said:
Agree with this. The only thing I'd add is teach him to change blades regularly. When I was younger I would be cheap (or lazy) and didn't do this often. It simply isn't worth it.


Good point! I used Israeli personas for a while, I think they moved the manufacturing to Germany more recently. But at 10-15 cents each, it's not as painful to replace as the Gillette cartridges!

I replace my blade once a week on Sundays. That's 6 shaves as I don't shave on Saturday typically.

One other thing to add, if you go with the brush, you really do need the stand to let it hang and dry out. Don't just set it bristles up on the counter. Go with a good brush with natural bristles; don't go with a cheap one with plastic bristles.

It's more upfront cost, but a) it makes it a gift/treat, and b) the cost will be made up within a year basically.
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ktownag08
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11:39a, 5/26/25
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I have daughters, but if I had a son, I'd buy him a Henson. Complete game changer for me and no longer have irritation issues on my neck.

1) Take a hot shower
2) Get a decent shave cream. I like Cremo.
3) Use Henson and don't push hard. Just let it glide.

Profit
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mtv97
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12:45p, 5/26/25
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https://www.stirlingsoap.com

Check out Stirling Soap if you haven't. Even if you're going to go the cartridge razor route, this soap wont screw up his skin. Commercial shave "gel" (they can't call it soap because it legally isn't) is really hard on your face skin. I had terrible acne in high school until I switched to wet shaving with a DE razor and it all but went away. Stirling is the best value in shaving IMO. Top of the line performance, tons of scent options, reasonable priced, and made in America.
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Gunny456
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12:48p, 5/26/25
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Wow. Guess I been doing it wrong for many years.
I simply wet my face with warm water. Apply Gillet shaving cream out of the can and shave with a Gillet razor with three little blades in it. No cuts, no irritation and I have never owned aftershave in my life.
Cupo, I wouldn't spend much time on it with him anyway…..as just about every male I know under 40 is too damn lazy to shave everyday. That's why they run around with week old non shaven stubble or beards.
They blame it on " style". I blame it on laziness.





I kid.
TAMU Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences

"Boat Racing is like a beautiful woman.... expensive, high maintenance....... but well worth the fun!"
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maverick2076
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12:59p, 5/26/25
Www.badgerandblade.com

Teach him how to do a proper 4 pass shave. His skin will thank you.
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Charismatic Megafauna
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In reply to Gunny456 • 1:04p, 5/26/25
AG
I'm with Gunny, forget this hipster silliness. This is a high school kid who's gonna be rolling out of bed throwing on jeans and a T-shirt and running out the door. He ain't got time for a hot shave ritual. Gillette Mach 3, with the grain then against, and done
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AggieOO
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1:06p, 5/26/25
I just use a beard trimmer with no guard. It's probably been a couple decades since a razor touched my face. I'm lazy.
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RikkiTikkaTagem
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2:09p, 5/26/25
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The trick is to be so manly that the facial hair you do grow can be shaved off with a month old Gillette in the shower without any shaving cream at all even after a week of not shaving.
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Texarkanaag69
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3:12p, 5/26/25
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This is from an old cheapie: I get the Art of Shaving, Sandalwood on line. It comes in a plastic container with soap so I no longerafter 40 tearsuse my grandfather's cup. The brush I have I got at a Kerrville Art Fair a bunch of years ago and it is still ticking. After I shave with a safety razor I rinse off the brush under cold water to get the soap out then shake out the water left in it and stand it up to dry. Now the cheap part: I use the blades mentioned earlier above but while the dry blade is still in the shaver I strop it ( like you would a knife) on a piece of leather or denim about 10 strokes a side and I get more mileage out of one blade. But I now mostly use the Harry's brand throwaways with the same shaving cream and brush.
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MRB10
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3:24p, 5/26/25
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As someone who grew up on a normal cartrige/disposable, tried the safety razor/brush/soap, and went back... I'd give him a sensitive skin shaving cream(Nivea Men is my go to) and some three blade razors and show him how to shave with the grain, behind the jaw/ears, etc. and not over think it.

The safety razors, brush, and soaps are fun but aren't necessary. I honestly find the disposables as the best bang for the buck vs the handle with all the tech and reupping the cartridges.
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MRB10
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3:28p, 5/26/25
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Or just give him a Bowie Knife and let him learn how to sharpen a blade + shaving with one swing. My grandfather used to tell me that if you knick yourself shaving and don't draw blood then the knife needs to be sharpened.
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goatchze
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In reply to Charismatic Megafauna • 4:01p, 5/26/25
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Charismatic Megafauna said:
I'm with Gunny, forget this hipster silliness. This is a high school kid who's gonna be rolling out of bed throwing on jeans and a T-shirt and running out the door. He ain't got time for a hot shave ritual. Gillette Mach 3, with the grain then against, and done


Hipster? Pffft. This man would like a word:

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ldg397
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12:28a, 5/27/25
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I used cartridges for 30 years and shaving cream. Went to wet shaving a few years ago best thing. I even shave on the weekends now and enjoy the old school process.

I have a Rockwell 6s which I highly recommend very smooth with the right blade (nacet) and very good for beginner. Then get him an old school Gillette fatboy nothing gives me a closer shave than that.

Simpson beaver shave brushes are also amazing.
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CashinOut
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1:47a, 5/27/25
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Make sure he remembers which one he uses on his face and which one he uses on his….
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Scruffy
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6:09a, 5/27/25
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Forge a birth certificate and enlist him in the Marine Corps.

Let them teach him how to shave, make his bed, clean his room, and they can deal with his hormones and mood swings while going through puberty.
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Kenneth_2003
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6:23a, 5/27/25
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Don't forget Gillette forgot what a man was a few years ago...

Also for the double edge safety blades, there's a line of products carried by HEB that are very good at a fraction the price of the high end blades and blades holders. Orange packaging, sorry I'm at Heathrow right now or I'd check.

But you can buy their mug, soap, brush (the brush needs work), and a quality clamshell holder at a fair cost of admission.
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Slicer97
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6:57a, 5/27/25
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Shave Secret shave oil. About $5 for a bottle that'll last a couple of months. Available at HEB and Walmart and made in Cuero.

Soap and hot water rinse to the area you're going to shave (or when you get out of the shower), 3-4 drops of oil, get to work. No need for cream or shave soap. Great stuff.
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chickencoupe16
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7:06a, 5/27/25
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Phillips One Blade and be done. Impossible to cut yourself, no need to get wet and messy, and the least irritating shave I've ever experienced.
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Canyon99
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In reply to Kenneth_2003 • 8:21a, 5/27/25
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Kenneth_2003 said:
Don't forget Gillette forgot what a man was a few years ago...

Also for the double edge safety blades, there's a line of products carried by HEB that are very good at a fraction the price of the high end blades and blades holders. Orange packaging, sorry I'm at Heathrow right now or I'd check.

But you can buy their mug, soap, brush (the brush needs work), and a quality clamshell holder at a fair cost of admission.


Van Dee Hagen razor and blades. That is what I've used for a while now and it works well. My go to shaving "cream" is just Dove sensitive skin soap.
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insulator_king
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8:27a, 5/27/25
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I used an electric razor , started off with a Norelco from my grandpa. Used a remington in the Navy.

Now I grow a beard. Simplest thing ever.
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TRD-Ferguson
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8:37a, 5/27/25
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I agree with the Merkur/DE shaving suggestions. Add a can of Barbasol and he's good to go. With the grain, against the grain and done. Just as fast as a disposable but much closer, less irritating shave.

I'm almost 70 so too old to be a hipster!
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Deerdude
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In reply to TRD-Ferguson • 9:13a, 5/27/25
TRD-Ferguson said:
I agree with the Merkur/DE shaving suggestions. Add a can of Barbasol and he's good to go. With the grain, against the grain and done. Just as fast as a disposable but much closer, less irritating shave.

I'm almost 70 so too old to be a hipster!


Wrong, I've been to Austin. Anybody can attempt hipster.
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Gunny456
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In reply to Deerdude • 9:20a, 5/27/25
AG
I think there is a distinct difference from being a " hipster" and " old hippie". Two different species maybe?
Think the latter is what lives in Austin. Especially in tents.
TAMU Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences

"Boat Racing is like a beautiful woman.... expensive, high maintenance....... but well worth the fun!"
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VP at Pierce and Pierce
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In reply to ktownag08 • 10:15a, 5/27/25
ktownag08 said:
I have daughters, but if I had a son, I'd buy him a Henson. Complete game changer for me and no longer have irritation issues on my neck.

1) Take a hot shower
2) Get a decent shave cream. I like Cremo.
3) Use Henson and don't push hard. Just let it glide.

Profit
So you bought a Henson and some blades, correct? How often to you change the blades? I have been shaving for 20 plus years and I hate it. I currently use 2 blade cheap ones and discard after each use, when I actually shave with a razor which is a few times a year. I have intense facial hair so I usually use the electric razor with no guard and have no issues with my skin. But with a razor if I shave twice in a few days my face looks terrible.
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Jason_Roofer
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10:23a, 5/27/25
I would start him on a cartridge razor and shaving cream in a can. Don't make this process difficult. I am a DE/brush guy, and I know Patton is manly and not a hipster, but he didn't have the option of modern technology.

There is plenty of time to get into the whole fancy system. This is my opinion. Just...don't make it hard. If you are worried about cuts, starting him with a Merkur HD is probably not the best route, especially if you don't use one and know how to wield it.

This is a kids first shave. He does not need 'against the grain'. Just shave and be done. You could waft a tub of Nair next to his face and the hairs would melt off. Don't go nuts. His skin is not going to be tough enough to run a moderately aggressive blade like a Merkur on more than once. This is why i suggest any cartridge razor...Gillette, Schick, whatever.
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ldg397
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10:27a, 5/27/25
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I used a different razor but I change my double edge razor blades out after three shaves. I have a pretty heavy beard and very sensitive skin.

I prefer a mutton based soap and actually shaving every day seems to help. If I let it grow several days I get more irritation when cutting the longer hair.

Pick a handle Henson/Rockwell/Merkur etc but don't quit after the first shave because likely the blades they send you with them are crap. There are a hundreds of different blades and I can suggest some that work for me but you will just have to try them and see which one works best for your face in your handle. When you find the right combination in my experience you won't have an irritation issue. If you try wet shaving once with a random combination of handle and blade you are going to hate it.

I like permasharp, nacet, astra sp and feather blades. The first three you can get for about $15 per 100. It is a lot cheaper than cartridges which is why gillette now sells only cartridges. Now you get to into the brushes and soaps you will end up spending more money than cartridges and barbasol.


In my opinion you can't get a better handle than a old school gillette adjustable fatboy,they were like $2 when they came out in the late 50's and early 60's now they go for $40-$50 at antique stores or ebay.
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Hwy30East
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10:44a, 5/27/25
Cup, if you really want to get into old school shaving with your son, try this website.

https://sharpologist.com/

It's run by an Aggie, that is also on Texags as Mantic59.
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ktownag08
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In reply to VP at Pierce and Pierce • 11:38a, 5/27/25
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VP at Pierce and Pierce said:
ktownag08 said:
I have daughters, but if I had a son, I'd buy him a Henson. Complete game changer for me and no longer have irritation issues on my neck.

1) Take a hot shower
2) Get a decent shave cream. I like Cremo.
3) Use Henson and don't push hard. Just let it glide.

Profit
So you bought a Henson and some blades, correct? How often to you change the blades? I have been shaving for 20 plus years and I hate it. I currently use 2 blade cheap ones and discard after each use, when I actually shave with a razor which is a few times a year. I have intense facial hair so I usually use the electric razor with no guard and have no issues with my skin. But with a razor if I shave twice in a few days my face looks terrible.


Change blade every 4-5 shaves.

I also have an electric razor I travel with for work and is a good option to start someone on. I get a good shave beginning of week with Henson after not shaving over weekend then just touch up with electric during week.
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KALALL
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In reply to RikkiTikkaTagem • 11:44a, 5/27/25
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RikkiTikka summed up my routine. There's no hair to clean up if you shave in the shower.
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