Thanks!!

Gillette Pro Glide is the most comfortable and easy to use razor I own. I've got several Merkur razors that I'll use on occasion over a weekend, but they can't touch the Gillette for comfort and ease. They both get my skin perfectly smooth. The trimmer blade is significantly easier for getting under the nose than a double edge

Charismatic Megafauna said:

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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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I agree. I would support a good cream though ( I use Cremo) and encouraging him to change blades when dull. My boys all started in high school but just knocking of the occasional Speedy Gonzales. I do see more "man-boys" in hs these days but Id guess most are still going to have very soft light growth.

I look like I'm 12 but with wrinkles when I shave, so I keep a short beard for the time being until it would benefit my career to start looking younger than my age.

In the cadet corps I would use a generic 2 blade razor and hot water with, then against the grain every morning and rarely got called out for any stubble.

I learned with a generic 2 blade razor and a can of red barbasol. The night before my freshman year of high school dad called me over and said "That looks terrible, go to my bathroom and shave that off before you go to bed tonight."

But now, on the rare occasion I need to be clean shaven, I have a safety razor, brush, and just use some of the fancy goat milk soap my wife keeps for hand washing in the bathroom. New blade each time since it's probably been several months since my last shave.

Grow a beard like a real (homeless) man!!!

I used to go with the old school safety razor (I forget the blades) with the Musgo Real cream and Osage rub afterwards but have had a beard for probably 10 years now. My oldest will be 15 in July and despite being 6'1" 205 barely fuzz on his upper lip yet. I'll teach him to shave properly in time but for the foreseeable future I'll just have him use a beard trimmer with no guard.

My 17 year old shaves when he "has to" ie whe. His momma tells him to.

I've had facial hair for 95% of his life so I don't really care much so long as it's kept neat and appropriate.

His school however has a mustache only policy and we have a new principal next year and something tells me she will keep closer tabs on the guys.

I bought my son a Harry's razor so we could share blades (I shave my head semi daily so we go through quite a few)

While I do have an antique safety razor that I enjoy using I'm not prepared to rake it across my head.

AgGrad99 said:

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Teenage boys will have acne when they start shaving. Get them an electric shaver and be done with it for now.

Teach them how to shave with a razor in a few years.

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Yep.

A Norelco can do their face and white walls.

I 100% support the double blade razor and Merkur is good.
However I prefer my Henson Shaving razor.
I use easy-to-use Proraso Shaving soap and it whips up really good, and a Simpson's brush

Rockwell 6s + Stirling Soap + Gillette silver blue blades

I've also been impressed with the leaf thorn for something more similar to a cartridge

Hell I didn't know that. I'll at least change the cream.

dr_boogs said:

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AgGrad99 said:

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Teenage boys will have acne when they start shaving. Get them an electric shaver and be done with it for now.

Teach them how to shave with a razor in a few years.

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I can't believe we are 2 pages in and it took this long for some sanity to surface. Most teenage boys sleep late and don't care about appearance very much. They want something fast and easy. Electric is the answer given their complexion and amount of mature facial hair. For street credit…. I have a 14 yr old in the house.

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What he's going to use daily and what you want to teach him on can be two different things.

Some dads get sentimental with it and want to make it a memory they have with their son.

My dad pointed me to the sink and told me to grab a new razor.

I used disposable razors and didn't get acne. Granted, I showered after I shaved, washed my face, and sweat out any dirt that might have been in my pores during practice after school.

Electric probably works too.

amateur gene ecologist said:

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dr_boogs said:

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AgGrad99 said:

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Teenage boys will have acne when they start shaving. Get them an electric shaver and be done with it for now.

Teach them how to shave with a razor in a few years.

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I can't believe we are 2 pages in and it took this long for some sanity to surface. Most teenage boys sleep late and don't care about appearance very much. They want something fast and easy. Electric is the answer given their complexion and amount of mature facial hair. For street credit…. I have a 14 yr old in the house.

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What he's going to use daily and what you want to teach him on can be two different things.

Some dads get sentimental with it and want to make it a memory they have with their son.

My dad pointed me to the sink and told me to grab a new razor.

I used disposable razors and didn't get acne. Granted, I showered after I shaved, washed my face, and sweat out any dirt that might have been in my pores during practice after school.

Electric probably works too.

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I've never used an electric razor but my choice for the immediate future appears to be either beard or use an electric razor while I'm on blood thinners because of large blood clot in my leg. Two or three months would be okay, but I've known others with DVT who had to take blood thinners for very long times.

Whatever type of razor you use make sure it's sharp.
When done use an aftershave. It's an antiseptic and will save you many small nicks, ingrown hair issues down the line.

Lots of advice on equipment but little on actual technique.

My dad used electric razors so that's what I learned on. I hated them, but I was scared of blade razors. I shouldn't have been. I strongly discourage the use of electric razors at his age and under your supervision. He can get one later after he learns the blade and shaving cream approach.

I think the best way to learn to shave with a blade razor is to get a pack of Bics that have the cap on each razor. Also get some foam shaving cream. Have him lather his face with the cream -- more for demonstration purposes, then use the Bic with the cap on it to "shave." MAKE SURE he's going in correct and easy motions. This is a training wheels approach, if you will, but I think he'll get his confidence up just a little. Then, have him lather up again and, with the blade exposed, gently shave the side of his face near the ear and hair line. This is the straightest part of the face and most forgiving. Then, the other side. Then the smooth sides of his face. Only when he gets some more confidence should he attempt to shave his chin, around his jaw, and his neck. Bics may be junk -- I don't use them -- but they aren't useless. I think starting out they are more than worthwhile.

Honestly, the worst case scenario is he has a cut or two. It might sting a little, but we've all survived. Plus, the cuts will heal within hours, if not minutes unless it is a real slice -- and he can prevent that if you teach him right. I wouldn't even worry about "face juice." Maybe a little anti-bacterial soap and some hot water on a gentle wash rag on any nicks, and then leave it alone. Your face is so close to your heart, good blood gets there to heal things fast.

Finally, I've never had any luck with safety razors. Perhaps he will and there's nothing wrong with trying that after he gets some confidence with the Bic. Just be aware that trimming under the nose will be tough for most and impossible for the rest (like me).

I get the "don't overthink it" crowd and agree to an extent. However, my recommendation on razors is the latest generation of Gillettes. Yeah, I don't like the company either, but their product is far superior to Harry's and the like regardless of what anyone tells you. I've used these things daily for decades, tried them all, and my beard is rather coarse. For lighter beards it isn't as big of a deal but if it gets thick, you want a good product. The knock-off razors just aren't that regardless of claims. As far as lube, I now use Tree Hut Moisturizing Shave Oil and have for about 3 or so years. It is BY FAR the best shave gel I've used, and I've used them all (trust me). You can get it on Amazon or at Target (or you could). Prices may vary wildly, however.

I've got the same thing! Still use a DE safety razor. Very carefully!

I prefer using the brush and shaving soap with the safety razor. It seems it cuts down on plastic waste. However I only have to shave about 2 times per week.

Keep it simple. Either (1) electric or (2) Barbasol foam and 2 blade disposable razors. Throw away the razors every 2-3 uses

JGHag said:

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Recently former teenage boy here. Taught myself how to shave DE and have never gone back. OP's son will probably only need to do it once every other week, but because of how much fun it is to learn to shave as a teenager he will probably find himself doing it every day for a while. At least it was that way for me. Some of you ol ags may have forgotten what it feels like to become a man. OP - make it special and teach him the routine the right way (Double edge safety razor in my opinion), he will never forget it.

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This guy knows how to party!

goatchze said:

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cupofjoe04 said:

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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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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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Hot lather, cold water for the actual shave. Two passes, first with the grain, second against the grain. The res of your tips are spot on

The best advice I ever got was to shave in the shower. Before that I tried everything but always got bad razor burn. When I let the water and soap and steam in the shower soften up the whiskers for a few minutes, it was a game changer.

Would you like the very best tip of all?

If you have a high school boy you need to buy a birthday gift or Christmas gift for, one year buy him a shaving set with a shaving mug/bowl, shaving brush, and a couple of cakes of shaving soap. Even better, include a safety razor, too.

Since I started doing that I've had only one complaint. After I gave these to his kids one Christmas, he said that their shaving kits were much better than his.

I can never figure out what are good gifts to give to older kids (i.e. after they passed the toys stage), but this is a really easy and much appreciated choice.

surfandturfsbisa96 said:

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The best advice I ever got was to shave in the shower. Before that I tried everything but always got bad razor burn. When I let the water and soap and steam in the shower soften up the whiskers for a few minutes, it was a game changer.

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I used to shave before taking a shower, but now I shower, get out and shave, and then get back in the shower to rinse off. It seems to work best if I rub the shampoo into my cheeks and chin and let it rest there a couple of minutes while I wash my hair.

As I previously posted, I use a Merkur razor, Astra blades and Taylor of Old Bond St. soap. But each morning when I grab that tiny one ounce bottle of beard oil that costs $8-15, I know I am getting ripped off. I figure it is vegetable oil plus some kind of scent. I bought a 14 ounce bottle of baby oil for $8…I think. Wow smoothest shave ever and one bottle will get me through a year.

At the time, I gave my son an electric razor and the normal two or three blade manual razor. I like to have both and use both. Nice to have the sideburn trimmer on the electric.

I just use the Shave Secret oil. Works well for electric and razor blades. Works as aftershave too. However, now I usually just dry shave, but I am also not a hairy beast either.