How to choose a shaving foam or gel

If it’s a super smooth blade shave that you’re after, step away from the soap. Most contain large amounts of foaming agents and fragrance that can dry and irritate your skin. Your best bet is to use a shaving gel or foam. They act as a barrier between your skin and the blade to protect you from razor burn and lift up each hair, so you can catch more of them close to the root. 

Choose your weapons 

The decision between foam or gel all comes down to personal preference, but there are differences between the two. A shaving foam creates a light lather and is easy to rinse away. A shaving gel creates a richer lather that offers more “lift” while serving up a bit more glide to reduce razor burn. It does, however, require a bit more rinsing, so it’s not ideal if you have a need for speed. 

There are other things to consider too. If you have sensitive skin, any shaving product that contains menthol – the active ingredient that create that cooling, “tingly” feeling – could cause redness. Another drying and potentially irritating ingredient you don’t want sitting high up on your ingredients list is alcohol. 

Smooth operator 

When it’s time to shave, Sorbet Man’s Barber Seb says the difference between a good shave and a great one is all in the prep, which is why he suggests you use a pre-shaving oil. If you massage it into your beard and leave it on for at least a minute, it’ll do a brilliant job of softening the hair, making it easier to cut. “You can then apply your shaving foam or gel and the oil will cushion the blade on the skin to prevent razor burn and nicks,” he says.

Once you’ve finished shaving, Barber Seb suggests you apply an aftershave that contains moisturising and calming ingredients like glycerine and aloe to hydrate and soothe your skin. Again, you want to avoid menthol and alcohol if you’re the sensitive sort. 

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