Do we really need multi-blade razors?

This article is written by Craig the Barber and was originally posted on http://www.themensroom.com

Ever wonder just how many more blades can possibly go across your face before your razor will be considered a weapon?

Well, we are up to 5 blades, the Gillette Fusion, or the lesser priced alternative M5 Magnum from Rite Aid drugstore. Both seem to be getting mixed results from my clients. Here is the skinny: multiple blades have a lift-cut system. This system is designed to lift and cut each hair multiple times (depending on the number of blades) during each stroke.

The Gillette Fusion blades are 70% closer then the Mach 3 blades, making each stroke seem like a single blade going across your face.

Now, do I think that these multiple blades are a gimmick? Yes and No. The Yes is because with proper preparation, you will yield a great shave even with a single blade razor. I believe multiple blades are the real reason more and more men suffer from irritation (i.e. ingrown hairs and razor bumps).

Using multiple blade razors cause your hair (in most cases), to be cut below the skin line. When hair is cut below the skin-line, the hair has difficulty finding its way out of the skin, causing razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

This is commonly realized by men who have wavy or curly beards (80% of US pop.). These beards grow out of the skin anywhere from 0 – 40 degrees. So shaving your beard below the skin line would be the root of your ingrown and razor bump problems.

My No answer is brief. The clients that I have encountered, that truly see the benefit of 3-5 blades are the men who have tough or coarse beards. These blades seem to decrease the number of times they have to shave each week. The only thing is that most men with tough beards tend to have softer skin. So a consistent shave regimen with superior shaving products would be ideal.

Note:
If it is not 100% necessary, stay away from shaving against the grain, this process also cuts your beard hair below the skin line.