Learning the Straight Razor Shave
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Learning the Straight Razor Shave
Compulsory skill for Master Barber licensing exam
FOLLOW THE LINK TO WATCH OUR STUDENTS DEMO THE STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVE ON NEWS 12:
Learning the straight razor shave is both exciting and nerve-racking. For students intending to work in the industry, this iconic skill is required in order to pass the New York State Master Barber Licensing Exam. Bixhorn Tech Barbering teacher James Ricciardo recently took his students through the steps.
To begin, students study the 14 planes in which the face is divided and the three required razor strokes (freehand, reverse freehand and backhand). Students learn to properly hold and move the razor, where to stand and how to position the client’s head to expertly glide the razor over the face.
Prior to practicing on classmates, students train by removing shaving cream from latex balloons with the straight razor, and then by shaving their own legs. “I always have the students wear old clothes when we get to this part of the lesson. At least one student accidentally pops a balloon, launching shaving cream everywhere,” said Ricciardo.
When they progress to working on classmates, hot towels are wrapped around the clients’ faces for several minutes to soften facial hair, open pores, and relax the skin, helping to ensure a close, smooth and irritation-free shave. Everyone uses warm shaving cream to further soften the keratin in the hair so the ultra-sharp razor meets less resistance. The proper prep reduces razor burn and helps minimize ingrown hairs, providing the luxurious and nostalgic experience people expect from this classic service.
Said Ricciardo, “Developing expertise and precision in this area is a career-win since the average person no longer shaves this way. People may attempt to cut or color their own hair with varying degrees of success, but no one takes a straight razor to their face and neck without proper training.”
The Eastern Long Island Academy of Applied Technology, referred to as the Academy, is the Career and Technical Education Program of Eastern Suffolk BOCES and has locations in Bellport, Oakdale, and Riverhead. Bixhorn Technical Center is located on the Bellport campus.
