How to Use
Shaving shouldn’t feel like a chore; it can be a ritual. Whether you’re new to shave cream or want to elevate your grooming routine, this guide will walk you through how to get the most out of your Wild Fox Rituals shave cream. We’ll cover each step, offer troubleshooting tips, and help you create a smoother, more comfortable shave.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
Why it matters: Cleansing the skin helps remove oils, sweat, and dead skin cells that can clog your razor or lead to irritation.
How to do it:
Use a gentle facial cleanser or mild exfoliator.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water to soften hair and open pores.
Common issue: Dry or tight skin after washing
Fix: Use a hydrating pre-shave oil or splash your skin with warm water before applying shave cream.
Step 2: Apply the Shave Cream
Why it matters: Shave cream provides glide, cushion, and hydration to protect your skin and improve the shave.
How to do it:
Let your shave brush soak in warm water for a couple of minutes then just before use, you want to shake out any excess water. It should be damp but not dripping.
Scoop out a small amount (about the size of a nickel for your face, more for legs, this can vary depending on thickness of your hair and the size of the surface area being shaved).
Now we have a couple of options with the cream you have scooped out.
You can also choose to not scoop out the product and instead load up your brush from the container. This can be helpful if you do not have a bowl. Simply take your damp brush and swirl it in the container until the tips of the brush have enough product on it. Then proceed to lather on the wet surface area you are shaving.
We can push it into the bottom of your shave bowl and start to swirl your brush in multiple swirling directions. You want to do this until your shave cream starts to turn into a whipped cream consistency. Some of the foam may start trying to escape your bowl, use your brush to collect it and keep whipping. Think of the type of foam you would expect from a can of whipped cream. You might need to slowly add drops of water if you find that it is not whipping up enough.
If you do not have a brush you can emulsify it between your hands with dry hands, then massage onto damp skin in circular motions.
Allow it to sit for 30 seconds to a minute on the surface area being shaved to soften hair further.
Common issue: Shave cream feels too thick, sticky or starts to feel dry when shaving.
Fix: Wet your hands and lightly massage more water into the cream to emulsify it. If you are using a brush then apply a bit more water to your bowl and rewhip and reapply with brush to face. Our formula is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. If it feels too thin you can apply a tiny bit more cream to the bowl and continue to whip. Lathering technique takes practice ! You will find what works best for you and your skin as you perfect your method.
Step 3: Shave with the Grain
Why it matters: Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces irritation and the risk of ingrown hairs.
How to do it:
Use a sharp razor (dull blades tug and cause redness).
Rinse the blade after each pass.
Apply light pressure and let the razor do the work.
Common issue: Razor gets clogged with shave cream.
Fix: Add a bit more water or cream to increase slip and reduce the shave cream that gets stuck. Choosing the right razorblade is a big part of having a comfortable shave. There are so many types of razors and blades out there. We would highly suggest looking into what type may be best suited for the shave experience you are looking for. We personally use a double sided razor that we can swap the blades out every time we shave.
Step 4: Rinse and Assess
Why it matters: Rinsing reveals how close the shave is and whether a second pass is needed.
How to do it:
Rinse with warm water.
Reapply shave cream if needed and shave gently across or against the grain only in areas that tolerate it well.
Common issue: Missed patches or irritation
Fix: Don’t rush the process. Always reapply cream before going back over an area. If you’re prone to razor burn, skip the second pass and try again another day. Sometimes depending on where you shave the skin might be more sensitive than others.
Step 5: Finish Strong with Cold Water + Moisture
Why it matters: Cold water closes pores and soothes the skin, while aftershave restores hydration.
How to do it:
Splash your skin with cold water or apply a cool compress.
Pat dry with a clean towel (no rubbing!).
Apply a gentle, alcohol-free aftershave. We also use an alum block to take care of any nicks that may have occurred.
Common issue: Post-shave redness or bumps
Fix: Avoid harsh aftershaves. Look for ingredients like aloe or witch hazel. Our shave cream already includes skin-calming ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation. You want to calm to skin after by using products that you would not find irritating. Alcohol can feel like a burning sensation and a lot of people can find it very irritating. We have used an alum block to close pores and helps with any nicks along the way. It can have a slight sting to it but it will keep everything clean and ensure your pores are closed.
Pro Tips & Ritual Add-Ons
Pre-shave oil: Use on dry, coarse, or sensitive skin for added protection.
Aftershave: After your shave ritual, apply to keep skin smooth and hydrated.
Weekly exfoliation: Helps prevent ingrown hairs and keeps your shave close.
Keep your razor dry: Store it in a dry place to avoid rust and bacteria buildup.
Final Thoughts
Shaving with intention turns a mundane task into a self-care moment. Whether you're going to the office or preparing for your day, Wild Fox Rituals shave cream is designed to support your skin every step of the way.