How did the guys back in the day, like the Greatest Generation, achieve those absolutely close and clean shaves? I've seen that a lot of men of my father's generation (50+) and younger, even when cleanshaven, still have stubble--not as a matter of choice but simply shaving. How did the older guys get such close shaves wherein you couldn't even really see any stubble?
Patience, the right technique, patience, the right equipment, patience, a sharp blade, patience, etc.
I also noticed that and have wondered what their secret was. You can really notice close shaves from men in old movies from when films started through like the 50's, their shave is so close that it almost seems that they were incapable of growing facial hair. But i guess because most movies and pictures during that time were in black and white, maybe that has a lot to do with their appearance of having a close shave? But i know what you mean, i want to figure it out as well.......
RY1123, There is a method to a close shave. It's not just one pass. It is two or three passes to get that BBS (baby butt smooth) shave. You need to go with the grain (WTG), Against the grain (ATG) and accross the grain (XTG). You start with your normal pass from top to bottom, then do a pass from bottom to top, and I always do a third, from front to back, gets a little tricky on the neck with a straight! Your hair doesn't grow in just one direction, thtas why the three passes. OH, and also, stretch the skin slightly and it will cut the facial hair off below the skin. Good Luck and Happy shaving!:signs046
I'm sure they got good shaves or had barbers. But I too was thinking, "They're actors,,and actors wear ( especially back then) plenty of makeup" Everyones face looked BBS. Next time you finish shaving, skip the ASB and put on a layer of makeup and see if that shadow doesn't go away.
I'd say practice at technique that fell out of favor among the general populace. For instance if you look at a lot of photos of WWII soldiers they all have nice clean shaven faces as well. Some of it may well by the film used, but it still looks quite nice!
It's 100% make up and camera filtration. The film they used was very, very high resolution. Higher than is normally used now, actually.
