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THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF SHAVING FOR MEN
Written by Samuel Hickey in Grooming on the 5th November 2021
As we approach the winter months and the end of Movember, men up and down the country will be either growing their facial fuzz back out as a kind of insulation blanket or cleaning those moustaches off and going back to a clean shave. There is definitely an art to shaving. A routine which shouldn’t be rushed or skipped in aid of having an extra 5 minutes in bed before work.
Firstly, you should always look to prepare the skin thoroughly before shaving. Softening the stubble will result in a cleaner and more comfortable shave. There’s nothing worse than a razor going across the skin and dragging the hairs from the follicle causing razor burn and irritation. I would always recommend Murdock London Pre-Shave Oil for this step. A combination of almond, olive and wheat germ oils will prepare the face for a clean and sharp shave. Let it soak into the skin for maximum effect.
You should at this point be preparing your shaving brush and razor in a sink of warm water. A warm razor glides across the skin and reduces irritation whilst a wet shave brush will mix up a lather that any barber would be proud of. Don’t be using an old razor blade for the shave either. My razor of choice is a trusty R89 Mühle Traditional safety razor, and I change the blade before each shave. The benefit of a safety razor is the ease on which it can be used whilst being economical at the same time. A consistently sharp shave while not burning a hole in your pocket.
My shave brush is also a vital part of the shave, with an Aesop shaving brush being my personal preference. Once soaked in warm water, flick away the excess and mix your cream of choice into a luxurious lather to protect the skin from the blade. The benefits of using the brush are that it will lift the hairs off the skin for a closer shave whilst also acting as a natural exfoliant. Cream can be applied to the face by hand instead but won’t get the same effect as the use of a brush.
The argument of shave cream or shave soap is one for the shaving purists. Both offer different qualities which attract a different audience. The shave soap - such as the Geo F Trumper Sandalwood Shaving Soap - is a more traditional way of shaving and does require a brush. These soaps last longer and mix up perfectly in the bowl they’re normally purchased in. The shave cream - like the Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood Shave Cream - doesn’t need a brush and can be mixed in your hands and applied to the face, and you can choose how much to mix each time. I would always use a shave cream and a brush for the best shave.
Once the shave is complete, you most definitely shouldn’t just wash the cream off, pat your face down with a towel, and say you’re done! You need to rehydrate the skin after shaving your face clean from hair. Using Hawkins & Brimble After Shave Balm will help to soothe the skin and any irritation you’ve encountered. The mixture of cocoa and olive and almond oils will calm the skin, reduce redness and keep the skin feeling supple.
These steps to shaving will ensure a luxurious and smooth shave whilst keeping your skin looking healthy and result in the perfect clean shave.
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