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When It All Began
It all started when early man, prehistoric man, started the task of removing facial hair. The reason he and when he started is not known. Perhaps for appearance, or safety (with the discovery of fire, a hairy face could spell disaster), or an attraction to the opposite gender. No one knows.
Sharpened rocks, bones and clamshells may very well have been used to perform this initial human ritual. The Egyptians, and later Greeks & Romans, shaved their beards and heads. It is not known if this was done to show loyalty to their king or ruler, or because long hair and beard s would interfere in combat.
King Camp Gillette (1855-1932), was using a Star Safety razor when the idea of a disposal razor blade popped in to his head. His razor was a different type of safety razor that used disposal blades. Blades that would not require stropping or hand sharpening and would be disposed of and replaced with a new blade after they became dull.
'Make money by selling a product that is disposed of after use and replaced', a theory that the owner of Crown Cork & Seal Co., instilled into Gillette's inventive mind. So, since that day in 1895, man has shaved relentlessly to improve his appearance by removing facial hair.
Grooming Tips on Shave Creams, Shave Soaps, and Aftershave Balms
Knowing the different scents that contribute to a certain fragrance, may help in determining which is the right choice for you. The right scent in the correct amount may make a big difference in how you are perceived in the business world and in your social life. Too much fragrance can send persons scurrying away.
Notes, what about those 'notes' when describing a fragrance. The 'top note' is the one you notice immediately. The 'middle note' is the scent that appears after waiting 8-10 minutes after first applied to the skin. The 'base or final note' is what appeals after a 30-45 minute wait. It is the lasting or dry-down scent. For additional reading go to Additional Grooming Tips
Shaving Technique Tips
LIGHTING
Begin with good lighting and a fog-free mirror.
PREPARATION
Soak your skin in warm water for a minimum of 2 minutes to expand and soften the hair follicle. We recommend you shave during or immediately after you shower. Do not towel dry area to be shaved.
CLEAN/SHARP RAZOR
Razors differ in quality and effectiveness. Use a premium blade style razor rather than a disposable. A blade style razor will produce a much closer and controlled shave that cheap, disposable razors. Read on for more Additional Shaving Technique
Choosing a Shaving Brush
Don’t always follow in 'dad's footsteps' when it comes time to select a shaving brush.
The main purpose of a shave brush is to transport and incorporate water with the shave soap into a frothy lather that will moisten and soften the beard. How you get this job done with as little effort as possible depends on the quality of the bristle.
There are three types of bristles used in making shaving brushes:
Synthetic bristles, usually nylon, or mixed with boar or badger, do not do a good job of transporting water to the shave soap because the bristles are usually non-absorbent. They are typically stiffer than natural bristle. Due to their stiffness and lack of absorbency, a foamy lather is hard to obtain and is not easily applied to the face. One advantage is that they are easy to keep clean of soap residues and dry very quickly.
Boar bristle brushes are more flexible, but yet, can be a little stiff because they come from the upper back of the animal. Boar bristles may become brittle over time and may result in splitting away with uneven tufts. Overall, boar bristle brushes can do a good job and are in the middle to lower price range.
Pure Badger bristles, especially the silver-tipped bristles, are best suited for the job of incorporating water (very absorbent) and the shave soap into a thick, frothy lather, which when applied to the beard, does the best job of getting the beard ready for a close and comfortable shave. They can tend to be a bit pricey, especially the silver-tipped, but do the job very well and with proper care, can last for years.
Brush care. Your shave brush gets a good cleaning while lathering the shave soap. However, after a complete rinse, the brush usually ends up in the shave mug, bristle end down. Not good! After completing the application of foam to beard, a good rinse with warm water will remove most soap residue. A couple of quick shakes to remove excess water are advised. To extend the life of a shave brush, no matter the bristle, is to let it air-dry, hanging from a brush stand. Do not place the brush, bristle end down, into the shave cup. Proper drying is not accomplished, and the end of the brush will tend to bend upwards.
Additional Shaving Techniques
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Always use hot water before shaving to soften the beard, to open the pores and cleanse the skin
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A pre-shave oil or gel is a great help when preparing to shave as it makes the shave easier and protects the skin
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Use a moisturizing shaving cream and lather for a least 20 seconds
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Ideally, use a shaving brush to lift the beard from the skin and soften the hair
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Use a quality razor with a handle that offers good weight distribution and balance
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Always shave in the direction of the hair growth as shaving against the grain can cause razor burns and in-grown hairs. If the hairs towards the base of the throat are growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the face, ie up wards, you must shave up wards in that area.
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Do not apply heavy pressure to your razor as this can cause razor burn and skin irritation. Glide the razor gently over the face
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Rinse the face with cold water after shaving to assist pore closure
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In the event of nicks and cuts, use a moistened Alum Block to stop bleeding
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Use an aftershave lotion to refresh and tone the skin. Men with sensitive skin should consider using an alcohol free aftershave that contains aloe Vera, mildly antiseptic witch hazel and a light fragrance
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Finally, rinse your brush well, shake out any excess moisture and always hang on a brush stand with the bristle facing down wards.
How to shave with a Classic Straight Razor
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Wash face thoroughly leaving the face damp before you lather
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Lather the face with a pure badger shaving brush and a quality shaving soap or shaving cream. The cream will give maximum moisturizing of the skin producing a fine creamy lather, which softens the beard
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Hang the leather strop on a secure hook or towel rail and pull taut. Use the leather side of the strop first, some prefer starting with the canvas side first. Apply the razor with the blade side facing downwards and push upwards using firm pressure towards the top end of the strop. Rotate the blade with the sharp side down facing upwards and pull down towards the end of the strop. Always keep the blade flat. Repeat the action for approximately 10 times and repeat using the reverse side of the strop
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Place the blade on the face very flat and pull the skin taut at the side of the neck, slide the razor down the face without pressure; repeat this action on all area of the face. Firstly, in the same direction as the hair grows and then against the direction of the beard growth
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Rinse face with cool water, if you should nick your skin use an Alum Block to stop bleeding
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Towel dry your face and apply an aftershave cream or gel, these products have a very soothing effect and replaces skin moisturizers
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Dry your razor thoroughly using a towel on the back of the blade to avoid cutting yourself. Lubrication of the blade and between the handle and blade areas will prolong the life of the razor and help to prevent any rust forming
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Rinse out your shaving brush, shake well and place upside down on a brush stand to air dry.
© 2009-2011 The Shaving Shop
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