Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving creams for sensitive skin
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have been using the TOBS Jermyn as my first double edge shaving cream and it has been great, lathers well and smells nice. I have sensitive skin and have been looking at some other cream to try. I am not sure whether to try: 1) TOBS fragrance free sensitive. 2) Truefitt & Hill Ultimate comfort. 3) Fjitar Shea butter. 4) Proraso ‘cream’ (not soap). 5) The Bluebeards Revenge.
What would you recommend? Is the TOBS fragrance free more or less the same as Jermyn? Also I have a best badger hair shaving brush, would it be worth upgrading at any point and would I see any noticeable difference?
Many Thanks Aaron”
Jermyn Street Collection Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin (150g)
AARON SAYS
“Mr Horwell,
You have a great kit to start out with. The Jermyn Street cream is well regarded, and if you were wanting to try another that would be compatible with your sensitive skin the Bluebeard’s Revenge and TOBS fragrance free would both be worthy choices. as far as upgrading your brush, that is up to you. The “Best” badger hair grade is considered a medium grade and many men are very happy with their best brushes. If you think you would like to experiment and upgrade then go for it! Most importantly be happy with your choices and pleased with how they give you a shave. Hope you find your best combination possible!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Top shaving tips for an irritation free shave
Jose a Diaz Ocasio, from Puerto Rico, asks:
“I want to get a clean close shave every time I shave. So I was wondering if you can provide me with some useful shaving tips for a clean close shave?”
Shaving should be a pleasure and not a chore
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Ocasio,
I’ve written several articles on this subject, but will try to condense them into a concise answer for you. First make sure you start with a clean well hydrated face. Then shave with a good sharp blade using a good hydrating cream, and I recommend applying a layer of shaving oil first before applying the shaving cream. Once you begin shaving shave first with the direction of growth, then across, then against to get a very close shave. Use some stretching techniques to help get the skin surface as flat as possible. There is a lot more detail and technique that could be gone into, but using these tips should help improve your smooth shaves a lot!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: What is your top lip and under chin shave routine?
John Chapman, from the UK, asks:
“Hi, can you describe your top lip and under chin routine? I’m having difficulty in those areas thanks.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Spanner,
Well, honestly I sport a Van Dyke, so I rarely shave those areas. However, when I do here is what I do. I prep the whole area as usual but on each pass of the upper lip make sure to stretch the upper lip as much as possible, and instead of going directly against the grain go slightly angled. So if north is fully against the grain go northeast or northwest. For the chin tilt your head up, stretching the skin, as well as draw your lower lip into you mouth. This also flattens your chin making it easier to shave. I hope these help!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Top tips on extending the life of double edge razor blades
John Bennett, from the UK, asks:
“Aaron, I have a Merkur safety razor and also a shavette, both with disposable blades. (This is to avoid having to attempt to sharpen a straight razor). When using disposable blades how many shaves should you get per blade? And any tips on how to get the best from them? I usually use the Derby blades.”
We sell a variety of different DE razor blades
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Bennett,
Thanks for your question! Unfortunately the answer is quite subjective. There are many variables on how many shaves a blades lasts and it also depends from person to person.
The best way to know when your blade needs changing is when it begins to pull the hair instead of cut it smoothly. Whatever that point is, whether it be two days or ten, is the time to change blades.
If you want to extend your blade life, swish your razor in rubbing/isopropanol alcohol or take a cotton swab that has been soaked in oil and run it along the blade edge.
This removes the water from the blade edge causing less corrosion leading to a dull blade edge. Try these tips and you’ll see an increase in your blade life!
There is also the option to invest in a razor blade sharpener like the RazorPit.
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to avoid nicks & cuts when shaving with a DE safety razor
Les Edwards, from the UK, asks:
“I have been using Gillette razors most of my life, I have just brought and used for the first time a safety razor which I bought from Boots, to say it was a bloodbath is an understatement, it looked like a suicide bid in my bathroom, I am assuming I did something wrong! Please help!! On the bits that remained blood free, it was the closest shave ever.”
Make sure you use a decent shave cream like Fitjar
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Edwards,
I’m glad you have decided to take the plunge into safety razor shaving!
A few tips should bring you closer to shaving without such a bloodletting. First, shower before you shave, and once you get out apply a good pre-shave cream or oil.
Next use a good shaving cream that is applied with a brush or your hand, not canned, pressurized goo! Third, study the way your beard grows and shave with the direction of growth for a while. You will just want to go with the grain until you master the techniques, it might not be as close at first, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.
Next lock your wrist as your shave and keep the blade angle at approximately 30 degrees.
Fifth, rinse your razor often to prevent debris and lather clogging up the razor.
Lastly, after all this use a styptic pen on any cuts or nicks and apply a good post-shave balm or cream to sooth and tend to your freshly shaven face! Put these int practice and I’m sure your shaves will improve in no time!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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How to style and shape a range of mo styles
Our good friends at Wilkinson Sword have created the essential ‘Mo Styling’ guide for all Mo Bros taking part in the month long charity event.
Wilkinson Sword are sponsors of this year’s Movember campaign.
Mo Styling
Choosing which mo to grow is the first challenge of a new Mo Bro recruit. Check out the 6 custom mo designs below for inspiration. Keep in mind the size of your face – smaller faces need a small mo whereas more striking, larger faces need a more prominent style.
The Rascal
The Rascal
If ‘Danger’ is your middle name, style up this bad boy for a look crafted to roguish perfection.
How to: Grow your mo along the upper lip about 2cm in length. As it passes the edges of the mouth, groom the hair using a trimmer. Allow your mutton chops to flourish so they grow down your face and meet with your sculpted mo.
The Eccentric
The Eccentric
If you’re the off-the-wall life-and-soul, get trimming and create the minimal look with maximum effect.
How to: Precisely sculpt each side of your mo leaving only an inch of hair in the middle. The rest of your face has to be fuzz free, so use a decent razor for the best shave for your skin.
The Connoisseur
The Connoisseur
If you scream sophisticate and scoundrel in one, why not don the best way to finesse your face?
How to: Grow your mo in to a perfect rectangle along the upper lip, using a trimmer to create neat edges. Curl the ends up using your fingers and add a little wax to hold in place.
The Maverick
If you are a bit of a loose cannon then you’ll appreciate the crafted chaos of the marvellous mo on every wanted list.
The Maverick
How to: Grow hair over the upper lip and groom the edges so they finish about 1cm past your lip. Maintain the curved edges regularly and keep the length in check with a trimmer.
The Visionary
If your look and mind are way ahead of their time, shape the only style that can keep up.
How to: Grow the hair long above the upper lip so it can be parted and pulled to either side. Once the hair gets to a decent length maintain the neat edges with a trimmer.
The Visionary
About Movember
Movember is a charity event held throughout November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues. Known as Mo Bros, all participants register at the start of November with a clean-shaven face, then grow and groom their moustaches throughout November, raising as much money and awareness about male health issues as possible.
Wilkinson Sword Classic
As well as producing modern day cartridge razor blade systems, Wilkinson Sword are also proud manufacturers of classic double edge razors.
So if you’re happy in your skin and want simplicity with performance then the Wilkinson Sword Classic is the razor for you. And The Shaving Shack sells Wilkinson Sword double edged razor blades at very competitive prices.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Preparing a straight razor for its first shave
Jason Maloney, from the UK, asks:
“I recently bought my first Dovo of Solingen razor, I’ve also bought Canadian 2500 grit travel stone, and a strop. When I first used my blade I thought it would be like a hot knife through butter, but I found the shave very hard in the aspect the hair on my face was pulling. It felt like the blade was not sharp enough? But there supposed to be shave ready? I also steamed my face so the hair was really soft and I lathered up properly as on the tutorials on Youtube, can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?”
Dovo of Solingen Shavette (Polished Steel Handle)
AARON SAYS
“Mr Maloney,
Despite their claims, most razors do not come shave ready, sadly. I would definitely suggest getting it honed before trying to shave much more with it. If you are going to hone it yourself, read up on it thoroughly and practice practice practice. It’s a difficult art, but very worthy once you learn. You’ll want to get progressively finer stones as well, especially as high as 8000, 10000, 12000 for that fine, sharp edge.
I am a big proponent of preparing your face to shave. However I will caution that you can over-prep with hot water and steam causing your face to be tender. I doubt this was the case from your description, but wanted to provide you with the caveat. I wish you all the best on your straight razor journey!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a Merkur DE razor for normal beard growth?
Chris Phillips, from the UK, asks:
“I don’t have what is called a “tough beard”. I use a vintage Gillette razor now, and want to move up to a Merkur. Is there a Merkur razor which is best suited for a guy with a ‘normal’ beard, offering a gentle, but effective shave, with not much irritation? Thanks, CP.”
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Phillips,
Yes indeed there is! If you’re looking for a great “normal” shave, go for the Merkur 34c “Heavy Duty/HD” razor. It’s a great shaver, with a mild shave that will perform well each time you shave. I have one and enjoy it a lot, and I think you will too.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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How to shave the Bluebeards way!!
The Bluebeards Revenge claims to have finally produced a ‘how to shave’ video that will help men eradicate shaving problems like razor rash, razor burn and razor bumps for good.
The video stars master barber Andy Dunn
According to the popular men’s grooming brand, there is finally a ‘how to shave’ video that is “actually designed for real men, manly men that have suffered for eternity from common and painful shaving irritations like razor bumps and burn”.
Produced by Adelia TV, it stars Andy Dunn, master barber at Tom, Dick and Harrys in Axminster, Devon.
”Andy is what we like to call a ‘real man’; he’s a retained fire fighter, a qualified barber and drives a Harley Davidson,” said Nick Gibbens, from The Bluebeards Revenge – the company behind the video.
“He is certainly someone who recognises the manliest of shaves.”
According to Andy, the perfect shave can be boiled down into four key areas – Prepare, Lather, Shave and Protect.
Prepare:
Use plenty of warm water to soften the bristles and open the pores
Apply the Bluebeards Revenge Pre Shave Oil
Get a feel for the direction in which your hair grows
Lather:
Apply using your fingers or a shaving brush
A shaving brush gives you the best possible lather
A brush lifts your bristles and gently exfoliates the skin
Shave:
Always use a sharp razor blade and use short strokes
Don’t press to hard – Let the weight of the razor do the cutting
Rinse the razor often
Only go against the grain when you have experience
Find the best combination of passes
Protect:
Rince you face with cool water to close the pores
Pat your face dry with a towel
Apply the Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm
You can also visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne9_Npe8Tgs
Ask Aaron Q/A: How many times can you use a razor blade to shave?
Andrew McKean, from the UK, asks:
“How often should you change your blades if you shave 2 times a week?”
Wilkinson Sword Double Edged Razor Blades
AARON SAYS
“Mr. McKean,
Thank you for your question! Changing your blade should happen once it begins to feel dull, regardless of how often you shave. Blades are to be a sharp instrument to reduce the beard growth we have, and when the blade becomes dull it ceases to be useful and should be replaced. Signs of a dull blade can be redness, razor burn, pulling, skipping, and an uncomfortable shave experience. Should you experience this exchange or replace the blade to see if that is the problem. (Most likely, it is!)
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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