Ask Aaron Q/A: Preventing ingrown hairs on the cheek
Cos DiLuca, from the UK, asks:
“Since I’ve started using The Goodfella Chrome Safety Razor with Israeli Made Double Edged Razor Blades or Feather blades, together with Truefitt & Hill shaving creams or Taylor of Old Bond, I start getting in-hair growth on the cheeks. I’ve tried several things to prevent this, but none of them have worked. Can you suggest anything please?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr DiLuca,
Ingrown hairs are a common problem and can be quite painful. Try shaving only with and across the grain, and not against the grain. Against the grain cuts the hair the shortest and if you have curly hair or hair that grows very parallel to the skin’s surface this can cause the sharpened hair to grow underneath the surface. Also use a facial scrub to help bring the ingrown hairs to the surface and then a aftershave balm to keep the skin moisturized and soft. I hope this helps!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Advice for a double edge shaving novice
Clive Badger, from the UK, asks:
“Hello, I’m wanting to get into using safety razors as I have an issue with razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. I’m curious as to what razor is good to start with? I’ve been looking at the Merkur Futur. Any advice or recommended products for start to finish would be excellent.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Badger,
We are glad to hear you’re ready to take the plunge into traditional shaving! There are truly a plethora of products for you to chose from. The Futur is a wonderful razor and a great shaver. If you like it, I do highly recommend it! As for creams any cream by Bluebeard’s, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Cyril Salter, Proraso or D.R. Harris will be well worth investing in. I also recommend using a good face wash or scrub to prepare your face and beard. To finish your shave use any number of the aftershaves, especially aftershave balms, listed here on the site. Again, welcome, and enjoy!
Best of Shaves!
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.”
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.”
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”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Should I upgrade my DE safety razor this Christmas?
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have been DE shaving for a couple of months or so now and getting on a lot better. I use an Edwin Jagger basic-ish DE razor (think it’s the 29L or something, only cost about £20). I am thinking of upgrading my razor at Christmas but not sure what to? Would I be just best stopping with my current razor? I have sensitive skin and use Taylor of old Bond st ‘jerym’ and an Edwin Jagger best badger brush. Currently using derby razor blades.”
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Horwell,
I’m a pretty firm believer in the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when it comes to things that are currently working. It sounds like you have a nice set-up that is working well for you. However, I do also encourage you to experiment and explore. You might find something that works even better for you. If you are looking to upgrade your razor, I think the the Merkur Progress would be a great next step razor. It is adjustable allowing you to customize your shave to your face and how the shave is feeling that day and is a great razor for experienced shavers. Some others you might want to contemplate trying are the Merkur Futur, the Edwin Jagger Chattsworth, the Bluebeard’s “Scimitar” and the Parker 90R. If you’re feeling really adventurous try the Merkur Slant. These would all be good upgrades and worthy razors to try!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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American Crew lands at The Shaving Shack
American Crew has landed at The Shaving Shack
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are now stocking the American Crew range of luxury men’s grooming and shaving products.
American Crew are one of the world’s leading men’s grooming brands, and they are dedicated to producing the finest salon-quality products for the stylish men.
We have carefully selected the best shaving products from the American Crew range and they have arrived just in time for Christmas.
Prep your skin for a great shaving experience with this American Crew lubricating shave oil. This oil will soften your beard and nourish your skin to help prevent any irritation.
After you have applied the pre-shave oil, its time to coat your facial whiskers with the American Crew non-foaming shaving gel. It’s carefully formulated to create a light gel that will help you razor glide over your skin for the closest of shaves.
If your prefer shaving cream to a shaving gel, then don’t worry as we are also stocking this moisturising shave cream. Its herbal-based formulation is rich in vitamins and powerful antioxidants. The cream provides a great protective barrier for your skin whilst preventing any razor drag.
Finish your shave in style with this luxurious post shave cooling lotion. We highly recommend it as its formulated with active minerals that help inhibit inflammation.
Browse The Shaving Shack’s full American Crew range by clicking here.
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