Ask Aaron Q/A: Skin irritation and razor bumps on neck

November 23, 2012 · Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Shaving Tips · Comment 

ask aaron 420 Ask Aaron Q/A: Skin irritation and razor bumps on neck

Aaron is asked a question about combatting shaving rash and bumps on the neck

Gavin James, from the UK, asks:

“I have a Merkur 34C and have been using Taylors shaving cream and a badger hair shaving brush. I’ve tried numerous different blades but still get terrible rash around the neck and then little spots a day or two later. The hair on my neck just doesn’t seem to want to play nicely. Normally I shave in strokes towards to the ground on my neck then stop about half way and then go upwards. The rash can also last this long. An electric razor just makes me sore for ages and doesn’t cut nicely. It’s also the same with any supermarket sold razor. I’ve tried them all. Would this Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream make that much different? What blades would you recommend for the very sensitive. Please help me be as smooth as a baby’s bum.”

Ingrowing hairs are a major problem for men

AARON SAYS

“Mr. James,

I completely understand you frustrations, the neck for me is the hardest area to shave and if I’m not careful I get rash and bumps too.

The first thing I would advise is looking which direction your hair grows in this area. Once you determine which direction the hair grows, I would suggest shaving on first pass with the grain, and then across/perpendicular to the grain. Shaving against the grain is difficult at best, and can cause irritation.

The next technique I would advise is to stretch the skin taught (but not overly tight!) creating a more flat shaving surface. This also makes reaching those pesky neck hairs easier. The last thing I would advise is using an aftershave balm. Keeping moisture on and in the skin helps the skin stay healthy and lets the hair grow out easier, especially if trying to grow into the skin.

Hopefully these tips will help you on your quest for the “Baby Bum Smooth” shave you’re looking for! Please let me know how they work!

Smooth shaving!
Aaron”

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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a safety razor & a shave cream for tough beard growth & sensitive skin

ask aaron 420 Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a safety razor & a shave cream for tough beard growth & sensitive skin

Aaron is asked to recommend a safety razor and a shaving cream for tough beard growth & sensitive skin

Luke Cressey, from the UK, asks:

“Hello again, I have a tough beard and sensitive skin, and was wondering what safety razor do you recommend that I try? I have never used a safety razor before but have a Bluebeards Revenge disposable blade cut-throat razor but never was quite sure what the correct angle is to use it and pressure. Does a safety razor do these for you already? I know there is some technique to it, and I know it takes time so I was wondering if you could please tell me which one you recommend and where do I go to find the info I need. I learn much better by watching than reading, especially when it comes to shaving. Thank you for taking the time to read this email it is much appreciated. Because I have a tough beard should I stay away from shaving creams that don’t lather directly on the face to safe the heat and moisture? Thanks again”

f1316c6381e889b809e4d2585943d389 Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a safety razor & a shave cream for tough beard growth & sensitive skin

The Merkur 38C Barberpole is a heavy duty, long handled razor

AARON SAYS

“Mr Cressey,

I’m glad you are considering a safety razor! I understand your position, as I too have a tough beard and sensitive skin. I recommend the Merkur 34c, the Muhle 89, the Bluebeard’s “scimitar”, the Edwin Jagger DE89, or the Merkur 38c “barberpole”. These are all great introductory razors. They do not set the angle for you, that is part of the technique you have to learn, but they are certainly more forgiving than a cut-throat or straight razor.

To answer your shaving cream question, I would stay away from canned foams and gels that use aerosols and other propellants. These contain large amounts of preservatives and chemicals that can dry out your skin and contain lots of air. I do recommend using a good cream or soap that using water to activate and can be used with a shaving brush (although many you can bring to a lather with just your hand too).

It sounds as if you might be a visual learner and to learn more by watching I highly recommend my friend Mantic59′s Youtube Channel. He has wonderful tutorials and does a great job explaining and demonstrating technique. Also look for videos by geofatboy, Lynn S. Abrams, and many others. The more you can watch the better idea you will have how to do it yourself.

This is quite the lengthy answer, I hope it gives you good information! Please contact us with any other questions you may have, and Happy Shaving!

Aaron”

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Ask Aaron Q/A: Merkur 34C vs Muhle R89 - Which one is the best?

November 8, 2012 · Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors · Comment 

ask aaron 420 Ask Aaron Q/A: Merkur 34C vs Muhle R89   Which one is the best?

Aaron answers a question about which safety razor is the best, the Merkur 34c or the Muhle R89

Billy Stewart, from the UK, asks:

“I am ready to purchase my first de safety razor and have decided on a choice between Merkur 34c and the Muhle R89 which would be the best? Unless you can recommend something else?”

e88b4fdf55c026717fba8f67e49e3572 Ask Aaron Q/A: Merkur 34C vs Muhle R89   Which one is the best?

The Muhle R89 safety razor

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Stewart,
Congratulations on your first safety razor purchase! Honestly the Muhle 89 and the Merkur 34c are both great introduction razors and you would do well to purchase either one. I personally started with the Merkur 34c, but know many others who have started with the Muhle. The choice is yours, choose which one seems to appeal to you most and welcome to the safety razor club!

Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”

Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?

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James Bond ‘Skyfall’ Boosts Cut Throat Razor Sales By 405%

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shaving retailer reports sharp increase in cut throat sales after 007 gets the shave of his life

The Shaving Shack, the UK’s leading online retailer of premium shaving products, has attributed the latest James Bond movie for a whopping 405% increase in sales of cut throat razors.

During a scene in Skyfall, British actress Naomie Harris gives 007, played by Daniel Craig, a close shave using a cut throat razor, whispering in his ear “sometimes the old ways are the best” as she performs the shave.

And The Shaving Shack says this intimate shaving scene is the reason for the dramatic sales surge over the last five days.

007 has inspired men to embrace the cut throat shave

The online retailer has also seen a 123% increase in web traffic since the film was released in the UK on October 26. Traffic from Internet searches for “cut throat razor” and “straight razor” have soared by a staggering 735% over the last five days, the firm added.

Nick Gibbens, The Shaving Shack’s Brand Director, believes Bond’s legendary style and iconic status have inspired men to try out a new method of wet shaving.

“Bond fans have an emotional attachment to 007, they love his Aston Martin cars, Omega watches and dinner suits. So it comes as no surprise that they have jumped on his love for cut throat razors.

“These luxury, old-school razors range in price from around £60 up to £300 so it’s fair to say that Bond fans are spending big to ensure they look as clean cut as 007.”

But Bond fans that can’t splash out up to £300 on a razor are instead opting for a cut-price shavette - a close relative to the cut throat razor with the difference being that the blades can be changed. Sales of shavettes on The Shaving Shack website have risen by 509% since the release of Skyfall, with bumper sales of the budget £9.99 Bluebeards Revenge Shavette.

The Shaving Shack says it’s delighted to see an increasing number of men ditching the multi-bladed cartridge razor in favour of a straight but they are also keen to point out the increased complexity of a cut throat shave.

“Shaving with a cut throat razor is certainly one of life’s pleasures as it will give you the closest possible shave. But it does take time to master the technique and you’ll certainly need a steady hand and plenty of practice,” said Mr Gibbens.

“We strongly advise that all men take the time to read up on the correct technique.”
-Ends -

Notes to editors
For more information, please contact: Nick Gibbens on telephone 01752 898191 or email [email protected].

About The Shaving Shack:
The Shaving Shack is one of the UK’s leading online retailers of high quality wet shaving accessories. The firm stocks high end razors, shaving brushes, double edge razor blades, shaving creams, soaps, bowls, pre-shave lotions and gels, alum bocks and aftershave lotions. Leading brand names featured on the website include The Bluebeards Revenge, Merkur, Cyril Salter, DR Harris, Tabac, Truefitt and Hill, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Kent and Parker.

More information can be found at http://www.shaving-shack.com.

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Shave like James Bond (007) – Top tips for the perfect cut throat shave