Ask Aaron Q/A: My shaving cream & soap dries out before I finish shaving
Aaron is asked a question about how to prevent shaving soap or shave cream from drying out before the shave is completed
Paul Martin, from the UK, asks:
“Been double edge shaving for a couple of months now. Still working on my technique and finding the best shaving products to suit my skin type. A problem I have most days is that my shaving soap or shave cream is drying out too much before I finish each pass? This is giving me some problems on the neck and lip which I shave last. Any ideas?”
Shaving cream can dry out before the second pass
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Martin,
First off, welcome to the world of wet shaving! I would make sure you are adding enough water when building your lather, a dry lather will obviously dry out faster than a properly hydrated one, and give problems in those areas.
You can always re-lather those areas before shaving them, to make sure the lather is the best it can be to protect your face.
Also, if you have a fan in the bathroom you might want to try turning it off while you shave, the extra wind will dry out your lather. Hope this helps, and let me know if you still are having trouble and we’ll go from there!
Keep it smooth!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The best ways to lather Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shaving Soap
Aaron is asked a question about the best ways to lather Mitchell’s Wool Fat Shaving Soap
Luke Cressey, from the UK, asks:
“Hello, could you please give any tips on how to use Mitchell’s wool fat hear some people find it difficult to use and any tips on someone new to using shaving soap. Thank you for your time and help.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Cressey,
Yes! Mitchell’s does have the reputation of being a little difficult to lather. For MWF it helps to soak the puck in water while you shower to help soften the soap (roughly 5 minutes or so).
Soak your brush and shake it out well before lathering, the drier bristles will help pick up a bit more soap. Load the brush well with soap, swirling on top of the puck for a good 15-30 seconds.
Try loading the brush upside down as well: hold the soap above the brush and load with the bristles up.
Loading upside down helps to feed soap into the middle of the brush where the lather making magic happens.
For these tips and some great visuals, check out my friend Mantic59′s video on this exact subject. http://youtu.be/_MGLi_m9n_s?list=UUH95TR4r8JNRgLG1T1FVXhg
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How do you get a great lather with a shaving soap?
Aaron is asked a question about the best way to lather a shaving soap
Richard Allison, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, as a recent convert to double edge shaving (and really enjoying it!), I’m interested in trying out shaving soaps instead of creams. I’ve read they are much slicker, which I’d like to experience. At the moment I put a drop of cream in a warm ceramic bowl and work up the lather with my slightly damp brush. How do I use a puck of soap? Do I put it in the bowl and create the lather on top, or do I cover the brush in soap then lather in a bowl? What happens to the left-behind soap if I just leave it on the puck after?”
Using a puck of soap is not altogether very different than a cream.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Allison,
Thanks for a thoughtful question! Using a puck of soap is not altogether very different than a cream. The best method of using soap seems to be loading the damp brush with soap, the building a lather either on your face or in the bowl. Building a lather on top of the puck with continue to use more product which wastes the soap and makes the lather not as effective.
Wet shaving evangelist Mantic59 uses several great techniques in this video which will be very useful as you learn to use soap. http://youtu.be/_MGLi_m9n_s. If you leave the lather on top of the soap it will just dry out and become a film. I’m honestly not sure if it will help with building a lather the next time you shave however my guess is it would not make much of a noticeable help. Thank you. Again for your question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Proraso Shaving Cream: Tub vs Tube
Aaron is asked a question from a DE newbie about Proraso shaving cream and whether it’s better to store the cream in it’s original tube or a tub
Oliver Kenny, from the UK, asks:
“Hi, I am fairly new to shaving cream. I’ve been using an old safety razor I got from my Grandfather but I’ve just been using ordinary shaving gel with it. But now I bought a tube of Proraso from you. I have used a fair amount of it but was told putting it in a tub would make lathering easier. Would you recommend putting it in a tub? Another problem I have is that a barber friend gave me a 500ml tube as a birthday present along with an alum block and some razors. I am worried this is going to go out of date and hard before I use all of it and would putting it in a tub make that worse? As you can probably tell I am new to this whole DE safety razor game, and any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thanks, Oliver Kenny.”
Proraso Shaving Cream Tube (150ml)
AARON SAYS
“Mr Kenny,
If it were me, I would keep the Proraso cream in the original tube. It’s designed to be there and will retain it’s original composition that way, if you were t put it into a pot or tub, unless it was very air tight, it would begin to dry out. Now having it dry out on you would not affect the effectiveness of the product, just make it a little harder to use and lose some of it’s scent. All you need is about an almond sized squirt of cream to whip into some great lather. I have seen pictures of that 500ml tube, and it would take you years to finish it off! It should keep for quite a long time sealed in the pouch. I wouldn’t open it unless you plan on using the large tube or splitting it with some friends. As long as it stays air tight afterwords, it should keep well for quite some time! Enjoy it, Proraso is a great product!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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The ultimate guide to double edge shaving - DE shaving for beginners
Wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger’s simple guide to double edge shaving
Here at Shaving Shack, our mailbox is flooded with gents often complaining, and rightly so, about the high costs of cartridges and asking advice about how to get started traditionally shaving. It is undisputable that shaving with a double edge razor is less expensive than using modern cartridges. Just a simple cost comparison shows that for the same price of a pack of 4 replacement cartridges, you can buy 50-100 double edge blades. We love hearing from you our loyal customers and would like to offer you some practical points on how to get started!
The first place to start would be the equipment: razor, blades, brush, soap/cream, and aftershave. It seems like a lot, but once you get these main purchases down they will last you for many years, decades, or life. As with many purchases start with what you can afford, and as you get used to traditional shaving explore and find which items suit your needs best.
Double Edge Safety Razors
A safety razor will give you a much closer shave than a multi bladed cartridge razor
Your razor should be one with good reviews and from a reputable company such as Merkur, Muhle, Edwin Jagger, or The Bluebeards Revenge. I personally recommend The Bluebeards Scimitar, Merkur 34C, and Edwin Jagger DE89 as great beginner razors.
Shaving Soaps & Creams
The Bluebeards Revenge is one of the best shaving creams on the market
Soaps and creams can be found in a huge variety of scents and flavours. If you know your water type, creams tend to work better in hard water and soaps better in soft water. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and good technique can overcome most water quality issues. Many of the most popular companies to produce soaps and creams are Bluebeards, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Cyril Salter, Mitchell’s Wool Fat, and Proraso amoung many others.
Double Edge Razor Blades
Blades are the most subjective of the wet-shaving experience
Blades are the most subjective of the wet-shaving experience, but it is best to start with a good standard blade and as your technique improves, then find a blade that more suits your face. Some of the most popular blades are Derby, Feather, Personna, Shark, and Wilkinson-Sword.
Shaving Brushes
A shaving brush can improve the overall quality of a shave
An overwhelming variety of choices can be found for the shaving brush, with the hair type being the most obvious. Choices of boar bristle, badger hair, and a variety of synthetics are available on the market. If your convictions lead you to stay away from animal products, you are in luck as many advancements in recent years have led to great strides in synthetic fibers being able to function as natural hair. The Men-U brushes have received rave reviews in their ability to hold water and produce good lather. The Bluebeards Vanguard brush should also be a good bet to try as well. For a natural hair brush, boar bristle brushes tend to be less expensive, but perform well. The Semogue 830 and 1305 are quite popular, as is the Vulfix Grosvenor, and the Bluebeards Revenge Dubloon. The badger hair brush has been used for many many years, and is the most desirable. It has a superior water retaining quality, softness on the face, and a superior lathering ability. There are many to choose from and a few recommended would be the Bluebeard Privateer, the Kent BK4, Simpsons Duke, with Plisson being the cream of the crop. As mentioned above buy the best you can afford, the quality will reward you with a better feel, and longevity.
The Perfect Shaving Routine
Shaving with a double edge safety razor should be a pleasure and not a chore
To perform the shave, first shower or hold a hot wet towel to the face; this softens the outer layer of hair allowing for an easier cut. Prepare the brush by soaking it in water, then gently shaking the majority of the water out. Gently press the tips of the brush into the cream or soap gathering enough material to shave with. Lather your soap in a bowl or on your face using a whipping motion and adding water as needed to create a thick lather that resembles whipped cream or meringue. Holding your razor against the face an an approximate 30 degree angle, shave with as little pressure as possible in the direction of hair growth. Remember to use short strokes and rinse the razor often. After you have completed the first pass, re-lather and shave across the direction of hair growth, then rinse the lather from your face. After rinsing apply your choice of aftershave, whether a balm or alcohol based splash.
Shaving Tips
A few tips as you improve your technique: keep your wrist locked and use a whole arm motion, a pre-shave oil will help those gents with tougher beards to retain moisture and provide glide, leaving 2-3 days between shaves gives the skin rest and leaves longer hair to shave. With these general gear guides and tips we hope you will have the information to choice your equipment well and have a fabulous shave!
If you have any questions for Aaron please submit them here.
Ultimate shaving guides
> Safety razor buying guide – How to choose the right DE safety razor
> Preventing, treating & curing: Razor burn, redness, shaving irritation, bumps & ingrown hairs
> How to care for a shaving brush – Top tips for maintaining your shaving brush
> An easy step-by-step method for getting the best lather out of shaving cream
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”
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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Shaving Shack products shortlisted for coveted grooming award
Three popular Shaving Shack products have been nominated for a coveted men’s grooming award.
The Bluebeards Revenge’s beard-reducing shaving cream and the Men-U shave cream have been shortlisted for best shaving product in the Lookmantastic Hair and Grooming Awards 2012.
The Men-U Facial Moisture Lift is up for Best Moisturiser.
The public have until June 19th to vote for their favourite products, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in London on July 11.
The Bluebeards Revenge and Men-U brands are no strangers to winning prestigious awards and accolades. The Bluebeards “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor was named the winner in the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for best wet shaving razor.
The brand’s shaving cream has also picked up two About.com awards and was shortlisted for a Pure Beauty 2011 grooming gong.
Men-u scooped an FHM award in 2004 for best wet shave product.
VOTE FOR OUR PRODUCTS BY CLICKING HERE.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Products to fight razor rash & burn & shaving spots
David Mahood, from UK, asks:
“I have just found this site. I am a professional person and need to shave once, maybe twice each day. I currently use Mach3 blades and sensitive shaving foam or gel. My problem is that I suffer really bad redness around the mouth and chin which quite often results in spots after close shaves. Can you recommend any products that will help or relieve my symptoms?”
Aaron suggests using a single bladed razor like the Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Mahood,
Welcome to our site! Glad that you have been able to find us. As one who also works in a professional environment, I understand your dilemma. The first thing I would recommend is using a good post-shave balm. The ingredients in the balm will help to moisturize and heal your skin after shaving, and reduce the redness and burn.
Secondly you ought to try a pre-shave oil under your shave cream. The oil adds an extra protective layer that increases slickness and moisture to your shave.
If you are willing to go even farther down the rabbit hole I would suggest that you reduce the number of blades you shave with, and consider using a single blade safety razor such as many of the Merkur, Edwin Jagger, Parker, and Bluebeard’s razors we have here on the site. Along with this I would use a good quality cream and brush. These products are meant to give a comfortable and close shave without the irritation that occur by using the canned cream and gel products.
For creams I would recommends any Taylor of Old Bond Street, The Bluebeard’s Revenge, Proraso, Cyril Salter and many others here on the site. If you would like any more assistance or help in taking the plunge with traditional wet-shaving please feel free to contact us here and we’ll be glad to help! Thanks for your question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving creams and soaps perfect for heavy, thick stubble
Joe Rennie, from UK, asks:
“Hi there, needing a bit of advice on recommendations. I have heavy and thick stubble and for ten years I had used a shaving oil with Zirh shave cream due to its thick and creamy consistency, unfortunately I’m finding it harder to source Zirh these days and was wondering if there are alternatives out there that will match it? I’ve tried some other makes and all seem very thin in comparison, which doesn’t give a good shave on my heavy stubble. Would I be best opting for a traditional soap or another cream. Like I say I have fairly sensitive skin and need a product that matches the thickness and consistency of Zirh shave cream, any suggestions? Many thanks Joe Rennie.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Rennie,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but from my understanding the Zirh line of products has been discontinued, which is why you are finding them harder and harder to locate. For a thick brushless cream I would suggest you look at Baxter of Calinfornia, Barc, Pacific Shaving, or try some other creams such as The Bluebeard’s Revenge which can be used both with and without a brush. These all have that thick, protective cushion you’re looking for. Going with a soap would be a good alternative too. Mitchell’s Wool Fat shave soap is most excellent as also are the Bluebeard’s, Tabac, Truefitt & Hill, Irisch Moos, and Edwin Jagger amongst others. There are definitely some great products out there I hope this gives you some idea of the alternatives you can find!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Upgrading my shaving kit, what should I invest in?
Chris Walker, from Hungry, asks:
“Hi there, I was wondering what next to invest in to upgrade my shaving kit? I currently own 2 DE razors (A Merkur 11c and a Muhle 89R) and these are great but I have a very cheap drugstore brush and cream. Which would you recommend buying first? A quality shaving brush or quality shaving cream to upgrade?
Many Thanks, C.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Walker,
I would recommend upgrading to a better cream next. Using a better cream will much improve your shave and you can still use the inexpensive brush for quite some time and still get good results. I would suggest you try Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Edwin Jagger, Truefitt & Hill and many others you will find here. Good luck and enjoy the new cream!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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