The Importance of using a Pre Shaving Oil during Wet Shaving

The Importance of using a Pre Shaving Oil during Wet Shaving

Pre shaving oil is a mix of vegetable oils or essential oils which is applied to the skin before a shaving cream in an effort to achieve better shaving results. Such results include the avoidance of razor bumps and skin irritation by providing the much needed lubrication between the skin and the razor blade. Human beings have used vegetable oils and animal fats as shaving lubricants for many centuries. Although the practice has evolved into the additional application of shaving cream or soap after the initial application of shaving oil, there are still a few men today who shave exclusively with oil.

How Shaving Oil prevents Razor Bumps

Razor Bumps are an unpleasant condition that affect many shavers. They can be terribly uncomfortable in addition to being a visually unpleasant.  However, razor bumps can be prevented by the use of shaving oil which is a solution men who have sensitive skin have been using for years. Applying a thin layer of pre-shave oil helps to soften the hair so your blade cuts through it easily without pulling at the follicles and irritating them.  This pull is what creates the razors bumps. It also enables the blade to glide smoothly over the skin, thereby avoiding the irritation of the skin for people with sensitive skin types.

Men with sensitive skin benefit the most from the use of shaving oil. If you have sensitive skin like many people do, you will discover that there truly is a difference between using a pre shaving oil versus not using one at all.  One of the many reasons why there has been a spike in demand for pre shaving oil is due to men demanding clear skin and no red irritation marks post shave.

Applying pre-shave oil helps to reduce ingrown hair because the razor cuts the hairs cleaner. Ingrown hairs occur mostly because they have been cut at an angle. This cutting at an angle happens only when hair gets pulled by a razor before being cut. Such a scenario is not possible after the application of a pre-shave oil. Pre-shave oils help to reduce irritation of sensitive skin (razor burns) because the razor blade has lubrication to glide on.

How To Use Pre-shave Oil

The number one complaint people have against the use of pre-shave oil is that it clogs their razor and stops them from getting a clean shave. Another complaint is that shaving oils are difficult to wash off from the face after shaving. The simple solution to avoiding such complaints is to buy a good quality pre-shave oil which should have a thin consistency.  This will ensure that the pre shaving oil comes off easy with warm water.

You begin your shaving session by either wrapping your face for a few minutes in a towel dipped in warm-to-hot water or by starting your shave after a shower. Now that your pores have been opened by the heat and your hairs are starting to soften, you apply just a few drops of your pre-shave oil to the palm of one hand and rub it together with the other palm. It is important to note here that you do not need excessive oil.  You only need to create just a thin film of oil across the area you plan to shave. So use your two oily palms to massage the oil across your face, making sure it is not too thick. After this massage, you can now go ahead and lather up.

Recommended Pre-Shave Oils

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave Oil - SandalwoodTaylor of Old Bond Street – Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil

This sandalwood pre-shave oil from Taylor of old Bond street is one of the finest pre-shave oils from one of England’s finest brands of gentlemen’s essentials. Use this to protect your sensitive skin from aggressive razor blades and avoid irritations and bumps.

 

 

Col Conk Pre Shave OilCol Conk Pre Shave Oil

This Pre-shave oil from the Colonel Ichabod Conk is another fine product from another reputable brand of gentlemen’s essentials. Use this shaving oil to save yourself the agony of razor bumps.

 

 

BAUME.BE Pre Shave GelBaume.Be Pre Shave Gel

Made from the finest ingredients, the Baume.Be pre shave gel is similar to pre shaving oils but with a lighter texture that doesn’t incorporate the oily substance.  This is the best alternative if you want a pre shaving solution but refuse to use an oil.

 

 

 

Why a shaving kit is best when starting out with wet shaving

Why a shaving kit is best when starting out with wet shaving

A shaving kit is a collection of wet shaving items that incorporate all the necessities needed when just starting out in the wet shaving journey. A wet-shaver usually requires more than one item for any shaving session. It is often best to have a shaving brush, a shaving soap or cream, a bowl, a razor and blades, depending on the type of razor. It makes sense to purchase them all as a kit, especially when you are first starting out, because you get the recommendation of what works well from a specialized grooming company. The fact is, most people begin their wet-shaving journey by starting with a kit which they can add products to as they progress. There are quite a few benefits of buying your shaving gear in a kit. Let us cover a few of them here:

shaving kitCheaper Price
When buying your shaving kit in a set, you will pay less overall than if you were to buy the individual items separately.  This is true on our website, OriginalShaveCompany.com, which rewards customers for purchasing/bundling items for a lower price.  If price is a big deciding factor for you, you are definitely going to want to pay attention to the “Bundle & Shave” kits since you get the most bang for your buck with these packages.  Not only do you pay a lower price for the products but  you also save on shipping and handling since you are bundling your items as one order instead of purchasing one item at a time.

Ease of Purchase
A shaving kit simply makes it easier for you to purchase all the items necessary for wet-shaving. Without the offer of a shaving kit, you would have to source and buy each item separately. For a beginner to wet shaver, this could be a very tedious task. Having to sort out different items that you may or may not be familiar with makes it a frustrating buying decision. Buying a shaving kit removes that frustration by giving you options on choosing from a pre-selected criteria which is guaranteed to please your wet shaving senses.

Design
If you buy different items from different manufacturers, chances are that you may end up with so many different items that simply do not look good together or work well together. Buying a custom created shaving kit on the other hand can solve this problem. There are kits where the stand, brush, razor and even bowl all share a basic design that makes you feel good by just looking at them because it is a beautiful sight and they are all consistently presented for daily use.

Quality Test
There are shaving sets that come with multiple variations of replaceable items like safety razor blades, soaps and shaving creams. This makes it possible for a beginner to sample different products from different manufacturers and to possibly find his brand for a particular item. You may appreciate one manufacturer’s quality from another.  Purchasing one of our customizable bundles allow you to choose your manufacturer across all product groups.

Build Your Own Bundle Kits

There are also wet-shaving kits that allow you to put together your own kit. The way this works is that you get to decide if you want a straight razor or a safety razor kit, or maybe a mach3 razor kit. Then you choose your soap or cream and choose the razor blades where applicable. Then a stand, brush and bowl. There are also kits that offer just a razor, a brush and a stand. You ultimately have the flexibility to purchase only the brands and types of shaving needs you want and not be forced to purchase useless grooming products which will only collect dust.

 

Here are 4 recommendations from the Original Shave Company

Col Conk Badger Brush & Merkur Safety Razor Set
Col Conk Shave kit

Col Conk Badger-Brush & Merkur Safety Razor Kit

This set is a combination of products from two well known names in the shaving world, Colonel Ichabod Conk and Merkur. It combines a Merkur’s Safety Razor with a Col. Conk’s badger brush, Merkur blades, a drip stand, the Col’s soap and a black apothecary mug.

 

 

Build Your Own Bundle - Straight Razor Package

 

Straight Razor Bundle Shaving Set

This package allows you to design your own shaving set which will include a straight razor, shaving brushes, pre-shave and after-shave essentials, soap or cream, stand e.t.c.

 

 

Edwin Jagger Mach3 Razor Set S81M71611
EJ Shave Kit

 

Edwin Jagger Mach3 Razor Shaving Set

This kit combines a faux ebony Mach3 shaving razor with an Edwin Jagger pure badger brush and a nickel plated stand that compliments the nickel plated mach3 razor.

 

 

shaving kit
Shave kit

Build Your Own Safety Razor Shaving Set

This package will be perfect for you if you are into safety razors but you want to build your own bundle and select individual items according to your taste. From razors, to soaps, creams, pre- and after- shaves, it’s yours to design and combine.

Conclusion

It is always cheaper and safer to buy your shaving items in a set, especially for the first timer who wants to experiment with different shaving products. Leverage our expertise and get your  pre-selected shave kit today.  As times goes on and you gain more experience, you can add additional shaving essentials to your daily routine and make shaving a task you look forward to every day!

Build Your Own Bundle – Mach3 Razor Package

Build Your Own Bundle - Mach3 Razor Package

Exclusive to the OriginalShaveCompany.com, you can custom design your very own bundled package and have the combination of perfect men essentials which include but is not limited to Mach3 razors, shaving brushes, pre-shave essentials, shaving creams/soaps, after shave essentials and much more!

For men who love the close, convenient shave of a Gillette MACH3 razor, this great MACH3® bundle personalizes and streamlines your shaving experience with elegance. Gillette MACH3® razor heads feature three blades designed to prevent friction and remove hair without irritation. Known for their comfort and performance, Gillette MACH3® razor heads employ comfort guard microfins to smooth skin, ensuring even shaving with less effort. A lubrication strip turns from blue to white when it is time to change blades.

To get started on your custom Gillette MACH3® shaving bundle, simply select the MACH3 razor that calls your name.  With different handle materials and the same classic MACH3 head, you are sure to find the perfect one for you.

Select your shaving brush from brands such as Simpsons, Col Conk, Edwin Jagger and many more. Together, these brands provide options of synthetic and pure badger bristle brushes with handles, quality and accessories suited to your style.Pre-shave gel is a step in shaving many men overlook. But for the best, closest shave, prep your skin and soften hairs using your preferred pre-shave gel by featured brands.

Creating the perfect foam using your hand selected shaving brush and choice of soap, cream, bowl or tube is what you imagined doing when you were a kid. This is the fun part, building a lather to support perfectly executed shaving strokes using your razor.

After shave lotion or balm is the finishing touch for your face after completion of your perfect shave. Select from classic scents and brands known throughout the world as some of the quintessential after shaves.

Finally, drip stands, cologne, alum bars and other accessories are available if you would like to accent your perfect shave with any of these optional items.

If you’re the type of person who wants it all, you have officially found it.  Get a discount on this package by bundling your very own kit which discounts each item below the price of what you would pay if you purchased them individually.  When you bundle, you save.  So what are you waiting for, Bundle & Shave® now!

Keeping Beards Protected From Pests

Dropping food into your beard isn’t unheard of, but it could invite unwanted guests. If you don’t manage it well, your facial hair could be a bug’s next feeding ground.

While it may seem unimportant, beard maintenance can go a long way in deterring mosquitos, flies and other insects. Here’s what you need to know about pest prevention for your beard.

beards

How to Keep Pests Away From Your Beard

Growing a beard comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean — otherwise, you could set up a red carpet for bugs to enter your facial hair. Here’s how to keep pests away from your beard.

Consistent Cleanings

Your beard experiences a lot during the day. Work, exercise, parties and family time can take your facial hair anywhere indoors and outdoors. While showing off your beard is fun, you must clean it consistently to remove unwanted contaminants.

Food, dirt, sweat and bacteria build up inside the hair, even if you don’t notice them. A clean beard is essential to keeping pests out and maintaining good hygiene. Experts recommend washing two to three times a week for beard upkeep.

Routine Trims

A messier beard provides an attractive resting spot for pests. Routinely trim your beard to reduce the chance a bug will set up camp inside. This is similar to cutting the grass in your yard to eliminate habitats for snakes.

If you let your beard grow, you could risk trapping moisture and growing bacteria. Thus, trimming your facial hair is critical to fostering a cleaner environment under your chin. A smaller beard is also easier to clean, letting you spend less time in front of the mirror.

Neutral Scents

Smelling fresh is critical to your hygiene. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and cologne impact how people perceive you. While the scents from these products are great, they could bring unwanted pests to your beard. Research shows carboxylic acid attracts mosquitoes, so refrain from using products with it in your beard.

When in doubt, select neutral scents for your beard care. For example, unscented shaving cream leaves no scent while delivering a fresh feeling. If you like more complex smells, experiment with products to see which ones repel pests better than others.

Careful Eating

When you haven’t eaten in a while, it’s time to chow down. However, overzealous eating can harm your beard if food leaves your mouth. Accidents can happen, so careful eating is essential for beard protection. Sometimes, covering your mouth might not be enough.

Protect your beard by eating slower and taking smaller bites to make it easier on your mouth. Consider using a fork, knife and other utensils instead of your hands to control the food as it enters your mouth. Enhance your beard protection with nearby napkins and wipes to cleanse your face.

Beard Protection

When the ultraviolet (UV) rays are dangerous, people wear hats to protect their scalps. Should you take similar measures for your beard? While there aren’t beard hats, there is some gear to safeguard your facial hair when you walk outside. For example, a beard scarf could be your solution.

Why Bugs Are Attracted to Facial Hair

Why do pests like making themselves at home in your beard? Here are a few reasons they like your face.

Attractive Smells

While bugs may like your artificial scent, there are other natural smells they can’t get enough of. Humans emit carbon dioxide (CO2), thus benefiting plant growth because they need it for respiration. What else has an attraction to this gas? Mosquitoes can sense CO2 from 50 yards away, making it hard to hide.

When bugs smell CO2, it indicates where their next meal could be. Mosquitos use this scent to find your skin, take refuge and begin feasting. While on your body, they find other attractive smells in your beard and take refuge.

Food Search

While humans and insects seem different, they’re both animals at heart. Invertebrates and vertebrates have daily goals to find food. Bugs typically eat plants, but they won’t pass up the opportunity to feast on you.

Beards provide a unique opportunity for insects because the hair traps tiny food particles. While a shower can help the beard, you could be vulnerable to less noticeable messes. Suppose you sweeten Greek yogurt with honey for a healthy snack. The honey could get stuck in your beard and invite bugs for their mealtime.

Temporary Shelter

Shelter is another critical need for insects. If you’re unlucky, they may seek a home inside your beard. Facial hair might not seem large enough for a habitat, but it’s the right size for a tiny bug. Pests see your beard as a refuge from the dangerous outdoor environment where their predators are.

Beards keep you warm during the winter, giving you a natural advantage in the cold. Pests also recognize this opportunity and want to take advantage of it regardless of the season. Research shows insects prefer higher temperatures, so your beard provides the needed spot.

Laying Eggs

When bugs find a safe and warm place, they may see it as an optimal spot for laying eggs. Their spawn needs moisture and warmth inside the egg, so your beard could be a suitable place. Consistent sweat and hot temperatures make your facial hair their next destination.

For example, experts say lice affect up to 12 million people annually, and these tiny bugs can get in your facial hair.

Bacteria Haven

Working hard in the gym or outside means you’ll break a sweat. While it’s a sign of a job well done, the sweat dripping from your face to your beard could bring negative consequences. This fluid contains bacteria that don’t smell great to humans but are attractive to pests.

When you sweat, your body calls pests and tells them to come over. Mosquitos enjoy human sweat because it contains lactic acid and ammonia. Excessive sweat makes it worse, so grab a towel and clean yourself after workouts.