Best Steps Needed To Get A Close Shave

Close Shave

Best Steps Needed To Get A Close Shave

Looking for a really close shave? Feeling too much stubble right after putting down the razor? Below are some tips for getting your best close shave:

Exfoliate Before Shaving

A great, close shave starts with exfoliation. This is because skin does not feel smooth unless you ensure it is actually smooth at the molecular level. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, leaving baby soft smoothness behind.

There are several ways to exfoliate before shaving. Using a facial scrub can buff away old cells, dirt and oil that hold whiskers down and restrict your razor’s performance. Shaving also exfoliates dead skin cells away. But for a great shave exfoliate first so your razor can do what it is meant to do for whiskers.

Edwin Jagger Shaving Brush - Ebony Best Badger - 1EJ876
The EJ 1EJ876 will prepare you for closest shave

Prepare Well for Your Shave to Prevent Razor Bumps

To get a great shave without razor bumps, prepare for your shave properly. Wash and exfoliate your face and thoroughly hydrate your facial hair with warm water. Spend three minutes applying nicely warmed water to your face to most fully hydrate the hair.

Next, apply a quality shave gel like BAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel. This gel is designed to help the razor properly glide over skin’s surface. It also softens hair and prevents cuts and abrasions. The gel helps hair hold the hydration you just applied, before shaving cream is applied.

Apply an Ample Amount of Quality Shaving Cream

Edwin Jagger Shaving Cream Bowl Sandalwood SCSWUse a badger bristle shaving brush like the Simpsons Berkeley 46 Pure Badger to create a foamy lather from quality shaving cream.

While you prepare to start your shave, fill your sink with hot water. As the sink fills allow the badger bristle shaving brush to soak in the sink so the bristles may absorb warm water. After allowing all excess water to run off the the bristles, dance your badger bristle shaving brush around the surface of shaving cream like Mr. Taylor’s Shaving Cream Bowl by Taylor of Old Bond Street. Use circular motions to create a rich, frothy foam. Apply the foam to your face that has been exfoliated, hydrated and prepared using pre-shave gel.

Use an Advanced Razor for Your Best Shave

The best shave starts with the skin and hair preparatory process. Clearly, however, a quality razor is also an important part of the close shave equation. If you like the convenience of disposable blades, an Edwin Jagger Fusion Razor can provide the convenience of a close shave using a multi-blade disposable with the elegance and experience of a beautifully designed razor.

Shave in the Right Order

To get the closest shave where it counts, save the most aggressively growing areas for last. Start shaving on your cheeks, jawline and neck. Allow extra time for the shaving gel to soak into hair around your mouth by saving that part of your shave for last. This will allow the gel to work its magic on the coarse hairs around this area, making them easier to cut and enabling a close shave.

Derby Safety Razors
Derby Safety Razors Provides One of the Closest Shave

Keep Your Blades Sharp

Most men who use disposable blades use them too long and don’t ever achieve the closest shave. Change blades when you feel any discomfort, tugging or dragging. Inspect your blades before shaving to ensure they appear in good condition. Use them for the amount of time recommended on the label and replace according to those specifications. Even more importantly, do not share your razor. Each person in the household should have their own personal razor.

If you don’t have shaving supplies yet to kick off your wet shaving journey, you may want to consider how choosing the perfect men’s shaving kit might be just what you are looking for.

Choosing The Best Wet Shaving Supplies For Beginners

Wet Shaving Supplies

Choosing The Best Wet Shaving Supplies For Beginners

The definition of Wet Shaving is classified as the process of hydrating ones face with warm water or a warm towel to soften the skin before lathering of soap or similar lubrication is applied. This process is different when compared to non-lubricated shaving because it’s a longer process which provides a unique experience for it’s users. Although the need for a quick trim comes up from time to time, the traditional wet shave is definitely the way to enjoy this routine with patience and time. People all over the world choose this route for the reward of the closest shave possible.  However, what if you need some assistance identifying the best wet shaving supplies?  Let us take a look at some of the common tools involved in wet shaving.

The Basic Wet Shaving Supplies

Most wet shaving kits available comprise of a razor, pre-shave solution, brush, cream or soap and an after shave solution which seals in the final step. Let us take an in depth look at each of these aspects.

The actual tool that cuts the hair on your face and body is classified as the shaving razor. There are many different types which might suit your needs. Some of the most common types of grooming tools is the cartridge, double edged safety and the straight razor. It’s important to educate yourself on the difference of wet shaving supplies so you know exactly what works for you. Let’s take a quick look at each of these so you could determine which one is a right fit for you.

Cartridge Razor

Edwin Jagger Mach3 Razor R71711
Edwin Jagger Mach3 Razor R71711

The cartridge razor is one of the most popular and common choices due to its mass availability and safe design which allows anyone to shave quickly and effectively without worrying too much about cutting themselves. Companies like Gillette and Schick have been producing this tool for many years and continue to introduce new models which are appealing visually and aesthetically. Most cartridge razors have a thin strip which releases a lubricant made from polyethylene oxide onto the skin. This nontoxic solution is not necessary but often used by manufacturers to remind customers to change their cartridge once the lubricating strip, AKA expiration strip, has been depleted.

Edwin Jagger Safety Razor DE87BL
Edwin Jagger Safety Razor DE87BL

Safety Razor

The Safety Razor, although similar to the cartridge shaver, provides a different experience since safety blades do not come with lubricating strips. Grooming yourself with a safety razor has a classic feel and provides a very close trim when performed properly with 2 or even 3 stage passes. The safety blade is back by popular demand due to rising costs with wet shaving supplies. In comparison to the cartridge shaver, the safety razor incorporates blades which run pennies each compared to expensive cartridge razors. Safety Razors are easy to use and have safe shaving functionality with its top and bottom bar holding the blade in place.

wet shaving suppliesStraight Blade

The straight blade is the oldest type of grooming tool available for those who want a raw, old school feel which is not only super sharp but demands a steep learning curve if you are just starting out. The straight blade is not a tool which should be used for on the run, quick shaves. In fact, performing a straight blade shave quickly could cause major cuts/damage to ones skin since these tools do not have any form of safety bar or strip attached. Once the art of shaving with a straight blade is perfected, it is hard to achieve a closer and more satisfying experience with any other tool.

Pre Shave Solution

Preparing your skin before you start cutting away is called the pre shave process. Many consumers have sensitive skin and require the use of a pre shave solution during this process. Most solutions are made of botanical ingredients and essentials oils which are safe on the skin and provide the lubrication needed for your razor to glide across the skin instead of being pulled across the skin. This pull is what creates bumps and cuts which is why many swear by using a pre shave solution.

Simpsons Shaving Brush - Berkeley 46 Pure Badger
Berkeley 46 Pure Badger

Facial Brush

One of the most important parts of the wet shaving supplies requires the use of a brush. This part is extremely important because a shave brush not only massages your skin and prepares your face for the sharp blade, it also stands up the stubborn hair on your body which need to be sliced correctly to avoid downstream irritation and ingrown hairs. Without a doubt, using a shaving brush will provide a closer and cleaner shave so if this is your goal, purchasing one is the best investment for your daily routine. These brushes come in different bristles which include but is not limited to synthetic hair, boar, badger and horse hair bristles. Finding the right one for you might not be as easy as you think. Since different brushes feel different on the skin, you might have to try a few of them before you find your “go to” brush.  Most wet shavers starting out choose to go with synthetic brushes since these brushes work up a lather quickly and don’t require too much effort.  Wet Shavers who are a little more experienced go for the badger brush route which is arguably the best type of hair used for facial shaving.

Creams vs Soaps

Col Conk Lime Shave Soap
Col Conk Lime Shave Soap

Many wonder what the difference is between creams and soaps. The difference is mainly preference and whichever solution you feel great with. Historically, shave soap’s were one of the first types of solutions available but has since evolved with the many different versions of this soap which has transitioned to creams, gels and oils.

One important aspect to keep in mind is that creams or soaps provide the lubrication needed for your razor to glide across your skin but shouldn’t dry your face in the process of it. Many aerosol type creams have a solution called butane in them. Butane could dry your skin and provide more long term harm which is why it is not recommended to use any form of cream or soap which contains this chemical. 

After Shave Solution

Col Conk Unscented After Shave Lotion
Col Conk

Sealing in your shave after all the previous steps have been completed is ideal. Many people swear by splashing cold water on their face after a shave to close out your skins pores. You can enhance this process by using an Alum block. The alum block is generally a clear potassium block used as a blood coagulant. This stops the bleeding of any cuts or bumps if you were too aggressive on your skin. Using an after shave solution is key to moisturizing your skin and keeping you feeling fresh and ready to take on any of the days obstacles so make sure you don’t ignore this step.

Choosing The Right Wet Shaving Supplies For You

Choosing the right wet shaving supplies isn’t something that is achieved overnight and could take a while to perfect. Understanding which shaving essentials work for you is key and what you should focus on during your wet shaving journey. An important fact to remember is to always allow the shaving razor to do the work. Meaning, don’t use excessive pressure when shaving because a sharp razor will cut the growth appropriately without needed force. It’s important to find a shaving store which can provide insight on shaving essentials and tools by answering your questions.  The classic art of wet shaving isn’t for everyone but if you’re ready to take your skin care to the next level, we hope this guide has helped you jumpstart your journey.  As always, please contact us 24/7 with your inquiries on shaving goods and we will reply right away.

Choosing The Perfect Mens Shaving Kit Built To Please

mens shaving kit

Choosing The Perfect Mens Shaving Kit Built To Please

shaving with a straight razorWomen fill their bathroom cabinets, drawers and countertops with treasures of personal care and beauty. In recent years, men have become more personally attuned, seeking to take care of their appearance, almost as much as females. Men’s shaving has again become a very personal time of attention paid to oneself in the mirror, a time of introspection, self-pampering and grooming.

Part of the mansome revolution involves change in the quality of shaving materials and even the shaving process, itself. In decades past, men gave up “old fashioned” implements like safety razors, shaving brushes and foaming cups for quicker processes to just get them out the door.

Build Your Own Bundle - Fusion Razor PackageNow, men enjoy the art of shaving. They enjoy warm shaving cream foamed in a cup, brushed onto the face with the finest boar’s bristle brush. They enjoy the difference a safety razor makes and taking extra time to ensure the best, closest and most self-attentive shaving process. Heck, men even enjoy the swishing of water that rinsing a double-edged razor provides between strokes. This is time to think, clear one’s head and self-indulge.

Along with the romanticization of shaving today as in the Victorian era comes the enjoyment of putting together one’s own mens shaving kit. Your men’s shaving kit is your own answer to a female’s makeup bag, the male version of self-indulgent moments of grooming. Just as much as you deserve self-indulgence, you deserve a well put together mens shaving kit.

What Your Mens Shaving Kit Must Include

There are five primary items to include within your own mens shaving kit. Those are:

Preferred Razor

Choosing the perfect razor for your mens shaving kit comes down to deciding the type of shaving experience you prefer. You may still wish to go with modern convenience of a Fusion razor or a Mach3. You may prefer the vogue, experience and close shave of a safety razor. Or maybe you are a real, old-school shaving aficionado, opting for a sling blade.

Shaving Brush

Simpsons Shaving Brush - Beaufort B1 Pure BadgerPerhaps the most fun to be had in shaving is the brushing on of foam. Quality bristles feel so great against the skin and start the shaving process elegantly and timelessly. Synthetic brushes work great for people who want the experience but not the animal bristles. Badger bristle brushes are available in several forms, including pure, best, super, or silver tip.

Pre-Shave Gel, Oil, Lotion or Tonic

Pre-shaveBAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel skin preparations do exactly what they imply. That is, they prepare the skin and hair for the shaving process. By taking this extra step, your shave will be smoother, closer and more of a complete process. No men’s shaving kit is complete without pre-shave.

Shaving Cream or Soap

Whether you prefer shaving cream or shaving soap, brushing it on provides the full, enriching experience that your grandfather enjoyed each morning.

After Shave Balm, Lotion, Gel or Tonic

Once shaving is complete, nothing wakes your skin up from its warmed shaving pleasure like a good application of after-shave. Of course, your partner loves the fragrance on your skin just as much as you love the tingling that hurts so good.

Other items precious to any mens shaving kit are a quality zippered bag to contain all of your chosen shaving routine implements, a favorite shaving mug for your cream and brush, and a razor stand for the bathroom counter. If putting together your own shaving kit is a bit overwhelming, have no fear: This process is easy, thanks to Original Shave Company and our Bundle & Shave selection process.

What Makes a Good Shaving Set?

Shaving Set

What Makes A Good Shaving Set?

Each morning, millions of men from around the world wake up, take a razor blade and use it to shave themselves before starting the day. The fine art of shaving used to be a laborious but very manly ritual that extended from generation to generation.  However, this wet shaving event has lost some quality and enjoyment due to the proliferation of poor quality shaving cream, cheap razors, razor burn and the pace of our society.

The importance and enjoyment of shaving is not lost though. In fact, shaving is back on track and is more popular than ever with funny commercials from shaving subscription companies who promise you shaves as cheap as dollars a month.

The shaving process is something that should be enjoyed and all you need is a few quality minutes to get a good shave in the morning. This is really possible with an excellent shaving set which includes all the shaving essentials you need.

What Should A Good Shaving Set Comprise Of?

At this point, you are probably asking yourself what a good shaving set is comprised of right?  The main ingredient in a good shaving set is the one that makes it all happen, the razor. Wet shaving razors are made for different shaving experiences and if it is your first time, then you may want to try a few to find one that’s perfect for you. You can get a close wet shave experience with some of the razor choices available which are Straight, Safe, Fusion or Mach3 blades.

Simpsons Shaving Brush - Beaufort B1 Pure BadgerNext comes the shaving brush. A good brush for shaving should have water retentive features, excellent lathering capabilities and should be soft to the touch. You’ll have many choices here like synthetic and natural brushes with different hair types. For example, badger brushes have different hair applications such as the SilverTip Badger, Super, Best and Pure to both stand up and provide the closest shave since your hair follicles are ready to be cut.

Pre-shave solutions are essential to prepare the skin for cutting facial hair. This will depend more on a man’s skin type than anything else. So if you have sensitive skin, you’ll want pre-shave products like oils, creams or lotions that will make it infinitely easier to get a close and irritation free shave.

A shaving cream or soap is what you’ll lather your face with before putting the razor to skin. When the manly deed is done, employ an aftershave oil for a soothing finish. Like pre-shave products, the aftershave you get depends on your skin type and preference.

A Safe and Chemical-Free Shaving Set

Build Your Own Bundle - Mach3 Razor PackageA shaving set that is free from harmful chemicals is definitely what you need to look for. Check the ingredients of a shaving product you’re interested in before buying it.  You can do so by contacting us before your purchase. Is it Triethanolamine, Parfum and Phthalates free? You’ll need some answers to your questions to make sure the shaving set you are looking to purchase is right for you.

As mentioned, there is a way to get all your shaving set essentials safe and free from harmful chemicals. A good shaving experience is modified and actually enjoyable when you take the time for it and use only natural ingredients. What’s great is that OriginalShaveCompany.com provides a wide variety of shaving products that you can bundle together for a special shaving experience. You can save time, money and get everything you need at the quality you can expect from us. Our mission is to bring back the high art of the ultimate shave for each and every man.