Shaving Tricks & Tips : Benefits Of Shaving Oil

The Benefits Of Shaving Oil

Many people are not familiar with shaving oils and they are really missing out. Shaving Oil is one of the most efficient ways to get a smooth close shave while also cutting down on irritation and razor burn. Here are three reasons why shaving with oil is the best thing you can do for yourself regardless of the place on your body you are looking to de-hair.

1) Use it as by itself or as a pre-shave moisturizer

Shaving oil is very versatile. You can use it by itself or combine it with another shaving product. If using it by itself the oil will allow the razor to glide over your skin without catching on the stubble. The oil is an excellent lubricant and helps protect your skin from the harsh blades of the razor, by forming a protective coating on your skin. Every time you drag the razor over your skin the blades wick away moisture which can lead to irritation and razor burn. For that reason if you are shaving in sensitive areas I recommend using shaving oil as a pre-shaving oil. Liberally massage the oil on the area to be shaved and without washing off the oil in between apply your favorite shaving lotion. It is best if using a non-foaming shaving cream or gel. This extra layer of shaving goodness can further protect your skin and allow an even smoother glide of the razor.

2) It's green and efficient

When shaving with shaving oil you will find that a little goes a long way. One 4oz bottle of shaving oil can last up to a whole year of daily whole body shaving. Just think of how many cans of shaving cream you go through in one year. That is a lot of waste. There is no need to further clutter up our landfills. The longevity of a single bottle also has other benefits such as travel. Don't lug around that large can of shaving foam. Just pack a 1oz bottle in your carry-on and you won't even have trouble at airport screening stations. You are well under the 3oz liquid carry-on maximum and still know that however long you are away from home it probably won't run out.

3) It's all natural

Most shaving products on the market rely on heavy doses of chemicals. Shaving oils are a blend of natural oils that are grown in a field, not produced in a factory. The simplest form of shaving oil is Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It's great for your skin and will help with a shave. Most producers of shaving oils go a step further having concocted their own blends over the years using high quality oils to give an even better shaving experience.

So, whether you want a more environmentally friendly way to shave or treat your skin to the most healthy and smooth shave possible, Shaving oil is the way to go. Treat your skin to something special and help save mother earth.

Shaving Tricks : Straight Razors vs Safety Razors

Straight Razors vs Safety Razors

Straight razors are the new-old kid on the block in men's shaving - but how do they measure up to the modern safety razor? Here are some facts . . .

Durability: Winner by KO, the straight razor. Looked after properly, a straight razor will literally last a lifetime, providing as good a shave when you're eighty as when you were eighteen. A modern safety razor - the body, not the blades - might last a few years if you're lucky.

Ease of use: Winner by TKO, the safety razor. Very little practice is needed to produce a good result, whereas the straight razor demands a certain level of skill before you will get a decent shave. It's a patience thing - no patience equals a rough shave and maybe a few nicks as well!

Convenience: Split decision - although maybe the win goes to the safety razor as no preparation of the razor is needed prior to shaving. Just pick it up and use it - not something you can do with a straight razor, which needs whetting on a strop before each use.

Cost: Straight points win for the straight razor. Although some straight razors can cost hundreds of dollars, a good, workmanlike model (no fancy handles or expensive engraving) will probably set you back about eighty dollars. A perfectly good vintage model for half that cost will still last years. Total how many blade cartridges you throw in the bin in a year. Multiply it by how many more years you think you'll be shaving. It's a no-brainer.

Smoothness of shave: It's a draw. There's a limit to how smooth your skin can be and both types of razor achieve this level of slickness. A downside for the safety razor is that the multi-blade cartridge can pull the beard hair out from the skin prior to cutting it. Although this gives a really smooth finish, the end of the hair can retreat beneath the skin surface, resulting in ingrowing hairs. The single blade of the straight razor can't do this.

Environmental value: Another clear win for the straight razor. No blade cartridges or plastic packaging to go into the landfill, no need to get the 'latest model' - there simply isn't a latest model for the straight razor, which reached its design zenith in about 1930. You cannot make a better one. It makes you wonder how many more blades can be fitted into a safety razor cartridge as a marketing gimmick, doesn't it?

Macho score: First round KO to the straight razor. If scraping off your stubble with three inches of frighteningly sharp, unguarded, highly-polished steel isn't macho, I don't know what is. Skill, patience and dexterity are desirable. Safety razors? Don't make me laugh.

So it looks like the straight razor wins the championship!

Whatever the reason, more and more men seem to be taking up this almost-forgotten skill as part of their daily routine. Although I think it's safe to say (at this point in time anyway) that the likes of Gillette and Wilkinson won't be trembling in their boots, there's no doubt that the straight razor is making a comeback. Whilst firms like Dovo and Thiers-Issard may at the moment be the last bastion of straight razor manufacture, perhaps the next few years will see more manufacturers returning to making this grooming design classic.