Sometimes, facial hair can grow into the skin, causing it to become infected and inflamed. In many cases, the hairs curl to continue growing into the skin, while in other cases, they grow into the side of the hair follicles instead of emerging from the pores. Shaving is considered the leading cause of ingrown hairs because it results in shortened hairs with tips that are sharper than normal. As a result, it is easier for these shortened hairs to become trapped in the follicles by a build-up of dead skin and similar material and become ingrown hair. At the same time, it is also easier for the shortened hairs to penetrate the skin and cause hair follicle inflammation. » Read the rest of this entry «

For beginners, using a straight razor can seem daunting because the learning curve is steeper than with a safety razor. However, for some gentlemen, there is simply no substitute for the close shave that only a straight razor can provide. For these men, shaving using a cutthroat razor is a labor of love, and they learn to savor the routine. Time is one of the considerations when choosing to use a straight razor or a safety razor. Some men believe that newbies should start with a safety razor and work their way up to a straight razor, however, other gentlemen say it’s best to begin with a straight razor if that is your ultimate goal. Either way, you should be prepared to take things slowly and accept that it will take time to perfect your routine. » Read the rest of this entry «

If you are a sophisticated man who appreciates a smooth shave, then you may find yourself wondering how to sharpen razor blades. You may be surprised to learn that some shaving enthusiasts warn that sharpening modern double-edge blades is not recommended, as this causes them to lose their protective titanium or chrome coatings. They claim that these films can also deposit on the sharpening device, ruining it. Fortunately, DE blades are affordable so you will be able to replace them as needed without much expense, and the quality of your shaving experience will benefit from replacing worn or dull blades. Plus, the huge variety of quality razor blades for men available today will enable you to find exactly the right brand to meet your unique needs. » Read the rest of this entry «

How to Use a Shaving Brush
If you are new to wet-shaving, you may need to learn how to use a shaving brush. Fortunately, it’s not very difficult. Here are the basic steps to using your brush. First, make sure you wet it thoroughly by soaking it in warm water for several minutes. Simply rinsing the brush under the sink is insufficient to adequately wet it; soaking is best. Next, Shake off the excess water. Now you are ready to move on to the next step, applying product to the bristles. » Read the rest of this entry «

Aftershaves are one of the most important products in a man’s shaving regime. Not only does a good aftershave help soothe and protect the skin, but it can also act as an antiseptic to prevent infection of cuts and razor bumps.

For men with sensitive skin, choosing an aftershave can be a problem because many aftershaves contain strong fragrances and other ingredients which further irritate delicate skin. With that in mind, here are five top aftershaves for men with sensitive skin.

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Choosing the best razor blades for men can be complicated. The best razor blades for one man may not be the best choice for another man. The good news is that the vast array of available options means that any man can find the perfect choice with just a little trial and error. For anyone who is uncertain where to begin, blade samplers are the best way to discover which brand suits you best. » Read the rest of this entry «

The best shaving soap for men is the one that works best for the individual male.

Most men have a few things in common when looking for the perfect product. Everyone wants a thick, rich lather that will lubricate the skin and provide a smooth, close shave without irritation, bumps or razor burn. For some men, that means using a lightly scented soap especially formulated for sensitive skin with ingredients like aloe and green tea. Other men may prefer a shaving soap with a strong fragrance that lingers long after the process of shaving is complete. Gentlemen may choose from soap scented with the aroma of coconuts, violets, sandalwood, lime, rose and many other heavenly fragrances.

Remember, what constitutes the best shaving soap is a very personal decision. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect one for you.

Once you have honed and stropped your straight razor to perfection, you are ready to begin the process of leaning how to use a straight razor. Don’t be intimidated, but do remember that time and patience are two of the most important components of the perfect shave. It isn’t something that you should attempt if you woke up late, but you have to get to work early. Even if you slow down and shave at a relaxed pace, a beginner should expect to experience some nicks and cuts that are a natural part of the learning process. Keeping a Clubman Jumbo Styptic Pencil on hand is a convenient way to stop the occasional bleeding without resorting to dotting your face with toilet paper. » Read the rest of this entry «

For men, there is no better way to get a fabulously smooth shave than by using a straight razor. Like so many other worthwhile endeavors, learning how to use a straight razor takes time and patience. Like riding a bicycle, it may take persistence to get the hang of wet-shaving, but the skill will last forever once you learn it. The first thing you must realize is that nicks and cuts are inevitable while you are learning. This is normal and shouldn’t deter you from embarking on your journey to the best shaving experience of your life.

Your path to shaving starts with ensuring the razor’s edge is as sharp as necessary to remove the hair as close to the face as possible. To accomplish this, you will need to use a combination of strops and hones. You may choose between artificial or natural hones. Visit What Makes Artificial Hones Different to learn more about the synthetic alternatives available, or check out Know Your Hones: Natural or Artificial? for more details. Now you are ready to begin the process of sharpening your blade. Like shaving with the straight razor itself, your honing routine will eventually become second nature as you become more experienced and efficient. Practice is the only method of perfecting your technique. » Read the rest of this entry «

With Movember 2012 in the horizon, it’s inevitable to see men everywhere growing shaggy beards and mustaches. The reason behind the practice is a noble one and we are always excited to see that this month-long event, along with prostate cancer awareness and support for its research, gain more and more traction.

But there’s no reason for eschewing neatness in favor of a yeti-like mug. While some might think that male grooming equals a shaven face, a properly looked after beard can accentuate one’s features. That’s why even though the meaning of men’s facial hair has changed over time — from a sign of wisdom, of masculinity, of sexual virility or high status, dominance and honor — beards and mustaches have never gone completely out of fashion. » Read the rest of this entry «