Just like buying a car, there’s no right choice when purchasing a razor. For every man that swears to the superiority of his straight razor, you’ll find another man completely committed to his modern cartridge razor. Finding the right razor requires that you know your skin type, shaving routine and budget goals. With these constraints in mind, you can find your perfect match from one of the five types of razors.

Straight Razors: For the Man Committed to the Art of Shaving

Also called a cut-throat razor, shaving enthusiasts insist the straight razor will give you the closest shave of your life. Straight razors also have an undeniably manly appeal and only require sharpening a few times a year. The right razor will last your entire life, which makes them very cost effective. Men who use straight razors claim that they only have to shave every other day, and many men are attracted to the mindfulness required to use this tool.

Straight razors also call out for a wide variety of shaving accessories. While you can skimp and choose a shaving cream and a simple strop, most men also buy a shaving brush, shaving soap and other accouterments.

Downsides: Expect to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror perfecting your shaving skills. Anticipate that you’ll get your fair share of nicks when starting out, so you may want to wait until the weekend to start learning to shave.

Even when you’re a pro, it will still take longer to shave with a straight razor than any other shaving implement. You’ll also need to buy another razor to take with you when you fly, because these razors are considered a safety risk on aeroplanes.

Electric Shavers: For the Man Who Believes Time Is Money

If you feel like you don’t have time to shave in the morning, consider investing in a good electric shaver. You won’t need to worry about shaving cream, and it’s almost impossible to cut yourself with one of these devices. For some men with sensitive skin, an electric razor can also prevent skin irritation.

Choose a cordless, rechargeable variety, and you’ll rarely have to search for an outlet. Plus, some electric shavers let you shave while you shower, which saves even more time. Many men also find electric shavers are great for business travel.

Downsides: Don’t expect a close shave with an electric shaver. Also, despite their reputation of being foolproof, you’ll still need to practice shaving with one. Plus, electric shavers have a higher upfront cost, especially if you invest in one that will last several years. Men with acne also report that an electric shaver can aggravate their condition.

Cartridge Razors: For the Man Who Prizes Versatility

There’s plenty of reasons cartridge razors are the most popular style of razors. First, they give you a much closer shave than an electric razor, and it’s almost impossible to cut yourself. Second, they travel beautifully, so you’ll never be stopped before boarding your flight. Third, once the cartridge is dull, you can easily replace it.

Cartridge razors are found at most stores and at a variety of price points. You can purchase cartridge razors with three or more blades, which manufacturers claim gives you a closer shave.

Downsides: Cartridge razors are the most expensive type of razor to use. Once they become dull, the quality of your shave decreases sharply.

DORCO offers a flexible subscription service on superior quality razors and replacement blades with save up 30%.

Safety Razors: For the Man Who Wants a Simple Shave

Since 1904, men have enjoyed the cheap, close shave provided by a safety razor. Easier to use than a straight razor and much cheaper to use than a cartridge razor, this type of razor can deliver a simple, cost-effective shave every time. Blades cost a few pence apiece, and you can reuse the handle as long as you want. Unlike straight razors, you’ll never have to sharpen the blade.

Downsides: Safety razor handles can be expensive. Depending on the style you choose, they can be difficult to clean. There’s also a learning curve associated with using a safety razor, so you might nick your face a few times. Also, you won’t be able to pack this razor on your carry-on, so consider purchasing a different razor for travel.

Beard Trimmers: For the Man Who Doesn’t Need a Shave at All

If your workplace considers shaving optional, you may want to skip your daily shave and use a beard trimmer instead. Beard trimmers don’t cut the hair close to the skin, so you’ll never experience razor burn again. Beard trimmers can also help you control your acne because this device won’t spread the bacteria that causes spots around your face.

Downsides: A beard trimmer won’t deliver a close enough shave if you like to be clean shaven. Plus, you’ll need a bigger initial budget to purchase the device.

Don’t be afraid to admit you can’t find your perfect match after reading this guide. Many men find that the best solution to their shaving goals is to alternate between two types of razors, especially if they travel. So, if you want to try something new, don’t throw your trusty cartridge razor into the bin. Just take your new razor out for a spin on the weekends, and keep some cartridges at hand for emergencies.

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5 Steps for Silky Skin

Men commonly experience ingrown hairs shortly after shaving. You may think of it as razor burn, or even small pimples, but it is actually caused by hairs that curl and grow back into the skin instead of out and away from your pores.

If you have ingrown hairs, you already know that they can look embarrassing and feel painful. When you have a bunch of irritated pores on your chin, neck or cheeks, it’s hard to have a good day. As long as you follow these six tips, though, you should find that you can prevent ingrown hairs easily.

1. Wash Your Face With Warm Water Before You Shave

It’s important to prepare your skin before you shave. Start by washing your face with warm water and a mild cleanser. If you have some stubble, make sure you wash it well. The warm water not only softens the hair but encourages your pores to open.

2. Let Shaving Cream Rest for a Few Minutes Before You Shave

Most men start shaving immediately after they apply shaving cream or gel. You’ll get a better shave by letting the cream rest for a few minutes. During that time, the shaving cream will soften your beard, making the individual hairs easier to shave. When you have an even shave, you’re less likely to get ingrown hairs.

3. Always Shave With a Sharp Razor

You need a sharp razor that will cut through beard hairs without any problem. If you use a dull blade, it will tug at the hairs. Tugging will obviously cause some skin irritation. The friction between a dull blade and your beard hair can also cause them to curl, which increases the chance that they will grow back toward your pores.

DORCO offers a flexible subscription service on superior quality razors and replacement blades with save up 30%.

4. Rinse Your Razor Blade After Each Stroke

Hair that gets stuck in your razor can also prevent the blade from cutting properly. Rinse the blade thoroughly after each stroke. The better you rinse it, the less likely it is that stray hairs will have a negative effect on your shave.

5. Know Which Direction to Shave In

Conventional wisdom says that you should shave with the grain of your beard. If the hairs grow down, then your strokes should start at the top of your cheek and move toward the bottom.

While this works well for some men, it can actually cause ingrown hairs in others. Experiment by shaving with and against the grain to see which option works better for you. Just because your dad shaved one way doesn’t mean you need to keep the traditional alive, especially if it causes irritation.

6. Apply a Cool Towel and Lotion After You Shave

Shaving, even when you do it properly, can irritate your skin. Give your face a little relief by placing a cool, wet cloth on it for a few seconds. Then, use a face moisturiser that won’t clog your pores. These simple steps will relax your skin and prevent any irritation.

Some men live with ingrown hairs as if they are just a part of life. As long as you follow these six easy tips, you can prevent the pain and embarrassment that ingrown hairs cause.

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Whether you’re abandoning the winter beard to beat the heat or simply maintaining your classic clean-faced appearance, summer comes with unique challenges for shaving. Use these tips to get the most out of summertime shaving while keeping your skin fresh and healthy.

Guard Against Sun Damage

Sun damage is a major risk in the summer months, especially if you’ve recently shaved off a winter beard. However, even skin that’s smooth year-round is vulnerable to being damaged by the sun’s harsh summertime UV rays, and you need to pump up your skincare habits accordingly.

The best way to keep your skin safe while the sun’s beating down is to make liberal use of sunscreen throughout the day. For the best protection, look for shaving cream or aftershave that contains sunscreen, ideally with an SPF rating of at least 30, though higher is always better. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to apply face moisturiser that contains sunscreen several times per day.

Remember that SPF ratings don’t stack, so using an SPF 15 shaving cream and an SPF 15 moisturiser doesn’t mean that you’ve got 30 SPF worth of protection!

Don’t Slack on moisturising

When your face is constantly sweaty, it’s easy to assume that means it’s very moisturised. However, in this case appearances are definitely deceiving. Sweaty skin often turns oily throughout the day, and oily skin can look supple and moisturised even when it’s actually severely dry. Sun damage and hot air also stresses your skin, and damaged skin layers lose moisture more quickly, so you’re more prone to drying out.

It’s best to moisturise immediately after shaving (or within an hour of applying aftershave) and then “touch up” with additional moisturiser throughout the day. It’s always a good idea to give your face a quick rinse before applying more moisturiser in order to prevent breakouts. However, if your daily schedule doesn’t leave room for washing your face regularly, then you should simply choose a lighter moisturiser rather than ditching it altogether.

Use Beard or Mustache Oil to Tame Humidity

If you plan on keeping a sculpted beard or mustache on deck throughout the summer, high humidity levels can give your facial hair an unkempt appearance. Fortunately, using a high-quality beard or mustache oil will prevent the hair strands from swelling in the humidity and can lock in moisture to keep your scruff looking healthy and neat all summer long.

Switch Your Aftershave

During the summer your face is likely to react differently to skincare products than it did during the winter months, so you probably want to switch to a different aftershave. moisturising aftershave gels are a good choice, since they’ll do double duty and keep your face hydrated and healthy. Cooling aftershaves that contain menthol or similar agents are a great way to get some relief from the heat and can encourage your pores to close back up after a warm morning shower.

Treat Sun Damaged Skin Gently

If the inevitable happens and you end up with a sunburn or irritated skin, treat it gently while shaving. Use plenty of moisturising shaving lotion and be sure your razor blade is sharp and new. Shave using short, gentle strokes with no extra pressure — simply glide the blades over your skin. Stick to only shaving with the grain until your skin heals, even if you normally go against the grain.

Always use also a high quality razor. Whether you’ve got baby-soft sensitive skin or a hide that could give leather some competition, choosing the right razor will ensure your face is always in top condition.

With a bit of diligence and a lot of moisturiser, you can ensure your skin stays happy and healthy all season long.

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Shaving is a ritual of life that must be performed often, if not on a daily basis, and you probably already have a preferred tool for the job. But no matter what razor you’ve chosen as your favorite member of your shaving arsenal, one thing remains certain—the blade cartridges will always need replacing. And therein lies the problem; even the highest quality blades will at some point become dull and unable to serve you as well as they once did. They’ll be casually tossed into the trash and replaced with a new cartridge, eager to do the job as well as its predecessor.

However, you don’t necessarily have to say goodbye to your razors (and goodbye to your money spent on new ones) so quickly. There are several ways to make your razors last longer, preserving their sharpness and their shaving power, so that you can continue to receive a smooth shave for much longer than you would have thought possible.

The following five ways to make your razors last longer will of course be more effective with higher quality blades. Try these methods using Dorco Razors for smarter, innovative shaving.

1. Prep Your Face First

Getting your face ready before applying the razor can make a big difference in the life of your blades. Using warm water, shaving cream and shaving oils in order to exfoliate your skin and open up pores helps to get rid of dead skin cells, which can clog razors.

Additionally, if you are going to be shaving hair that has grown a bit longer over the course of a few days, it would be beneficial to trim it first. Longer hair can also clog the blades and cause them to dull quicker.

2. Clean the Blades Properly

As well made as some razor blades may be, they can’t take care of themselves. It’s up to you to care for them as well as you do your own face. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly after each use to get rid of all traces of hair and residue from soaps, creams and oils. The residue can break down the blade coating and cause the blades to rust.

3. Store Your Razors Properly

Where you keep your razors when they aren’t in use is also important. You most likely shave after a shower. The steam from a hot shower can be great for your face before a shave, but it isn’t so great for your razor blades afterwards.

The steam can remain in a bathroom for some time, leaving the small room feeling damp and humid. That makes it the worst place for a razor to rest, especially if you leave it face down in water on the sink or in a soap dish. It is, however, a great recipe for bacterial infection!

After rinsing razors clean, dry it with a cloth, then leave it hanging upright or in a stand, preferably in an area not too close to the shower.

4. If You Don’t Need to Shave Every Day, Skip It!

As much as you might love the feel of clean, close shave, if you don’t have to shave every day, then skip it. Every day you don’t shave is a day you’ve extended the life of your razor blades.

Use One of Many Razor Sharpening Blades or Tools

There are many tips and tricks to sharpening your razor blades, from using a strop or sharpening tool, to running the blades across your blue jeans. You wouldn’t normally think of blue jeans as a worthy tool for keeping your razor blades sharp, but those who have tried this trick swear by it. Simply take a pair of blue jeans and lay them on a flat surface. Then simply rub the razor blades across the leg about 20 times, in the opposite direction of the cutting edge of the blades. Viola! Sharpened blades!

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Well-Groomed Wimbledon Winners of the Last 10 Years

Being a world-class tennis player takes dedication and devotion, but somehow these gorgeous Wimbledon winners find the time to keep themselves well-groomed. They’re all stars on the tennis pitch, but which one would be the best model for the Dorco Men’s Shaver? Let’s take a look at how these winners of the Wimbledon men’s singles event stack up against each other, both on and off the court.

1. Novak Djokovic

Serbian sports star Novak Djokovic first picked up a Tennis racket at the tender age of 4 years old. Coach Jelena Gencic immediately noticed his focus and talent and predicted that he would grow up to be a champion. Novak played tennis throughout his childhood and attended the German Niki Pilic Tennis Academy when he was just 13, before he had even experienced his first shave. Since those early years, Djokovic has won dozens of prestigious tennis championships, including the men’s singles at Wimbledon in 2011, 2014 and 2015. Many people consider him to be the best tennis player in the world, but does Novak Djokovic have what it takes to be the perfectly groomed model that Dorco needs for the Men’s Shaver?

2. Andy Murray

There’s nothing like home-grown sporting talent to unite the British public. He may have healed some long-standing sporting rifts between the English and Scots, but could Andy Murray convince British men to start taking care of their facial hair? With his smooth-shaven baby face, this popular Wimbledon champ could be an asset to any razor marketing campaign. Would it match up to the glory of winning the Wimbledon men’s singles in 2013? no-oneknows, but one thing is for sure: without votes from the Great British public, Andy Murray is doomed to settle for second place once again.

3. Roger Federer

Swiss, suave and 17 times Grand Slam champion, Roger Federer is a great candidate to be the face of any marketing campaign. The last time he won the Wimbledon men’s singles title was in 2012, followed by narrowly losing out to Novak Djokovic in 2014 and 2015. Roger Federer may be out of luck at Wimbledon in recent years, but could he be fortunate enough to win recognition from fans of Dorco razors?

4. Rafael Nadal

Over the last decade, the Wimbledon men’s singles competition has been dominated by just four men. The final man to make the winner’s list in the past decade is Rafael Nadal, who claimed the first place spot in 2008 and 2010. Along with his incredible skills on the tennis court, Rafael Nadal is also known for his beautiful wavy hair, which is perfectly accentuated by his clean-shaven face. Could this winner of 14 Grand Slam titles be the winner among Dorco fans?

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All tennis fans have a player that they love to cheer on during the heady days of the Wimbledon men’s singles battle, which in 2016 will begin on Monday 27 June. The finals are expected to take place on 8 July on Center Court, after which one man will be crowned champion over all others. Before speculating about who will clinch the title this year, there’s a more pressing question to answer: who would be the best model for Men’s Shaver? Vote now to help your favourite tennis star win.

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