4 Natural Beard-Boosting Ingredients

While a good razor is important, when you’re looking to let your beard grow, there’s no better way to do that than with natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin or introduce harmful chemicals into your body.

Here’s our list of the top four natural beard-boosting ingredients every man should try for the perfect facial hair.

1. Coconut Oil

 

You can use coconut oil for anything. Really, anything. However, it’s perfect for beards as it’s not as greasy as other oils and contains vitamins E and K, which can repair broken skin underneath your beard to help prevent flaking that turns into less than appealing beardruff.

Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has conditioning properties that not only allow it to penetrate your skin more effectively but makes the roots of your facial hair healthier and softer.

For the application, it is important to use extra virgin coconut oil. Make sure your hands and beard are clean, warm the coconut oil in your hands for 10 seconds, and massage it into your beard starting from the tips and working your way towards the roots. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes or overnight if you’re looking for extra strength and shine.

2. Eucalyptus

 

Eucalyptus is known to reduce inflammation of capillaries in the skin and provide moisturisation to the skin, and encouraging hair growth. It has also been shown to have aromatherapy benefits that can lead to increased mental stimulation and a decrease in stress.

We suggest using a moisturiser with eucalyptus as the main ingredient. Massage it on your face to grow your beard faster, as clean, healthy skin is crucial in stimulating hair growth.

You can also purchase eucalyptus oil and apply a few drops of it directly to your beard twice a day. The great thing about eucalyptus oil is that you can mix it with carrier oils, like sesame or olive, to increase effectiveness in its absorption, or you can add it to your normal shampoo or conditioner.

3. Biotin

 

For a luscious, full-grown beard, try taking 2.5 mg of biotin every day. If you’re already taking a men’s daily multivitamin, you can take a dose of biotin every morning with the vitamin, or you can simply add more biotin-rich foods to your diet.

Cauliflower, beans, fish, carrots, bananas and eggs all contain high levels of biotin. Try a breakfast of scrambled eggs with mushrooms, which are both high in biotin, or add more bananas and vegetables to your daily snacks.

How exactly does it work? A water-soluble B vitamin, biotin aids in the metabolic process by breaking down protein, fats and carbohydrates. It also helps cells proliferate, which in turn aids in healthy hair growth, including facial hair.

4. Avocado

 

This one can get a little messy, but it’s well worth it. To restore balance to your skin and hair, mash an avocado and massage it into your beard. Sounds crazy, but this green superfood is packed with nutrients that work to reduce inflammation and dryness and also nourish the skin needed to grow hair.

Avocados are high in amino acids and proteins that help restore the natural pH levels of your skin, which is crucial in maintaining healthy hair follicles that promote beard growth. However, if you’re looking for a less messy daily routine, you can use avocado oil in a similar manner as eucalyptus oil.

Taking Care of Your Beard Means Taking Care of Yourself

Whether you’re trying to grow your beard, increase its natural shine or provide yourself with overall skin care, the four natural remedies listed above will make sure you and your facial hair are healthy.

And, when it’s time to shave the beard and expose that healthy skin to the world, we’ve got you covered.

What’s Wrong with Sharing Razors?

Some things in life are just part and parcel of sharing your home with someone else. Someone always leaves the cap off the toothpaste; someone always leaves the toilet seat up; and someone always ‘borrows’ a razor when they’re out of options.

If you’re a man living with a woman, the chances are you’ve gone for a shave only to find your razor on the side of the bath. In an instant, you realise your razor has been used to shave legs!

As well as it being annoying, sharing razors has the potential to be dangerous.

There’s an important reason why men and women shouldn’t share razors

Men’s and women’s razors are designed in a slightly different way. In most cases, razors for women are designed to cover very large areas in big, sweeping strokes — perfect for shaving legs. Men’s razors, on the other hand, are designed to cover the smaller, more uneven surfaces of the face. A lot of modern women’s razors feature a soft, sculpted grip for comfort and a swiveling head to help negotiate ankles and knees; this makes them unsuitable for shaving faces.

Sharing razors can be unsanitary

Even the smoothest, pain-free shaves can result in tiny nicks — many of which are invisible to the naked eye. These microscopic openings in the skin can allow bacteria to enter, which can lead to potentially serious infections if not dealt with quickly. If bacteria lurk on a used blade after someone else has used it, infection, warts or various fungal conditions can be spread relatively easily.

Don’t get your razors confused

 

Fortunately, it’s actually very easy to ensure a man never uses a woman’s razor — and vice versa. Have you ever wondered why razors for women are usually brightly coloured? If you’re sharing a home with other male adults, however, you should take a few extra steps to make sure your razor never falls into the wrong hands. For instance, ask every male in your home to choose a colour. Some razors are available in black, blue, grey and various other colours, so this shouldn’t be difficult. If other colours aren’t available, try labelling each razor with some coloured tape.

Just like your toothbrush, your razor should be yours and yours alone.

With the Grain or Against It? What Is the Best Way to Shave?

If you’re someone who loves a wet shave, you probably fall into one of three categories: against the grain, with the grain, or a little of both. A lot of young boys are taught to shave with the grain. This means shaving in the direction of hair growth. But is this the right way to go?

Having the right tools for the job is every bit as important for personal hygiene and grooming as it is for doing construction work. They are just different tools!

Does the way you shave really make a difference?

A lot of men prefer to shave against the grain because it delivers a closer shave with fewer strokes — particularly on awkward areas of the face such as the neck and around the ears. There is also a school of thought that going against the grain is faster, so some men will do this if they’re late for work in the morning.

In most cases, shaving against the grain does, in fact, result in a closer shave with fewer strokes. While fewer strokes means less chance of razor burn, there is a downside. Shaving in the opposite direction of hair growth increases the risk of cuts and ingrown hairs. This method also pulls the hair away from the skin in a harsh manner, which can be very painful if the right preparations haven’t been taken.

Shaving with the grain may take a little longer, and it may prove very tricky on certain areas of the face — but it is usually more comfortable, and reduces the risk of causing nicks and cuts. Give yourself enough time, and you can make your daily wet shave an enjoyable, relaxing experience.

Of course, how often do you have the time in the morning to really enjoy a wet shave? When you’re in need of a close finish in a hurry, going against the grain is often the best option. And while it does pose a heightened risk of irritation, discomfort and cuts, it can be an effective method of shaving if you do it right.

How to shave against the grain safely

 

Before you do anything, find out the direction your facial hair grows. There is a chance that different areas of hair will grow in different directions, so take a few minutes to do this. Slowly rub your hand up and down your face. The direction that offers the highest level of resistance is referred to as “against the grain” or ATG.

Hydrate your skin and facial hair for at least three minutes before applying shaving foam. The best way to do this is to take a hot shower. According to some estimates, this can reduce the force needed to cut facial hair by up to 70 percent.

Whilst you’re still wet, liberally apply a shaving gel or foam. If you have particularly dry skin, you might want to apply a pre-shave oil or cream beforehand. Give the shaving foam a minute of contact time to make sure the hair is as soft and moisturised as it can be. This will help to prevent nicks and cuts.

Mentally divide your face into sections — based on the shapes and surfaces you discovered when you were examining it. Each section should be no more than two square inches. Starting at the bottom of the section, very slowly and smoothly shave up against the direction of growth. Don’t exert too much pressure here; luckily, you won’t need to, as shaving against the grain requires less force than shaving with it.

Although faster, this method can lead to irritation for several hours afterwards. You should therefore keep applying moisturising shaving gel after every few strokes. As long as you have a sharp, multi-blade razor made to a very high standard, you will never need more than two strokes on the same area of skin.

The chances are you use a combination of both shaving methods to get the closest finish possible. But whichever method you prefer, rushing the process will result in cuts, irritation and rashes. Try getting up a little earlier in the morning to give yourself the time a safe wet shave requires.

Dorco Classic

Cut Throat Shaving – How to Do It Safely and Effectively

Watch any movie about pirates or American gangsters, and there’s a reasonable chance you will see a cut-throat shave at some point. Used to great cinematic effect to portray dominance, the threat of violence and fear, the classic cut-throat shave has almost completely vanished from everyday life in Britain. But this primitive form of grooming is making something of a comeback.

A growing number of specialist barber shops are offering a cut-throat shave at a premium price. But there’s no need to splash the cash to enjoy this dying art. With the right equipment and know-how, you can perform your own cut-throat shave safely and effectively — in the comfort of your own bathroom.

Having the right tools for the job is every bit as important for personal hygiene and grooming as it is for doing construction work. They are just different tools!

Preparation

Your facial hairs will be easier to remove if your skin is warm and damp. It is therefore always a good idea to take a hot shower just before a cut-throat shave. Cleanse your face with a moisturising face wash, and exfoliate if you need to. With your face, still wet, apply a lubricating shaving oil before heading straight to the sink to start your shave.

Choose an unscented, moisturising shaving gel and apply it liberally to your face and the front of your neck.

Select a sharp, high quality blade

 

For a safe and close cut-throat shave, choosing a sharp, clean and high-quality razor blade is imperative. This is just you, some shaving gel and a simple, single-bladed razor, so you can’t afford to wing it without the best possible tools for the job. Get a feel for the blade beforehand, as you will need to proceed with accuracy and care when negotiating your ears and nose. If you’ve used the razor before, sharpen it with a strop before starting.

Get your angles right

 

There is a very small window of safety and effectiveness when it comes to the angle at which the blade meets your face. The optimum angle is between 30 and 35 degrees. If you’re wondering what that looks like, start by placing the blade flat on your skin. Using the sharp edge as a pivot point, gently raise the blunt edge of the blade by about five millimetres — and shave downwards using slow, smooth strokes. Any more than that, and you run the risk of cutting yourself. Any less, and you will tug at the hairs — pulling some of them out and inflicting a great deal of pain on yourself.

Tighten your skin

A cut-throat shave is definitely a two-handed job. With your weak hand, pull the area of skin you’re shaving until it is taut. This will reduce the risk of causing nicks and cuts and make the process a lot more comfortable. Always shave away from the hand that is holding the skin tight — preferably with the grain.

Smooth and steady does it

Shaving the same area of your face repeatedly will result in razor burn. It is therefore very important that you use slow, steady and deliberate strokes when shaving with a cut-throat razor. If your blade is sharp and in great condition, you’ll never need to shave the same area of skin more than twice. Keep each stroke very short in length — around one centimetre is ideal.

Use a brush to re-apply shaving gel

 

By re-applying shaving gel with a quality brush, you’re ensuring your skin and facial hairs are always moisturised. This minimises friction and reduces the chance of razor burn. In addition, the action of continually brushing your face ensures any stray whiskers are removed to make way for smooth, uninterrupted strokes with your blade.

Wash and check

 

You can’t be sure that you have caught every stray hair until you can see yourself clearly in a mirror. It is therefore essential that you inspect your face closely, preferably after rinsing it with warm water. It’s also important to keep your face warm at this stage, as you may need to touch up your handiwork before you finish.

Once you’re happy with your shave, rinse your face with cold water, and apply a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.

There is something exciting and primitive about a cut-throat shave, but it is not without its risks. A quality Dorco razor has its blades firmly fixed at the perfect angle for safe shaving. With a handheld blade, however, you are in full control of the experience — so planning and a great deal of care is essential.

HaySparkle

“I’ve found Dorco Eve 6 Razor suits my skin really well and is so quick and easy to use without cutting my legs to pieces or irritating under my arms, the bendable razor cartridge literally follows and bends around my body and give me such a smooth, close shave without a cute in sight.”

Shaving Your Hard-to-Reach Spots

Nowadays, both men and women like large sections of their bodies to be clean-shaven. The only problem with that is that some areas are hard to see and even harder to reach, and others are very sensitive. With a little bit of forethought and some great razors, however, you can accomplish the tasks at hand smoothly.

Having the right tools for the job is every bit as important for personal hygiene and grooming as it is for doing construction work. They are just different tools!

Intimate Shaving

For lady or manscaping adventures, there are some different tools you will want to have on hand. Instead of shaving cream, you’ll need some shaving gel. It sticks to your hair well, which is important because this area tends to have lots of thick hair. Shaving gel also helps to reduce irritation and makes shaving quicker. Another tool you will need is a good razor. We suggest the high-quality razors available from Razors by Dorco, which will also make the job easier for you. Another tool that is good to have handy is a pair of small trimming scissors, or you might consider a body shaver that shortens your hair to a manageable length so that you can shave more easily.

You can also remove hair from the ultra-sensitive bikini area with the latest hair removal creams that are less irritating and more effective than those you may have tried in the past. Find one for sensitive skin, likely containing shea and/or cocoa butter, to remove stubborn hair without a lot of irritation or getting a rash in that sensitive area. One of the pluses to using a depilatory like this is that it typically lasts longer than shaving. However, if you have sensitive skin, use a razor as waxing can cause redness and aggravates rashes.

 

Proper Prep Work

 

Raising your hair follicles is the way to get the closest possible shave. To do that, take a hot bath or shower, and exfoliate well to get rid of old, dead cells. To do a good exfoliating job, we recommend an exfoliating scrub or exfoliating gloves to help with the process. Once you are cleansed and exfoliated, you can apply the shaving gel and get to work.

Back and Neck Shaving

 

If you are attempting to shave harder areas to reach – your back or the back of your neck, for example, you have to be a little more creative. For areas like these, installing a pair of mirrors in your shower can help you see the work that needs to be done. Reach as far as you can with your shaver, but if you can’t quite do it, you might need some added help. Perhaps ask a close friend or, alternatively, invest in an all-over body grooming tool to reach your hardest spots.

When shaving with a razor, make sure you always use a good razor and that it is sharp and clean. Never leave them in the shower or anywhere else where they are likely to rust quickly, and keep the blades covered when possible. Try to always shave in the direction that your hair grows. This prevents rashes, bumps and irritation while also giving you a much better shave.

After Care

 

After you complete your shave, be sure that you apply moisturiser to the newly shaved skin. A good, natural cream that contains few chemicals is best, especially if your skin is sensitive. We recently founda great shea butter baby oil rub that works perfectly for this job and keeps skin soft and supple. Once you have completely de-fuzzed yourself, maintaining the job is easy if you keep up with it regularly. A weekly routine can keep you hair free and with healthy looking skin to boot.

4 Spring Grooming Tips for Your Beard

With a great beard comes great responsibility. The beard-growing trend is all the rage these days. However, though it may be easy (for some) to grow a fantastic beard, it is far harder to keep one maintained and well-groomed. Moreover, did you know that there may be seasonal specific suggestions, tips and tricks for grooming your beard? It’s true!

Daily Cleansing

 

First and foremost, cleansing your beard should be a daily occurrence, this is especially true during the warmer months. Be sure to wash your face and beard daily, and for best results, use hot flannels to steam the skin underneath. The regular cleansing of your beard promotes healthy looking hair and skin, achieving a well-maintained and more appealing finish.

Shave/Trim

 

While it may seem counterintuitive, the spring is an excellent time to either shave or trim your beard. Many men have taken to sporting an untamed look, their beard, but this is far less acceptable during the spring months. Once the weather begins to warm up, those beards need to be kept in check. Whether you opt to do a small trim or shave off your beard, the spring season is an excellent time to make this decision.

Re-think Your Product Choice

 

There is an increase in using grooming products during winter months, in order to maintain hair of all kinds. In terms of the hair on your face, you may need to use more oil and/or other conditioners to ensure your beard is softer and more manageable and doesn’t become dry or brittle. However, once the weather warms up, you can officially use a little less of these products. Moreover, if you are using heavier scents during the colder months, this might be a great time to select a new, lighter scent.

Get the Grey Out

No, this isn’t some cheeky Fifty Shades of Grey reference. Nor are we  implying that there is something wrong with having a little grey in the beard area — quite the contrary. If you are so inclined to dye your beard, the spring is a great time to re-touch your colour. As we have already mentioned, it is expected for beards to be a bit more bushy and unkempt during the winter months. However, given that people will be paying closer attention during the warmer months, this is a good time to make sure your colour is on point. Moreover, the spring, in general, is a time in which things are lighter and appear brighter. Refresh your colour to ensure it looks well-maintained and natural.

Overall, grooming and maintaining your beard is something that should be taken seriously all year-round. However, depending on the time of year and the climate you live in, among other things, you will need to shift your focus at different times. For instance, during the winter months, you will need to focus on ensuring your beard is well-moisturised in order to avoid breakage and dryness. On the flip side, during the spring and summer months, you may want to trim the length in order to allow the face and skin to breathe. Either way, you should be performing beard-grooming behaviours on a daily basis, all year round.

 

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP

As the clocks turn back, make the most of the lighter days

With spring just around the corner and lighter days on their way, you can rejoice in some extra time to enjoy the great outdoors. From a blue skied walk by the canal to a spot of yoga in the park, that glimmer of sunshine will help brighten up your weekends. As you ditch the winter layers in favour of your new season wardrobe and head out, you’ll want to keep your legs looking their best. Enter the Dorco EVE 6! With its innovative brush finger that massages the body and raises hair follicles for a smoother shave; your legs will be in tip top condition for even longer. What’s more the top of the range design includes a non-slip ergonomic rubber handle to guarantee control.

 

With a number of other key features and a handy subscription service, the Dorco EVE 6 is the essential beauty item this year:

  • Double 3 blades with bendable cartridge follows body contours for the perfect shave
  • Innovative brush finger for body massage and raising hair for a closer shave
  • Moisturising band with Aloe, Vitamin E and Lavender calms and protects even the most sensitive skin
  • Multi-flex pivoting head for every contour of your body
  • Non-slip ergonomic rubber handle to provide excellent control

 

Dorco also deliver razors straight to your door with a flexible online subscription service, check out their products at www.razorsbydorco.co.uk. Your new beauty journey is only a click away #YoureWelcome