Man looking in to bathroom mirror considering a new razor

What should I look for in a new razor?

When it comes to shaving, there’s no one size fits all solution. Some of us shave every day, some a couple of times a month, while some of us like to fashion a full face of hair.

Therefore, if you are considering giving a new razor a try, it’s important to ask yourself the right questions in order to find the solution that best suits your needs.

These are the five questions to ask when searching for your perfect new razor:

1) How sensitive is my skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll understand the importance of taking care when trying new products.

Your new razor should be designed to help protect your skin, from the number of blades to any additional features. The same goes for your shave gel, so make sure you check the ingredients or pick one that has been designed for sensitive skin.

2) What am I using it for?

Research by Mintel shows that modern men’s shaving habits are becoming more diverse, with as many as 46% of men removing hair from their bodies.

57% of males aged 16-24 revealed that they had removed hair from their pubic region whilst 42% stated that they had removed hair from their armpits.

Whatever style you choose to sport, you’ll want to ensure that your new razor is designed for the type of shaving you’ll be using it for.

3) How many blades should I choose?

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know what to pick to suit your routine.

If you shave every day, you’ll get through more cartridges, so you’ll want something that’s consistent and reliable, but doesn’t break the bank. Three-blade razors offer a good solution – they’re on the more affordable end of the scale for every day shavers, without compromising on quality.

If you shave less often, your skin may be more sensitive, so it makes sense to have a razor that will offer you a close shave whilst also protecting your skin. The Dorco CLASSIC, the world’s first seven-blade razor, features narrow span technology which helps minimise irritation.

4) What’s the difference for men and women?

The International Dermal Institute says there are ‘structural differences between male and female skin’. Due to extra testosterone, a man’s skin is ‘about 25% thicker than a woman’s’.

However, men’s razors are frequently used on faces and necks where the skin tends to be more sensitive. A good razor will cater for this, with features that help to soothe the skin.

Women’s razors on the other hand, are crafted for curves with features designed to follow the contours of the body in order to help avoid irritation.

5) How much do I want to spend?

If you usually wait until your next supermarket trip to grab whatever razors are on the shelf, you are missing out on some amazing deals online.

Avoid the limitations of the razor aisle by browsing online for a new razor and enjoy greater control over how you spend your hard-earned money.

How Dorco can help

When looking for your perfect new razor, our range of products offer a great solution. Features such as lubricating strips and onboard trimmers, will enhance the quality and control of every shave. And with cartridges ranging from 3-blade to 7-blade, there is sure to be an option to suit your budget and shave plan.

We offer multiple ways to purchase. Buy a year’s worth in one go, sign up for our monthly male or female subscription at just £1 for the first month, or purchase one at a time – all delivered straight to your front door.

We also make sure that we price our men’s and women’s razors fairly as we firmly believe that a great shaving experience should be for everyone.

Men with different facial hair styles

Facial hair through the ages

Your facial hair is an extension of you, and a sign of the times we live in.

Throughout history, facial hair has been an indicator of identity and status – from Egyptians and Romans, to pirates and cowboys.

We’ve taken a look back through the decades to find out the significance of some of history’s most popular styles. You would be here all day if we started at the beginning, so we have picked up where Dorco began its journey – the 1950s.

No matter what style you go for, make sure you maintain it properly. Read our blog for tips on how to shave without causing irritation or razor bumps.

1950s man with a clean shaven face

1950s – Clean shaven still rules

Other than a couple of exceptions, such as Salvador Dali’s moustache, facial hair held less cultural currency in the 1950s than it would in the following decades. This is perhaps characterised best by one of the era’s most iconic figures – Elvis Presley.

Known around the world (or around the clock?) for his snake hips and revolutionary music, his clean-shaven face also helped to show off his signature curled lip.

He would remain this way for MOST of his career – more on this later.

Origins: Shaving was popularised around 330BC during the reign of Alexander the Great. His soldiers shaved their heads and beards to give enemies less to grab during combat.

Charles I painting by named Sir Anthony van Dyck

1960s – A facial hair revolution

In the 1960s, counterculture, from beatnik poetry to psychedelic rock ‘n’ roll, catapulted towards the mainstream.

Beards, horseshoe moustaches and sideburns became essential for burgeoning bohemians and hippies who wanted to sport the samelook as their idols, for example The Beatles, Frank Zappa and Allen Ginsberg.

Origins: Examples of artistically influential facial hair can be found in the 17th century, thanks to a hugely successful portrait painter named Sir Anthony van Dyck. He painted various kings, queens and princesses including Charles I, who was well known for his very dapper facial hair.

1970s man with mutton chops

1970s – Mutton Chops become the norm

Not even clean-cut Elvis could resist the allure of sideburns in the 1970s. Everyone, from pop musicians and actors to journalists and footballers, had them.

At the same time, the decade was pretty diverse in its facial hair fashions. Moustaches, goatees and full beards were not uncommon, but they were all usually accompanied by sideburns, as well as longer hair, and of course some flared trousers.

Origins: In the 19th century, American General Ambrose E. Burnside was widely known for his facial hair – a moustache and mutton chop combo, with clean-shaven chin. They were initially known as Burnsides before, over time, being switched round to the term sideburns.

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1980s – One man stands out from the rest

Throughout history, moustaches have been no laughing matter. In fact, British soldiers in the late 19th century could be imprisoned if they did something as outrageous as shave their moustache.

Perhaps one modern man understands this commitment to the moustache more than others. Tom Selleck has almost single-handedly embodied the style since the 1980s, making it famous during his time as the lead character in the hit US crime drama ‘Magnum PI’.

Origins: Although they became standard issue for British Empire officers in the 1800s, the Oxford Dictionary says the first recorded use of the word ‘moustache’ was found in a 16th century translation of a French travel book.

Man with facial hair shaven into a goatee

1990s – The goatee

From the Backstreet Boys to NSYNC, right through to Brad Pitt, this minimal facial hair style was all the rage in the 90s. The name ‘goatee’ is inspired by the long fur under a goat’s chin, while the soul patch points to the tuft of hair below the lip.

It could also be found in various forms, from a full goatee, to chin hair with no moustache, or complete with a chin strip.

Origins: Alongside the aforementioned Charles I, the popularity of moustaches and facial hair styles was encouraged across Europe by a bizarre ‘beard tax’ imposed by Russian Tsar Peter the Great in the late 16th Century, which taxed people who had full beards. The soul patch, meanwhile, was popularised by American jazz musicians in the early 20th Century.

Man with designer stubble facial hair

2000s – The designer stubble

With the turn of the millennium, it was all about starting afresh. Designer stubble, also known as the ‘5 O’clock Shadow’, grew in popularity as celebrities such as George Clooney went for the ‘shabby chic’ look.

Origins: It’s hard to put a date on a look that a look that comes from essentially not shaving for a couple of days, but the phrase ‘5 O’ clock shadow’ comes from a 1930s US-based marketing campaign.

Man with full beard

2010s – Full beard (The Hipster)

The facial hair style that is comfortably the most synonymous with this decade is the full beard, or the ‘hipster beard’, often accompanied by a bun hairstyle, labelled a ‘man-bun’ by some.

Rather than just not shaving, it is sculpted with scissors and maintained with oils.

Origins: Historians speculate that prehistoric men had beards for reasons beyond the fact they were more difficult to get rid of. They also served the purpose of making a man appear more intimidating to his opponents. Additionally, they acted as status symbols within many early human civilisations.

What next?

Given the cyclical nature of fashion and trends, we can expect the full beard to be replaced in coming years by a new trend. Perhaps we’ll go back to the days of clean-cut Elvis Presley?

If we do, make sure you are prepared with premium shaving technology.

Woman with shaven bikini line

How to shave your bikini line safely

It’s a personal choice whether or not a woman wants to shave her bikini line.

Many decide not to, and it is easy to understand why there could be some trepidation – the bikini line is a sensitive area of your body. Poor technique and sub-standard tools can cause razor burns, cuts and blisters, or even folliculitis – an infection of the hair root.

However, according to a YouGov poll, almost half of all UK women under 35 remove their pubic hair entirely. If you choose to do so, or just want to partially remove the hair, you can avoid problems with a good technique and the right shaving tools.

Here are our four tips for how to shave your bikini line safely.

1. Pick your tools wisely

The first step in the battle against razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation is to make sure you’ve got the right razor for the job.

If your blades are dull or rusty, then it’s time to change them. A new, sharp razor will give a clean, hygienic shave, and put less pressure on the hairs, avoiding irritation.

Speaking to Essence, Dr Cook-Bolden advises not to leave your razor in the shower, as this will cause blades to erode more quickly. She adds: “Clean the razor blade before and after… and make sure it is dry after each use.”

The Dorco EVE 6 uses refill cartridges, enabling you to use the same handle and replace the razor blades as often as you need to (we recommend every five to seven shaves, depending on usage). Its six-blade cartridges are designed for precision, so you don’t need to go over the same patch repeatedly, which can increase the risk of developing a shaving rash on your bikini line.

2. Prepare yourself

As men with bushy beards will know, it sometimes pays to take your time and not just jump straight in with a razor. If hair is long, you should trim it back with a sharp pair of scissors before you begin shaving. Longer hair also dulls the blades more quickly, which means you’ll use more razors.

The same applies with pubic hairs.

Compared with leg and armpit hairs, pubic hairs can be tougher and wirier. It’s a good idea to soak in the bath or shower before shaving, to soften both the hairs and the skin around them.

You might also want to use a mirror for extra help with hard to see areas – you really can’t be too careful.

3. Lather up

When shaving your bikini line, you are shaving one of your most sensitive areas, and should consider using a lathering solution that is kind to sensitive skin.

In fact, as it’s made for sensitive chins, Dorco Shave Gel could be the answer. It is perfect for the sensitive skin of bikini lines, with natural ingredients including hydrating aloe vera, glycerine and betaine to protect and prevent dryness.

4. Technique is crucial

There’s no point in soaking, lathering and gathering the right tools if you’re going to spoil it with poor technique.

Firstly, make sure you are not shaving against the direction of hair growth. Although it might seem closer at first, shaving against the grain can lead to ingrown hairs and folliculitis.

Secondly, don’t apply too much pressure, and try not to go over the same patch too many times, to avoid razor burn. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, dermatologist Dr Zeichner recommends: “Take short, single strokes and rinse off the razor every one to two shaves.”

He also recommends ensuring the water is hot, making the shower a good place to shave, adding: “The humidity and warmth of the water helps hydrate and soften both the skin and the hair, allowing shaving to be an easier process.”

Finally – post shave – pat the area dry and use some gentle oil-free, fragrance-free moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated and soothe any redness.

What facial hair would suit my face shape? - Infographic

What facial hair would suit my face shape?

When it comes to your look, your facial hair is the icing on the cake. However, there are multiple styles to choose from, so how do you decide?

The general consensus is that your hair and jaw should work together to form an oval shape.

Of course, this isn’t an exact science. You need to factor in personal logistics, and work with what you’ve got. You also need think about how sensitive your skin is, and how often you want to have to shave, as some styles are more labour intensive than others.

Still having trouble picking a style? Then this guide should help you find the perfect look to suit your face shape.