‘K-Beauty’ (beauty and skincare products originating from Korea) covers
anything from razors to bubble tea sleeping packs.

The ethos of K-beauty is to nourish your skin so that it looks naturally
beautiful. And it’s not an overnight sensation; the Korean beauty market is
among the top 10 in the world, with an estimated worth of more than $13
billion in 2018, according to intelligence agency

Mintel

.

According to

Marie Claire

, where once Western brands led the way, ‘now the axis of influence has
shifted and due to a combination of factors South Korea has become the
global leader in beauty innovation’.

Global demand for Korean beauty and skincare products

Korean skincare and beauty products are popular because of their reputation
for ingredients that have a truly positive impact on your skin.

“There is a rock-solid security in K beauty’s commitment to science,”
writes

Kate Branch in Vogue

.

The overarching theme of K-Beauty encourages people to nurture the skin,
slowly and consistently with various small but regular steps, such as the
K-Beauty

’10 steps’

.

A huge industry in Korea

Beauty blogger

Bethany Tyndall

says: “Seoul, Korea’s thriving beauty metropolis, is well ahead of the
curve when it comes to creating the biggest and best beauty trends of the
decade.”

South Korean men

spend more on skincare

than men anywhere else in the world, while South Korean women spend twice
as much money on beauty products and make-up than American women.

For this reason, South Korean beauty and skincare companies must constantly
improve products in order to stay on top, leading to a wealth of
innovation. This level of innovation helps explain why the demand for
K-Beauty products in Europe is on the

rise

.

Embracing our heritage

As Korea’s leading shaving brand, we have embraced the K-beauty ethos for
more than 60 years, in every piece of pioneering shaving kit that we have
produced.

We share the overarching commitment to science. In order to keep driving
innovation, we devote considerable resource to research and development so
that we can produce quality razors to suit all skin types and
sensitivities.

This is demonstrated by the

Dorco EVE 6

, with its six blades that contour to your body shape.

The K-beauty revolution isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and Dorco
are proud to be a part of it.

Shaving your head with a razor really isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With
the right preparation and technique, you’ll be achieving a
professional-quality shave in no time, whilst minimising the chance of
unsightly razor bumps popping up on your freshly bald head.

Whether you’re looking for something easier to maintain, want to combat
thinning hair or just simply try out a new style, our five easy steps will
show you how to shave your head with a razor.

1 – What you’ll need

• 
  A quality razor
  
  – be sure to check that your blades are sharp, clean and not
  
  in need of replacing
  
• 
  Shave Gel
  
• A second mirror to see the back of your head – we recommend investing in
  one with an adjustable arm
• Electric clippers or a friendly neighbourhood barber!

2 – Trimming down

Razors aren’t effective when cutting through long hair, so you’ll first
need to trim as close to the scalp as possible.

If you have a set of hair clippers at home, that’s great; if not, pop down
to your local barber or hairdresser and ask for a grade 1 all over. A
single grade typically costs less than a normal haircut.

3 – Prepping for best results

A hot shower helps to soften hair and open your pores. Dry your hair with a
towel going back to front, against the direction of growth.

Then, apply your

Shave Gel

to your hair and neck. For best results, wait a few minutes for it to soak
in.

4 – Time to shave

Start with the front of your head and other visible areas, leaving the back
until last. Make sure you shave in an orderly pattern to avoid going over
the same areas more than once. Shave with the grain and apply very little
pressure – let the blades do the work.

Don’t stretch your skin across your scalp as this can encourage ingrown
hairs and razor bumps. Be sure to rinse the blades between each stroke.

We recommend getting a friend or partner to help with difficult-to-reach
areas if you are struggling. Ideally, wait a few days before you next shave
your head to give your skin some time to recover.

5 – Aftercare

It is important to give your bald head the same care and attention that you
would your face.

Splash cold water on your head and neck, then gently pat dry with a towel.
Use an alcohol-free shaving aftercare product to gently sooth your scalp.

The newly exposed skin will need some extra care. Aim to moisturise it
daily and apply sun protection when going outdoors.

Using a gentle exfoliant on a day between shaves will help to prevent
ingrown hairs by increasing skin cell turnover. Those containing glycolic
or salicylic acid tend to work best.

There you have it,
five simple steps to a bald head, free from those pesky razor bumps. Good
luck and happy shaving!

The Pink Tax is the term used when a company charges more for female
products than the male equivalent, under the belief that women will pay
more.

Research by

the Times newspaper

uncovered what they described as ‘sexist’ prices across many of Britain’s
largest retailers. Women were found to pay on average 37% more for very
similar or identical products – from clothing items such as jeans to
toiletries and razors.

The Pink Tax is one of many economic disadvantages faced by women in their
daily lives, including the gender pay gap,
which is an ongoing issue impacting women around the globe.

“Women are getting ripped off twice,” says Jemima Olchawski
, head of policy at the Fawcett Society. “They are paid less than men and
are also charged more for similar products.”

How this extends to personal care products

Personal care products including female razors are a particular focal point
for campaigners seeking gender equality amongst consumers.

The ‘Tampon Tax’ – the VAT added to female sanitary products – is still
present in the UK. Sanitary products are classed as luxury, non-essential
items and hit with a 5% VAT charge. This is despite several
much-less-essential items being exempt from VAT, for example ‘crocodile
meat’, ‘alcohol jellies’ and ‘edible sugar flowers’.

Laura Croyton, who started a

Change.org petition

to end the Tampon Tax that received more than 300,000 signatures, said:
“Periods are no luxury. You can ‘opt-in’ to extravagance. You cannot choose
to menstruate. Despite this, a whole heap of disadvantages have been
created for those who do.”

Will this change in the future?

Slowly but surely, we are seeing change but there is still a long way to
go.

Until it’s possible to repeal the legislation (it’s currently enshrined in
law by the EU), the Tampon Tax Fund, set up by the Government, allocates
funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products to projects that improve
the lives of disadvantaged women and girls.

Meanwhile, some large retailers, such as

Boots

and

Tesco

, have taken a step in the right direction by addressing their prices for
personal care items, including female razors.

What is Dorco’s stance on the Pink Tax?

We are 100% against the idea of charging women a premium for our products
and are committed to providing a smooth, close shave at a fair price.

In fact, our female razor, the

Dorco EVE 6

, is cheaper than our 6-blade male razor, as are the refill cartridges.

We also provide the opportunity to escape the razor aisle for good with our

subscription service

, which includes both male and female options and costs a purse-friendly £1
for the first month. Every subscription is customisable to your needs and
you can cancel at any time.

Cleaning your razor blades is important to ensure that your shaving experience is effective and safe. Nobody wants a clogged razor blade!

Basic maintenance will help to extend the life of your razor, whilst also minimising the build-up of potentially harmful debris and bacteria.

In five simple steps, we show you how to clean your razor and give it the care and attention it needs.

Step 1 – Rinse as you go

Each stroke of your razor introduces debris, such as shaving foam, hair and skin particles, risking you being left with a clogged and ineffective razor.

Aim to take no more than one or two strokes before giving your blades a quick rinse under the tap, or a vigorous swish around in some water.

Step 2 – A thorough rinse post-shave

Get into the habit of thoroughly cleaning your razor after every use.

Use a tap or shower head to run a powerful stream of water through the back side of your razor blades. This will clear most of the debris that builds up during each shave.

Warm water works better than cold. A few intermittent taps against something solid, such as the edge of your sink, will also help dislodge larger items, such as long or thick hairs.

Dorco razors feature bent blade technology and an open-flow blade cartridge design, making them easier to clean and maintain.

Step 3 – Dry the razor properly before storing

Harmful bacteria thrive in wet, enclosed environments. Therefore, it is important to let your razor dry thoroughly before storing it away.

Step 4 – Take care with stubborn debris

To avoid cutting yourself, avoid the temptation to use your fingers to remove stubborn debris. Instead, use a small brush.

Dedicated razor cleaning brushes can be found in most pharmacies. If you do not own one, then a clean, unused toothbrush offers an easy alternative.

Avoid using items such as cotton buds or tissue paper, as material can easily get stuck between the blades, leading to a further clogged razor.

Rubbing alcohol – also known as isopropyl alcohol – can make this job a lot easier. Alcohol will help to break down stubborn debris, making it much easier to remove.

Simply soak your razor’s head in the alcohol for a few minutes, giving it the occasional swish and stir to work the alcohol in between the blades. Then proceed to cleaning it with your brush.

Alcohol will also help sterilise the blades, minimising the risk of harmful bacteria accumulating.

Step 5 – Timely replacement

Unfortunately, no amount of cleaning or sterilisation can revive a dull razor blade. If your shave is in any way uncomfortable, or it is showing any signs of rust or immovable debris, it is time to change your blades.

For regular shavers, experts recommend changing your razor each week to avoid potential issues, such as shaving rash, cuts and infection.

Hassle-free replacement

To be sure your razors remain both comfortable and safe to use, why not consider the Dorco subscription service.

To start saving money and take the hassle out of changing your blade, simply answer these three quick questions.

Picture the scene: you start the day ­with a wet shave, brimming with confidence as you clear away those morning bristles.

James Bond, eat your heart out.

However, that confidence is quickly extinguished by the appearance of an unsightly facial rash that’s less 007 and more double-oh-damn.

It looks and feels like acne, but can it really be? What causes the spots than occasionally appear after shaving and what can you do about them?

The science behind it

Firstly, you are most likely not suffering from acne. While the spots after shaving may look like acne, they are likely to be the result of a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is caused by curly hairs getting stuck inside the hair follicles.

“Instead of growing straight out of the follicle, the hair meets resistance from dead skin at more steeply angled pore openings, and curls back around inside the pore,” explains Dr Cynthia Abbott, a dermatologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. “This causes inflamed, painful, red bumps.”

What to do about it

The key is in your preparation and technique. Rather than shaving being a cause of rashes and bumps, it can actually be a great way to proactively care for skin when done properly.

Here are our five top tips for preventing spots when you shave:

1. In between shaves, use a good exfoliator to clear away any dead skin cells: But don’t go overboard. “If you are scrubbing your skin regularly in addition to shaving (especially if you’re using a gritty scrub or pressing hard), you could be overdoing it,” warns Jeni Sykes, head of skincare at Heyday. “And your skin is far more likely to break out.”
2. Use a shave gel designed for sensitive skin: Dorco’s Shave Gel contains hydrating aloe vera, glycerin and betaine which work together to organically soothe your skin.
3. Shave in the direction of your hair growth. It’s tempting to go against the grain in order to get a close, quick shave – but you increase the risk of spots and irritation after shaving.
4. Choose a quality razor: “Single-blade disposables are likelier to drag against the skin,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Neal Schultz, M.D. Select any one of Dorco’s multi-bladed options, and you are guaranteed outstanding performance – just what you need to keep your skin in tip-top condition.
5. Regularly change your blade cartridge: Blunt blades not only deliver a sub-standard shave, they can also cause razor burn and harbour bacteria. Dorco’s subscription service removes the inconvenience of remembering to stock up on blades. Click here to build your personalised subscription.

If you’re a regular shaver, chances are you’ll want to take your razor on your next trip away. However, as it’s a sharp blade, you may be asking can you take a razor in your hand luggage on a plane and what the restrictions are.

Whether it’s allowed on the flight, and where to pack it, ultimately depends on the type of blades your razor has.

There are some strict rules about what you can carry in your hand luggage – and what you can’t. Strangely the most confiscated items taken from British travellers at airport security include live animals and Marmite!

Razors on the other hand are unlikely to be confiscated if you stick to the following guidelines, but always double-check the regulations specific to your airline and departure and arrival airports.

Handles, cartridges and blades

When we talk about ‘razors’ we usually mean the whole shebang – handle, cartridge and blade. However, to better understand whether you can take your razor on a plane, we need to look at these parts separately.

Handles can typically go in either your hand luggage or hold luggage without restriction.

Where you pack the blades, however, depends on how they attach to your razor and whether or not they have certain safety features.

Cartridge razors

Cartridge razors are those with a detachable head of self-contained blades. These blades are fixed in place and cannot be easily removed from the cartridge.

These razors typically come with a few replacement cartridges, with refill cartridges available when needed. For example, all Dorco razors are cartridge razors.

Both the handle and cartridges are widely accepted in both hold luggage and hand luggage.

The only condition is that you put any supplied protective coverings over the blades to protect airport staff if they search your bags.

Disposable razors

Disposable razors feature a fixed head and blades that cannot be easily removed. Users dispose of the whole product once it becomes blunt.

These are widely accepted in both hold luggage and hand luggage without restriction.

Again, it is advised to attach any protective covers that came with the blades.

Safety razors

Safety razors feature a single, often double-edged, interchangeable razor blade. The razor blade itself is widely prohibited in hand luggage because they are so easy to take out, which could be dangerous. The handle of a safety razor, however, should be allowed in both types of luggage without restriction – there’s nothing dangerous about the handle!

You should therefore always detach the blade before travel and pack it, along with any spare blades, in your hold luggage only.

Always double-check before flying

The above guidance is based on Government guidelines, so will apply to most airports and airlines. However, these can vary and be subject to change over time, so it’s worth checking both the Government’s and the Airline’s websites before you go to gain peace of mind.

If in doubt, always check with both your departure and destination airports and airlines before travelling. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that all Dorco razors and replacement blades can typically be packed in both your hand luggage or hold luggage, according to the UK Government’s own airport regulations.

For more information on hand luggage restrictions, visit the UK government website.

How often should you replace the blades on your razor? This important question is often overlooked, but regularly changing the blades on your razor is essential not only for an effective shave, but also for protecting your health.

As a very general rule, women may change their razors less frequently than men because they shave less regularly – though conversely they are more likely to shave a larger portion of their body hair than male shavers!

The frequency that you should change the blades on your razor will also depend on things like the quality of the razor, how often you shave and how thick your hair is.

To be sure you’re not using a razor beyond its recommended limits, here are some obvious signs to watch out for that indicate it’s time for a change.

Sharp razor, comfortable shave

Dull or rusty razor blades can tug at hairs and increase the chances of shaving irritating and skin damage.

If you experience shaving irritation, cut yourself often, or it simply doesn’t feel comfortable when shaving, then your razor is probably the cause.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, razor blades should be changed every five to seven shaves to minimise irritation.

Protecting delicate skin

Shaving with a rusty or bacteria-filled razor can harm your skin, often resulting in little red bumps on the surface. If you accidentally cut yourself, then there is also a very real risk of more serious infections.

Any signs of dullness, rust or other substances appearing on the surface are therefore a clear signal to change your blades.

Even if you haven’t used it in a while, try change your razor as regularly as possible. Over time, exposure to the elements will naturally causes your razor’s blades to rust and start to harbour nasty bacteria.

Buy quality blades

A quality razor and set of blades, such as the Dorco EVE 6, can significantly affect how often you need to replace them.

Better quality razors and blades, which need to be replaced less often, should be more economical over time, and give you a consistently comfortable shave for longer.

Dorco razors use ancient blade-making techniques backed by the latest technology and expertise to give you sharp, strong, long-lasting blades.

Care between uses

How you store your razor between uses has perhaps the greatest impact on how long it will last.

Rust and bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments. Storing your razor near your bath or shower is therefore probably the worst place if you’re looking to prolong its life.

Ideally you should store razors in a cool, dry place – such as a bathroom drawer or cabinet – with the blades facing upwards.

Hassle-free replacement

To be sure your razors remain both comfortable and safe to use, why not consider Dorco’s subscription service with your first month costing you just £1!

To start saving money and take the hassle out of changing your blade, simply click here.

Summer is coming, and we’re all starting to think about going outside and getting active – whether that’s joining a sports team, hopping on your bike or kitting-up for a jog.

However, while getting a good sweat on might be good for your quads, it can play havoc with your skin, especially if you’re a regular shaver.

One problem you will have come across at some point in your life is the dreaded razor burn. We have some top tips for how to avoid razor burn when exercising.

What causes razor burn?

Razor burn, or shaving rash, will be familiar to any woman who shaves regularly. It is a red and sore rash that crops up after you’ve shaved, usually on your bikini line or legs.

Healthline cites the causes of razor burn as poor shaving practice – shaving without cream, using dull blades, too aggressively or close, or, worst of all, dry shaving. It’s pretty unsightly and can take a few days to disappear.

You’ll find a razor burn is made much worse by chafing. Tight-fitting clothes when at the gym or running can cause a build-up of friction, heat and sweat, which irritates an already sore spot.

TOP TIP: Try to change the blades regularly – a blunt razor will damage the skin

What are razor bumps?

Another shaving problem made worse by exercise are razor bumps, or ingrown hairs. To give them their full and terrifying medical title, pseudofolliculitis, razor bumps are different to razor burn. They are caused by hairs curling under the skin and growing back in on themselves a few days after shaving. They are super painful and unsightly red or purple bumps that can take weeks to disappear.

According to the Mayo Clinic, they are more likely to afflict the curlier-haired population, but can also be caused by bad shaving technique. Shaving creates sharp edges, especially on your coarser, bikini-line hair, and pulling your skin taut forces the newly cut hair to draw back and re-enter the skin after shaving.

Sweating during a workout can also transform these little bumps into massive mountains of pain, and can lead to skin infections if the pores get clogged with sweat – especially in a hot gym environment.

TOP TIP: Have a hot bath before you shave to soften the hairs and reduce the chances of razor bumps

Also, cyclists should know that bikini-line hair removal has been discouraged by the GB cycling team because of razor bumps. A study they commissioned showed that heat and friction from the saddle damages the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and increases the risk of ingrowing hairs and hair follicle infections. If you’re a regular cyclist, you might want to forgo shaving before a long ride.

Fool-proof guide for how to avoid razor burn and razor bumps:

1. Ideally wait until you’ve finished your workout before shaving, especially after swimming, as your pores will be more open and you’re less likely to cause irritation by exercising, or from the chlorine or salt.
2. Prepare yourself. Taking a post-workout shower and gently exfoliating before a shave means you are removing the top layer of dead skin cells and softening the hairs and hair follicles. This means you will have an easier shave and there is less chance of ingrown hairs afterwards.
3. Use the right equipment. Razor blades blunt after around five uses, so to avoid razor burn, make sure yours is new, sharp and not rusty. Always use shaving gel and NEVER dry shave. For sensitive areas such as the bikini line you could even use a men’s facial gel, such as the Dorco Shave Gel, as it’s made for sensitive skin and coarse hair.
4. Shave with the grain. While it gives a closer shave, shaving against the grain of your hair bends the hairs back and causes irritation. Try to use short, light strokes, don’t pull the skin taut and don’t go over a patch too many times. If you have to do this, you may need a new razor.

High-precision to achieve sporting perfection

With 60 years’ experience in shaving innovation, we know we have the perfect shaving tools for your sporting needs – whether you’re a full-time professional, regular amateur enthusiast, or a first-timer.

The Dorco EVE 6 Value Pack x 7 will take care of all your needs, with a top-quality razor that’s crafted for curves, as well as 7 refill cartridges. It’s currently 30% off on our website here

It is well known that athletes in a variety of sports shave their body hair before competing. But why do men shave their legs and what benefit do sportsmen get from shaving?

The topic was thrusted into the public eye in September 2017, when Real Madrid footballer Marco Asensio missed a Champions League game due to an injury acquired while shaving his legs.

Asensio’s injury was widely teased across social media. However, it does highlight the very real need to shave properly if you want to avoid a mishap. Nobody wants to let their team down or miss a big race due to a self-inflicted injury.

Why do athletes shave their bodies?

A lot of research has been carried out into the effects of shaving on sport performance, and some of the findings are very impressive.

Shaving for swimmers

It’s a popular misconception that swimmers mainly shave their bodies to be more aerodynamic in the water, which has been described as only partially true by Alex Kostich from ACTIVE.

Shaving also removes dead skin, increasing a swimmer’s sensitivity to the water, and making them feel they are moving faster.

This was proven by the American College of Sports Medicine, which studied two groups of shaved and non-shaved swimmers during a 400-yard swim. The shaved group showed more efficient performance, with significantly reduced blood lactate and VO2 max (the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise). Their stroke length was also increased.

Shaving for cyclists

The aerodynamic benefits of shaving for cyclists are more concrete. In wind-tunnel testing conducted in 2015 that has since been endorsed by British Cycling, cyclists who shaved their legs also shaved an average of 70 seconds from their time over 40km.

Cyclists also shave as a preventive measure. In the event of a crash, the resulting ‘road rash’ is much easier to treat and clean when the body is hairless.

Shaving for runners

The benefits for runners are slightly less obvious, but they do exist. For example, Canadian Running Magazine says these benefits include the easier application of sunscreen, which is particularly useful for long-distance running in a hot climate.

Additionally, a study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE) journal has concluded that removal of hair can contribute to time savings, ranging from 0.01 seconds in the 100m to 5.7 seconds over the course of a marathon.
In a sport of photo-finishes, 0.01 seconds could make all the difference.

Shaving for football

Finally, for footballers like poor Marco Asensio, there are performance reasons to shave your legs.

According to St Louis FC player Matt Sheldon, one reason is to aid therapeutic massages. He said: “When you’re getting massages constantly on your legs… it really pulls on your hair.” This is also an established practice for cyclists and runners.

Many soccer players also shave their legs to make the removal of bandages or support tape less painful. These are often worn by many players at all levels of the game.

Tips when shaving for sport

If you do want to shave a few seconds from your personal best, perhaps starting with your legs, here are some quick tips to do it safely:

1)    Trim the hair down first with a beard trimmer or scissors.

2)    Run a hot bath and soak in it for a while. This will soften the hairs and make them much easier to shave.

3)    Use a top-quality razor, paying particular attention to the razor’s ability to ‘clean’ i.e. removing the cut hairs efficiently from between the blades.

4)    Once you are done, pat your legs dry and apply plenty of moisturiser. Your legs will feel strange the next time you put trousers on, but that’s totally normal.

The perfect sports shaving partner

With 60 years’ experience in shaving innovation, we know we have the perfect shaving partner for your sporting needs – whether you’re a full-time professional, regular amateur enthusiast, or a first-timer.

The Dorco PACE 6 Plus Shave Gel Kit will take care of all your needs, with a top-quality razor and Shave Gel to help you Get Closer to your goals.

Try these spring trends straight from the catwalk

Spring has finally sprung and bare legs are back. We’re not in the business of lecturing women on when their bodies should be spring-ready this season – as far as we’re concerned, you can flaunt your legs by simply trading in your 100 denier tights for a pair of on-trend silk shorts.

The catwalks are full of designs that make the most of legs, with micro-length skirts, sophisticated shorts and textured midi skirts making an appearance. We take four of the hottest looks from the catwalk for you to try this spring.

Image by Sam Beasor

Metallic leather

Shimmering fabrics are no longer confined to evening-wear and the winter months. Pick out bold separates in metallic leather and don’t be afraid to experiment with colour – green, purple and pink hi-shine metallic skirts were seen in abundance this season. We love this green metallic mini skirt and crop-top co-ord.

Jacquard midi skirts and jacquard dresses

Image by Sam Beasor

Luxe is best this season, so make sure your spring wardrobe includes some textured jacquard skirts and jacquard dresses to mix and match with your more basic pieces. It’s the perfect fabric to add a luxury edge to your outfit without breaking the bank.

Continuing with the metallic trend, foil crop-tops were spotted on the runways of London Fashion Week, which look great teamed with a longer jacquard skirt in a statement colour, such as punchy red.

 

Image by Sam Beasor

Shorts in all lengths

Whether you’re a micro girl or a culotte girl, this season there are shorts for women to suit everyone’s taste. Wearing shorts is guaranteed to turn heads, so make sure your skin is looking healthy, shiny and moisturised.

Touching on the Eastern theme that infiltrated the catwalk this season, these silk high-waisted shorts are a practical way to bare your legs while still being comfortable.

Pleated skirts and pleated dresses

Image by Sam Beasor

If you want to try out some of bold primary colours that dominated the catwalks this season, opt for bold red pleats, like this stunning ra-ra dress in colour-pop scarlet.

Layering works really well with this trend too, check out this elegant pleated mini skirt that pairs perfectly with smooth pins.