Classic razor

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BEARD IN CHECK FOR WORLD BEARD DAY

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BEARD IN CHECK FOR WORLD BEARD DAY

 

From grooming guy, John Robertson of The Everyday Man

 

Tip 1: Condition it.  Your beard, just like the hair on your head needs to be looked after. Use a beard oil regularly to keep the hair from drying out.

 

Tip 2: Maintain it.  Don’t just sit back and watch it grow.  It’s important to keep it tidy, using a razor with a built in trimmer blade like the Dorco Pace 6 Plus will help you to keep the edges and lines nice and sharp.

 

Tip 3: Invest in a decent mirror.  Ideally one of those shaving mirrors, and always makes use of it in a well-lit spot.  This will make it easier to achieve a neat and even overall finish.

 

Tip 4: Don’t pluck.  Use your razors trimmer blade to remove any stray hairs.  Plucking them can lead to infections and ingrown hairs and is never recommended.

 

Tip 5:  There should be a clear distinction between your beard and any protruding chest hairs form the top of your shirt.  Use a razor to keep the neckline nice and tidy.  The pivoting head on the Dorco Pace 6 Plus makes it easy to shape your neckline.

 

 

Written by John Robertson

 

 

Should you ditch your beard for summer?

Should you ditch your beard for summer?

In a word, yes. Well kind of anyway. Beards (big bushy ones) went through a period of widespread popularity back at the start of this decade after a load of models decided to grow some. With Instagram being a pretty new thing too it provided the perfect platform for these ‘pioneering’ hipsters to show off their perfectly kempt face bushes to the world. Then it all started.

 

Eventually though, the bubble bursts on every craze and this was no different. At the end of 2015 many experts in the world of grooming, fashion and styling began proclaiming that we had indeed hit peak beard.

 

So are beards totally dead? Well, if your sole reason for wearing a beard was to follow the trend then yes, it’s time for you to pull out your Dorco Classic razor sunshine and proudly show off your bare cheeks. This summer it’s very much about the classic stubble-free look.

 

If you’re not a dedicated follower of fashion and have a beard just because you like it, then why should you ditch it because some fashionista tells you too? The key to keeping any beard looking good though is maintenance so that should be your focus. A lot of people think they are the go-to for lazy men but that could not be further from the truth. Keeping it trimmed, shaping up the edges with a razor, conditioning it, oiling it, stroking it (ok maybe not the last one) all take up a crazy amount of a blokes time.

 

If you have decided to keep yours this summer, then remember to keep a good-looking beard. And if you’re too lazy for all of that then just shave it off. At least that way you’ll be on trend too.

 

THE DORCO CLASSIC – THE ULTIMATE SHAVE

Introducing the Ultimate Shave

The Dorco Classic razor features 7 precision-aligned blades, making it a world first

 

Launching this summer, the NEW Dorco Classic razor is set to revolutionise your grooming routine. With seven precision-aligned blades, making it a world first, you can be confident you’ll achieve a close and comfortable shave in the fewest strokes.*

The incredible angulated blade technology used in the Dorco Classic gives slimmer, denser blades to reduce any irritation to the skin. The Dorco Classic also has an open structure design to enable easy rinsing, helping to keep blades sharper for longer. A Honeycomb Guard Bar with soft rubber surface allows effortless gliding over skin, adapting to the contours of your face.

That’s not all! An advanced lubricating strip with antioxidants from Argan oil and Calendula extract helps sooth sensitive and dry skin, and heal razor burns. To improve precision, the lubricating strip has been shortened from Dorco’s previous models, making it perfect for those hard-to-reach places without the need for a separate trimmer.

The beautiful razor combines classic design with advanced technology. A vintage inspired, gloss black ergonomic handle ensures optimum control and precision, with a pivoting head for flexibility.

Making life even easier for you, the Dorco Classic aligns with the Dorco patented Common Docking System, enabling you to swap any Dorco 3 Plus, 4 or 6 Plus handles or razor with each other.

Not one to shy away from innovation, Dorco has been hard at work producing the latest technologies in the shaving industry for over 60 years. The introduction of the Dorco Classic razor is another example of Dorco having your back with premium, cost effective shaving products. It is their most technologically advance razor to date.

Don’t just take our word for it.  Order the Dorco Classic from Dorco’s UK online shop at www.razorsbydorco.co.uk from Monday 22nd May, and get it delivered straight to your door. There’s even free shipping for orders over £10.

Welcome to the next level

Notes to editors:

*When compared to the Dorco Pace 6 Plus razor.

About Dorco Classic

  • 7 precision-aligned blades
    • Micro-positioned to deliver a comfortable and smooth shave
    • 16% narrower blade span than other Dorco razors; improving safety and minimising irritation
    • Expert design enables a precise shave without the need for a trimmer
  • Open structure design enables easy rinsing to prolong blade life
  • Advanced Lubricating Strip with natural extracts
    • Antioxidants from Argan oil and Calendula extract minimise skin irritation
    • Argan oil to soothe dry skin and heal any razor burns and bumps after shaving
    • Calendula extract to moisturise and soothe sensitive skin
  • Pivoting head for flexibility
  • Ergonomic handle in a classic design
  • Honeycomb Guard Bar with soft rubber surface allows effortless gliding over skin
  • Common Docking System enables blade and handle to work with others in the Dorco Pace range

 

About Dorco

Dorco is an expert in razor innovation, providing millions of customers in over 130 countries worldwide with premium shaving products. Razors by Dorco is proud to introduce its shaving innovation to the UK market, including the brand new Dorco Classic, as well as Dorco’s innovative and patented common docking system.  With over 60 years of expertise in offering advanced blade technology, Dorco offers a flexible subscription service delivering superior quality razors and replacement blades straight to your door when you need them.

For press enquiries please contact:
Sara Hailan / shailan@golin.com / 020 7067 0784
Laura Sharkey/ lsharkey@golin.com / 0207 067 0314

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.

dorco

How to Choose the Right Shaving Cream for Your Face

First of all: Is it bad to shave without shaving cream? Before deciding on which shaving cream you want, it’s best to understand exactly why men use shaving cream. Many men shave with water or plain soap, but shaving cream allows you to get a closer shave if used correctly. Shaving lubes can also protect your face from irritation, so they’re great at banishing razor burns. There aren’t any negatives to skipping the shaving lube, but you miss the opportunity to moisturise and protect your face when you don’t use one.

Honestly, if you love your current shaving-cream-free routine, there’s no need to change what works. However, if you think you could upgrade your shaving routine, read on.

 

Shaving Soaps, Creams, Gels and Foams

Before contemporary shaving lubes were developed, men used lathering soaps to protect their skin while shaving. To use them, you had to work up a lather with a shaving brush in a cup. In the 1940s, brushless shaving creams that didn’t lather were developed. Now most men use a cream, gel or foam while shaving.

For sensitive skin and shaving aficionados, shaving creams are the preferred choice. Many brands contain a high level of moisturising fats and glycerin, which protect dry skin. When combined with hot water, shaving creams can deliver the best possible lather and also soften your facial hair. And while most shaving experts recommend using a shaving brush to apply it, it will still lather up in your hand.

Shaving gels add moisture and lubrication to your skin. They’re easier to use than shaving creams and lathering soaps: You can apply them with your hands if you prefer. Because shaving gels are clear, they allow you to see the direction of the hair growth and the underlying skin. This feature allows more precision when using a razor.

Shaving foams don’t have the same lather quality as other shaving products. Cold shaving foam also closes the pores on your face. Often, shaving foams contain ingredients that dry skin, and they don’t provide the moisturising benefits of the other options. However, many men find shaving foam easier to use.

 

Common Shaving Lube Ingredients

Once you’ve picked the right type of lube, you may want to consider the ingredient list. If you’re lucky enough to have normal skin, most shaving products should work for you. But men who have sensitive, oily or dry skin should take care when selecting a product. Here are some tips on common ingredients:

  • Parfume: Some men have skin that’s sensitive to fragrance, while others prefer a scented product. Let your nose and skin be your guide. If you have sensitive skin or experience skin irritation after using a fragranced product, use a perfume-free shaving lube to protect your skin.
  • Essential oils: Essential oils add fragrance to shaving lubes, but unlike perfume, they can also help skin problems. For example, lemon oil can help tame oily skin, and tea tree oil can help acne. Other popular shaving lube essential oils are bergamot, sandalwood and cedar.
  • Glycerin: This heavy moisturiser helps the razor glide over the skin.
  • Natural oils: A shaving lube may contain a combination of glycerin and natural oils to moisturise skin. Avocado, jojoba, coconut and almond oil are popular choices.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol can irritate and dry your skin. If you already have dry skin, avoid shaving foams, which have high alcohol contents and dry the skin. Shaving gels usually contain the least amount of alcohol, so they’re best if you have sensitive skin.
  • Stearic acid: This powerful cleanser helps other ingredients in your shaving lube lather. It can be derived from plant or animal origins.

 

Understanding the best products and ingredients for your skin should help you narrow your choices. Just be prepared to try a few different lubes before you find the perfect one for your needs.

How to Shave Your Bikini Area in 6 Easy Steps

How to Shave Your Bikini Area in 6 Easy Steps

We all know how annoying pubic hair can be: it’s itchy, uncomfortable and a definite no-no when you’re getting ready to don a bikini. If you’re nervous about the pain of a Brazilian wax, you can instead opt to shave your bikini area and get rid of that pesky hair with very little trouble.

1. Trim

If it’s been a while since you’ve bothered shaving your bikini line, start with some small scissors and carefully trim the area you intend to shave. This will make it easier for your razor to get a cleaner shave, and help you avoid nicking yourself in those sensitive spots. Get as close as you can without putting yourself in danger of cutting the skin.

2. Soak

Next, hop in the shower, turn up the heat, and relax for a few minutes. You’re not stalling — you’re allowing the hair time to soften in the hot water. The more pliable your hair is, the more effortlessly your razor will glide across your skin. The heat also opens up your pores, making your skin more receptive to those moisturisers you’ll be using after your shave. Give yourself 5–10 minutes in the heat; then, you can move on to the next step.

3. Treat

Light exfoliation helps remove dead skin build-up around the hair so that you can get a closer shave. Using either a gentle body scrub or just a washcloth, gently massage your bikini line to loosen and remove that layer of dead skin that has built up over time. If you have sensitive skin, go easy on with this step, as the combination of scrubbing and shaving can actually cause more irritation.

4. Lather

Next, you’ll need a quality shaving cream. Creams are much more effective than your average soaps; as creams lather better than soaps, they allow your razor to slide across the skin closely without causing burn. Most shaving creams also contain moisturisers to help hydrate the skin as you trim. When you’re shaving such a delicate area, this is one step you definitely don’t want to skip.

5. Shave

 

Now it’s time for the challenging part. First pick a razor that has at least three blades so that you can get nice and close, preferably one with a lubricating strip for added moisture and gentleness. Then, pulling the skin tight, slowly and carefully shave in the direction your hair grows. This helps prevent razor burn, but it also will not give you as close a shave. If you want to get it smoother, give it another pass, this time going against the grain. Be gentle and don’t press on the razor. You can always do multiple passes if necessary, but it’s better to take your time to ensure a clean shave with no accidental cuts.

6. Moisturise

Once your skin is satisfactorily smooth, pat your skin dry with a clean towel and select a moisturiser to finish up. A light, hypoallergenic body cream is a perfect choice for giving your skin a soft texture, while preventing any inflammation from the shave. Also, remember that it’s preferable to shave your skin at night – this prevents irritation and allows your moisturiser more time to soak into your skin and provide deep hydration.

Shaving your bikini line takes time and focus, but practice makes perfect and after a couple times you’ll be a pro. Now hop into that bikini and hit the beach!

 

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How to Prevent Irritation When Shaving Your Head

With celebrities like Jason Statham and Ross Kemp embracing a bald crown, the no-hair trend is here to stay. But before trying this style on your own cranium, you need a game plan. A shaved head may be the ultimate low-maintenance hair style, but it does require some basic prep and the right technique to achieve a close shave. Skip these steps, and you can expect razor bumps, skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

Start With the Basic Prep Work

Before shaving your head for the first time, start with a long shower to soften the hair. Then begin with a trim. Use a set of hair clippers to cut your hair so it’s approximately one centimetre long.

If you don’t have a shaving mirror with an adjustable arm, invest in one. That way, you’ll be able to see the back of your head easily. You’ll also be able to avoid shaving the same area twice, which is akey cause of general skin irritation.

Don’t own a set of clippers? Consider going to a barber for your first shave. That way, you’ll only need to shave regularly to maintain your new look.

Establish Your Regular Shaving Routine

Prior to every shave, take a hot shower and then cover your scalp with a shaving cream or shaving oil. Wait about five minutes to let the hair soften fully.

Shave with a sharp razor that has at least three blades. Start with the front of your head, and shave with the grain of the hair. Apply very little pressure when shaving, and let the blade do the work. Rinse the razor after every stroke.

Create an orderly pattern when shaving to avoid shaving over the same spot twice. Save shaving the back of your head for last because that area tends to have the coarsest and thickest hair. Don’t stretch the skin, which can cause ingrown hairs. However, look down when shaving the back of your neck to get an even shave.

Now examine your head carefully. If you want a closer shave, you can repeat this process, except this time you should shave against the grain of the hair. However, if you have curly hair, coarse hair or sensitive skin, you greatly increase the risk that you’ll cause ingrown hairs if you shave again.

Finish With Some Shaving Aftercare

Once you’re done shaving, splash some cold water on your scalp and gently towel the area dry. Use an alcohol-free aftershave balm or lotion to soothe the scalp. Also plan on moisturising your scalp regularly. Look for a moisturiser with SPF unless you want a freckled head.

On the days you’re not shaving your head, use an exfoliating face wash on your scalp to prevent ingrown hairs. Look for something with chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, to increase skin cell turnover. After your scalp is clean, apply your moisturiser to protect the newly exposed skin.

Address Persistent Skin Irritation

Some minor scalp irritation is common after your first shave. To prevent aggravating your skin, wait a few days before shaving again, but make sure to moisturise and wash the scalp daily. Most men wait one to three days between shaving sessions.

However, if you follow these tips but still end up with regular razor bumps, you may want to visit a dermatologist. Depending on the cause of your scalp woes, the dermatologist could prescribe a retinoid for better exfoliation or a hydrocortisone to minimise existing irritation. Sometimes a topical antibiotic is necessary to eliminate acne-causing bacteria from the scalp.

Shaving your head means you’ll never need to use conditioner again, but don’t mistake low maintenance for no maintenance. Give your scalp the same level of care as your face, and you’ll have a spot-free scalp that’s worthy of leading-man status.

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8 Tips for Caring for Your Razor

Quality razors need quality care. But before you think razor care is too time-consuming, try these tried and proven ways to keep your razors and blades in top condition.
Here are eight ways to clean your blades perfectly, get rid of stubborn hairs and prolong your razor’s life.

1. Always, Always Rinse

After two or three strokes when shaving, rinse it with water. Don’t wait too long, as hair and bacteria will build up during usage and start to clog the blades.

2. Use Steaming Hot Water

When rinsing, always run blades under hot water. Reheating them gets rid of unwanted bacteria and gunk. Make sure that the blade heats up before applying it to your skin, as a hot blade will cut your hairs more efficiently. Rinse the backside of your razor as well, rotating the razor head when rinsing it out. This helps the water to flow through every part of the razor, getting the hairs to drain easily. When you are rinsing it after a shave, check that all the excess cream is flushed out as well.

3. Try an Alcohol Soak

If you find hairs and bits stuck in your razors, you might need to try a deep cleanse. Rinsing your razor blades with alcohol can also help to sterilise and clean them, getting those tiny, gritty hairs out. Simply put some rubbing alcohol into a small cup, then place the head end of your razor and soak it for a few minutes. Then, slosh it around in a sink full of hot, bubbly water.

4. Brush It Clean

Another easy way to clean your favourite razor and rid it of unwanted hair is to use some basic soap and a nylon-bristled brush. If you don’t have one, use an old toothbrush to get into the cracks and eliminate bacteria build-up.

5. Use Your Dishwasher

Here’s a hack that may surprise you. Place your razor directly in the rack for silverware and let the dishwashing machine do the work of cleaning your razor thoroughly! If you find yourself worrying about bacteria, dirt and grime, the dishwasher can take care of any sanitary issues.

6. Use Clean Paper Towels to Pat — Not Rub — Your Razor Blade Dry

Keeping your razor blades dry after use and washing helps to keep them clean. Also, make sure they have no chance to breed bacteria in wet and warm spaces.

7. Run Your Razor Along Your Jeans

Everyone has a pair of denims in their wardrobe, but not everyone knows this little trick to care for razors. Slide your razor along the diagonal threads of your jeans about 10-15 times, first one way, and then in the opposite direction. Folks who use this method say they can keep a single razor sharp for up to half a year!

8. Use Your Forearm

This old-fashioned trick is one that many people swear by. At the time that you feel it may be getting dull, here’s a trick that needs nothing but your own arm: To prolong the life of your razor, slide it backward for about 10 strokes along your forearm. The bit of natural body grease actually helps smooth out your razor blades, making them stay sharper and last a lot longer.

So now that you found the perfect razors, you can take your grooming routine to the next level. By keeping them clean and gunk-free, you extend their life, save costs and even save time.

Let us know which of the above hacks you’ve been using in your daily shaving routines or how you best care for your razors. Check out our community pages, plus the wide range of razors, blades and special offers for smarter shaving at DORCO.

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Beard trends 2016 maintenance tips
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How to self shave the back of your neck
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