Tag Archives: Safety Classic Razor

Men's Grooming

Five Sideburn Styles

Posted on by

Throughout history, sideburns have helped men to visually express their philosophies of life through the medium of facial hair. While the moustache has drifted in and out of fashion, sideburns have stayed, and the popularity of various sizes and shapes evolve with time. If you feel it’s time to try them out, the success of your sideburns will depend on a few important factors; the thickness of your facial hair, your skills with a good razor, and understanding what message you want to send to the world. So, get the razor primed, and have a look at the ideas for shaping and sculpting your sideburns into masterpieces below.

1. Standard

If sideburns are new for you, ease your way in with straight, moderate-length sideburns that end just above your earlobes. Before shaping the burns with a good sharp razor, comb the facial hair flat and apply beard oil or a moisturising product recommended as by your stylist. Pull the razor straight down, and make sure the length is equal on each side. Be wary, if you have one ear higher than the other (many people do!), then you’ll need to adjust the sideburn length accordingly. With perfectly trimmed edges, a standard sideburn will look great with a suit and collared shirt.

2. Poet

The Beatles sported sideburns in tribute to the historic romantic poets, who penned their love poems by lamplight. After growing out your facial hair for a few weeks, carve your sideburns thick and long, modeling them into a steampunk or ’70s style. John Lennon’s sideburns often ended at the jaw, whereas the Scottish writer Robert Burns angled his thick sideburns forward, scooping them just under the cheekbone. Dress up your retro look with a velvet blazer and faded jeans, and take your notebook to the park for a songwriting session.

3. Strappy

Instead of long and thick, go thin and neat. Strappy sideburns follow the natural angles of the face, are usually tightly clipped, and sometimes end on a curve or sharp angle. As the most modern take on sideburns, strappy burns are the quickest style to achieve because they require only a few days of hair growth. Why not show them off at the weekend with a patterned shirt and denim jacket. If the look works, experiment further by blending them into a short beard. Add a little wax to keep every hair in place.

4. Shaggy

Make it a “Miami Vice” look with shaggy sideburns that are barely distinguishable from the rest of your facial hair. Although shaggy burns express a casual style, their subtlety might be a challenge to maintain. Use a good razor with loose, relaxed strokes on the surrounding hair to subtly shave the burns into the length and width you want, combing the hair in place and using wax or oil as needed. Shaggy sideburns can keep you warm in the winter and look good with a plaid flannel shirt.

5. Rocker

If you’re bold and – more importantly – have the beard to carry it off, shape your sideburns into mutton chops and declare rebellion against the status quo! An effective mutton chop should cover a good portion of the cheek area, emphasise your jawbone, and end near the corners of your lips. Finish the look with a graphic T-shirt or vintage sweater. Your mutton chops will require daily maintenance — clipping, shaping and combing are necessary to keep them looking good.

Sideburns can be created with a sharp razor, an electric razor or a combination of both. Once you have some experience shaping and shaving them, experiment with more styles and try blending them into a beard or moustache. Soon enough, you’ll be identified as “that chap with sideburns,” and that’s nothing but cool.

Grooming for Valentine’s Day

Grooming for Valentine’s Day? 5 Tips to Pleasantly Surprise Your Loved One

Posted on by

Good grooming should be a year-round goal, not just on special occasions. However, there are certain days when it’s especially important to have an impeccable routine in place. With Valentine’s Day, just around the corner, there’s no better time to put some extra effort into your grooming routine!

You don’t need to spend tons of money on lots of expensive man-products; instead, choose a few quality ones that actually do the job. Here are five investments in your grooming routine that will bring you and your partner more pleasure on Valentine’s Day

1. Invest in Your Smile

 

If you don’t have an electric toothbrush by now, you’re losing out on what could be one of technology’s best advancements. The powered rotating bristles are healthy and safe. In fact, they are better for reducing plaque, which in turn keeps you safe from gum infection. And, of course, you’re going to need your bright, clean and gorgeous smile for that special date. For extra care, use a good mouthwash and have some dental floss handy.

2. Nail that Flawless Shaving Routine

 

A good razor is the secret to the perfect shave. You can prep your skin before shaving with either a simple moisturiser or special shave oil. Then, when you start to shave, there will be less chance of irritation, redness and that uncomfortable feeling afterwards. If keeping track of how new or dull your blade is a chore, you can find a selection of great razors that come in monthly subscription boxes.

3.  Take Care of your Feet

 

Don’t you want your loved one to enjoy snuggling up to every part of you? Many men neglect caring for their feet, leaving them dry or unkempt. No one wants to see ugly feet! So, the week before Valentine’s, why not treat yourself to a pedicure? If you lack time, a simple warm soak followed by scrubbing with a pumice stone will rid your heels and soles of dry, flaky skin.

4. No Unibrows, Please!

 

Take a tip from George Clooney or Zac Efron: although they manage to impress with their dark and bushy eyebrows, they both have distinctly plucked and shaped brows, no unibrows in sight! So, if you are at the barber, don’t be afraid to ask him to “clean up” the area between your eyebrows. It’s a request people often have, so there’s no shame in mentioning it.

5. Taking time to Feel and Smell Fresh

Finally, when you are preparing for your date, we hope you’ve showered and sprayed on a touch of cologne to smell your best.

The best investment you can make in your self-care is learning to be confident. Having a fun personality when around your loved one comes in at a close second to being well groomed.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Best types of Razors for Women

Posted on by

How do you purchase the perfect shaver? And what are the things to consider when selecting razors? With so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best?

We all have different needs, but the following are a few examples of what to look for.

The first thing to check is quality of the blades. Next, look out for the following types of effective shavers and razors when shopping for your personal grooming needs:

Gentle razors that moisturise

 

Because shaving removes a layer of dead skin cells, it makes your skin smoother. But remember: moisturising is very important. Try exfoliating with a cleanser and bath loofah before shaving, and then use a razor with a specialised moisture strip attached. These sort of  blades are perfect as they have Aloe, Vitamin E and Lavender.

What do these ingredients do exactly?

  • Vitamin E helps with anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. It is also a great moisturiser, leaving your skin naturally vibrant.
  • Aloe also moisturises, and is particularly recommended for those with sensitive skin, or women prone to allergies.
  • Lavender Extract rejuvenates collagen. This is great for women who want to achieve a youthful look

 

These ingredients are exactly what your body needs for extra protection and natural beauty.

Razors that adapt to the contours of your body

 

Are you familiar with trying to shave around those sticky areas? As we all know, it often results in annoying nicks and tiny cuts. This is because most razors aren’t designed to adapt to the contours of your body. Thankfully, you can now find ones that do—and some even massage your skin at the same time! Try this female-inspired razor, perfect because of its bendable ‘double 3 blade’ format, which enables the cartridge to follow your body’s distinct contours for the perfect shave.

Razors with flexible heads

If you choose to shave around your bikini area, you’ll need to be meticulous and very gentle. It helps to soak in a hot tub before shaving, and to only use intimate soaps that are made for this delicate part of your body—Try to avoid harsh soaps which can result in  skin irritation, or even an imbalance of your body’s natural PH. Use razors with a flexible head, which allows the shaver glide over every contour of your body with maximum comfort.

Tips for protecting and extending the life of your razor:

Now that you know how to select a great razor, here are some more tips:

  • To avoid your razor starting to rust (which means you should change it immediately), store it somewhere away from the shower, where heat and steam can’t easily affect its blades
  • Change your blades regularly to maintain a sharp and perfect shave
  • When washing your razor, be sure to flush the back of the head too—this is where it often clogs with tiny hairs. Hot water is most efficient
  • Have fun with your beauty routines! Experiment with different types of blades, creams and exfoliating lotions to see which one works best for you

 

Dorco Disposable Razors

Can You Sharpen Disposable Razors? Yes! Here’s a Different Kind of Shaving Hack!

Posted on by

Just because a razor blade is disposable doesn’t mean it can’t deliver many close and painless shaves. A sharp razor is usually a cleaner, more effective razor… and there’s a very simple way to ensure your blades are always sharp. If you’ve ever had a ‘cutthroat razor’ shave at a barber’s shop, you will probably have seen the blade being sharpened on something that closely resembles a small belt. You can recreate this simple maintenance task at home.  In this post, we’re going to discuss a few different tips and tricks about sharpening disposable razors so that you can get more life out of them and, of course, save yourself some money!

Sharpening Shaving Blades: It’s Nothing New

Before disposable razors were a thing, men used to regularly get their straight-edge razor sharpened, much in the same way they would get their knives sharpened. Back then, all it took was a sturdy piece of leather to sharpen a razor blade.

Denim: A Quick and Easy Sharpening Hack

 

This method of sharpening your disposable razor is a nod to the “old fashioned” way of sharpening a straight edge. One of the easiest ways to sharpen your disposable razor is by using denim. Because the metal in a disposable razor isn’t as sturdy as the metal in the straight-edge razor, you don’t need a fabric stronger than denim to sharpen it. You can either get yourself a piece of denim from a fabric or crafts store or tear up an old pair of jeans that you don’t wear anymore. Either way, put the denim piece on a flat surface (like an ironing board) and, pointing the razor away from you, run the razor down the denim about 15 times. Then, do the same thing on a different part of the denim. This process will remove the excess hair from the blades, keep them clean and sharpen them.

Stropping: Not Just for Hipsters

 

“Stropping” sounds like the name of a beer that a hipster would put out from his microbrewery; however, it’s actually a method for sharpening your razor blades. The process is said to be just as effective as sharpening the straight edge of the razor blade on leather or denim. In this case, the material used to sharpen the blades is suede If you’re not sure if you’re dealing with actual suede, get a leather belt, and turn it over so that the “soft” side of the belt is facing you (you can also do this with a purse strap). That soft side is the suede. Then, hang the belt (or purse strap) up and run the razor up and down the suede several times, until all of the hair and debris is off.

The Razor Pit

This is the most expensive option for sharpening your disposable razors — at ?20, it does require a bit of an investment on your part. However, it’s well worth it; even
Esquire Magazine gave it rave reviews. Using a material called a thermo-plastic elastomer (which is a type of silicon), the Razor Pit cleans and restores the blades after every use.

How to Cleanly Shave a Thick Beard

Posted on by

That thick and luxurious beard you’ve been growing has finally reached its peak, and you’re now thinking about surprising everyone with an unexpected clean shave.

This is a scenario many bearded men toil with from time to time. While it’s great to have a thick face of hair, it’s always nice to keep things fresh. After all, they do say that a change is as good as a rest.

If you want to make the big switch from thick beard to clean-shaven, there are a few steps you will need to take in order to ensure the closest possible shave with minimal discomfort.

1. Trim first

 

Don’t make the mistake of diving straight into the process with the sharpest razor you can find. Not only will this take a long time, it will be painful and uncomfortable. Pulling at long hairs will ruin your razor blade and leave you screaming in pain, and there is a chance you’ll be left with a nasty rash afterwards. Instead, trim your beard down to stubble with a trimmer, and then reach for the razor.

2. Get your face ready

 

Jump in the shower or steam your face to soften the stubble as much as possible. Give your face a thorough clean, and look for any ingrown hairs that could cause you pain during your shave. Use exfoliating products to get your skin as smooth as possible, and finish off by rinsing with cold water.

3. Select a shaving gel

Choose a shaving gel that contains a moisturising agent. Use an unperfumed product in order to reduce the risk of breakouts afterwards. If you have sensitive or particularly dry skin, look for shaving gels instead of foams. Gels are glycerine-based, so they actually attract moisture to the skin.

Whatever you use, it’s important to ensure that all areas of your beard are covered. Pay particular attention to the area of your neck around your Adam’s apple — an area where a lot of shaving cuts occur.

4. Choose a quality razor

 

Most razor cuts are caused by blunt blades, so always choose a quality razor with a lubrication strip. Choosing a multiple-blade razor should reduce the number of strokes needed to remove hair — a good way of minimising irritation afterwards.

5. Shave with the grain

 

Although you’ll have trimmed your thick beard first, the stubble you’re shaving will probably still be relatively thick. It’s therefore important that you take your time. There will be a lot of hair in your razor after every stroke, so rinse the blades thoroughly with cold water each time. Always shave with the grain, and hold the skin taut with your hand to minimise the chances of irritation and cuts.

6. Moisturise

 

Even the best of blades and shaving foams can’t stop moisture being stripped from the face during a shave. So once you’re happy that your shave is complete, rinse your face and neck with cold water. Dab your skin dry with a towel, and apply a balm, moisturiser or aftershave (whichever you prefer) to rehydrate your face and minimise the chances of razor burn.

Following these simple steps should make the transition from bushy beard to clean-cut and chiselled smooth and pain-free.

How to Deal with Patchy Facial Hair

Posted on by

According to an article from the Oxford University Press, beards were once a sign of dominance and power amongst the earliest male humans. Darwin theorised that beards evolved amongst our human ancestors as a way of impressing women; a sign of masculinity and virility. Additionally, there is evidence that people judge bearded men to be older and of a higher social status.

The longer and bushier the beard, the more virile and impressive the male — or at least that’s how it used to be. Now, however, beards are largely cosmetic features, and they come in many different shapes and sizes.

. Unfortunately, not every man can achieve thick, consistent beard growth.  There’s no need to worry if your patchy beard is hampering your efforts at grooming, as here we provide some tackle the problem.

1. Create a flattering jawline with careful grooming

 

You can take the emphasis away from the patchiness in your beard by giving real definition to your jawline. Taper your beard from short at the top of your neck to long at the chin. However, it’s important to make sure the edge of your beard sits just below your actual jawbone. Also, shave a curve around your Adam’s apple, which should help to narrow your face.

2. Create a contrast with your head hair

 

If you suffer from patchiness in your beard, the worst thing you can do is try to blend it with your hair. If you have a full head of hair, this will simply draw more attention to the gaps in your beard. Instead, create a hairstyle that is in complete contrast to your beard. A thick and voluminous head of hair along with a short, well maintained beard should provide balance — and detract from patchiness of your facial hair.

3. Create highly defined lines

 

Invest in a pair of clippers, and trim your beard at the sideburns and around the neck first, as these areas usually have the longest growth. Once you’re happy that your beard is as consistent as it can be, use a quality razor to create a defined shape with clean lines. Keeping your beard perfectly groomed with stark lines will distract the eye from any patchiness you have.

4. Keep everything short

 

Going for an unkempt look means you don’t have to worry too much about patchiness — so long as you keep all of your beard short. Something just a little longer than stubble should be perfect. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out some recent photos of Keanu Reeves.

5. Keep it long and well groomed

 

The longer your beard is, the more scope there is to cover up gaps in growth. However, in order to pull this off, you will need to keep your beard well groomed. Why not fluff your beard up…  this could be several times a day, depending on how bushy you want it to look!

6. Look after the health of your beard

 

Brittle and wiry hair will only exacerbate any patchiness you have, so keeping your beard hair in great condition is essential. To improve and maintain the health of your facial hair, apply an alcohol-free beard oil to keep it moisturised. There are some excellent beard balms on the market that can make longer beards more manageable.

We’d also suggest regularly washing your beard to keep it as clean and fresh as possible!

7. Just go with it

 

You might need to face the fact that you will never be able to grow the beard you want. And that’s fine! After all, there’s nothing wrong with being clean shaven. But before you shave the lot off, have some fun with goatees, stubble and various shorter styles of beard — you might be surprised at what you can achieve with a quality razor.

Find the look that works for you, and maintain it every day with a good razor, clippers and the hair products that work for you.

Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips : 7 Products Every Man Needs in His Bathroom

Posted on by

Looking your very best takes work — usually performed in the bathroom at the very start of the day. To ensure that your beard, skin, teeth, hair and overall appearance are always as presentable as they possibly can be, make sure your bathroom is stocked with these seven important items.

1. A nasal hair trimmer

Nasal hairs can make your nostrils look like two overgrown forests. However, before you start plucking, it’s important to remember exactly why these hairs are there. Nasal hairs trap foreign objects in your nose before they find their way into your lungs. It is therefore essential that you always trim, and never pluck.

Nasal hair trimmers shorten the hairs in your nose effortlessly and, more importantly, painlessly. There are rechargeable and battery-operated models on the market that are exceptionally easy to use — making nasal hair trimming a one-minute job, once a week.

 

2. A dark spot corrector

No amount of skincare product or soap will remove dark pigments from your skin. But you can mask the problem very effectively with a dark spot corrector. Formulated specifically for men’s skin, these products brighten dark patches and break up melanin clusters.

And a special mention should be reserved for gels designed to remove dark circles from around the eyes. These products are often applied with a rollerball in seconds, and they work by rejuvenating the skin around eyes and changing the way light is reflected.

 

3. A wet shaving kit

Every man passionate about grooming needs a clean and effective wet shaving kit in their bathroom. Although electric shavers do a great job, nothing matches the closeness of a wet shave.

A great way to show you care is to make your own shaving set from scratch. Of course, the most important item will be a quality blade, so choose something from a respected manufacturer with a proven track record of creating quality products. Check out customer reviews, and do a little research into what constitutes a high quality razor blade. Look for products with multiple steel blades, anti-corrosion qualities, a lubricating strip and a pivot head.

 

4. Cologne

Wearing the right cologne can be the difference between getting noticed and blending into the crowd. Just a quick splash of a great cologne in the morning will keep you smelling fresh and approachable for the rest of the day. But don’t go overboard. Dab a little on each cheek, on the base of your throat and on each wrist for maximum effect.

 

5. An electric toothbrush

Take the guesswork out of brushing your teeth by letting an electric toothbrush do the hard work for you. The latest models move quickly and oscillate for maximum coverage — which is perfect for cleaning between individual teeth and the base of the gums. And while you’re thinking about your teeth, make sure you have a plentiful supply of mouthwash, toothpaste and dental floss.

 

6. A hair thickening product

There is still no cure for baldness, but you can give your thinning hair a helping hand by using a hair thickening shampoo. Although this won’t regrow hairs, it will increase volume by coating each hair with invisible polymers. This increased volume could be enough to hide bald patches and create a ‘fuller’ head of hair.

 

7. Moisturiser

One of the inevitable results of the ageing process is older-looking skin that takes much longer to repair itself. But you can give Mother Nature a helping hand by applying a moisturising agent daily. This will top up natural moisture levels, making your skin softer and more pliable.

As well as moisturising every morning, do it with a night cream just before bed too. This will hydrate and replenish your skin while you sleep.

By making sure these seven items are always available in your bathroom cabinet, you should be able to look your very best at all times.

Skin Care Tips

How to Get Better Skin Today

Posted on by

The health of your skin says a lot about your general state of wellbeing. Your skin is an organ, and just like
your heart or your liver, it needs nutrients to perform its functions properly. If you’re concerned that your
skin isn’t receiving the tender loving care it deserves, there are several things you can do – and they’re all
relatively simple. To ensure your skin is fresh, clean and healthy at all times, it’s important to understand
the basics of skincare.

 

Get to know your skin

The person best placed to understand exactly what your skin needs is you. You know what irritates it and whether
it’s dry or whether it’s greasy. And only you know exactly what issues lead to good and bad skin days. If your
pores are enlarged and your skin is constantly shiny, the chances are you have oily skin. But if you suffer from
dry patches, blotches and a dull complexion, you probably have dry skin.  Understand what your skin needs, and
you’ll be able to purchase the perfect skincare products.

 

Invest in face wash

Using a face wash daily should help to keep your skin moisturised and healthy. However, there are different
washes for different skin types, so you should take the time to select the right one for you.

Dry skin – If you suffer from scales, dry patches or dry skin conditions such as eczema, you should
select an oil-based cleanser. You may also want to apply a moisturising cream for dry skin, packed with things like
hyaluronic acid (able to hold 1,000 times its weight in water) and fortifying hydrators afterwards.
Oily skin – If your skin is oily, you may be prone to acne breakouts due to the overproduction of
sebum or “see visible or large pores over t-zone or cheeks.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you
should select an oil-free cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can both reduce the
chances of an acne breakout.
Sensitive skin – If you suffer from sensitive skin, there are cleansers on the market designed to
address your specific requirements. These products usually contain no fragrances, heavy oils or alcohol. Instead,
they rely on natural ingredients such as aloe, green tea, chamomile and polyphenols. Among the conditions that can
cause skin irritation are psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.
Once you’ve washed your face, use a toner to cut through the oil on your skin – leaving it cleaner and more even. If
you suffer from acne or skin problems, choose a toner that contains salicylic acid.

Exfoliate regularly

Much of the oil, dirt and sebum on your face lurks just below the surface of the skin, so regular exfoliation is
essential. Left untreated, dirty skin can cause blackheads, spots and irritations. You need to clear the dead
skin cells away at least twice a week to ensure dirt and grease can escape.

Change your shaving habits

A wet shave using a moisturising shaving foam is always best for your skin – so you need to make the time for
one every morning. Before you shave, however, wash your face with cleanser, toner and “warm or lukewarm water.
And if you have time, exfoliate. These processes will open up your pores, soften the hairs and remove any
bacteria that’s sitting on the surface of your skin. Shave with the grain, and always rinse the blades after
every stroke. And, of course, make sure your blade is sharp and rust-free. Once your shave is complete, rinse
your face with cool water.

 

Moisturise

Dry skin is usually thinner and less elastic – which can lead to severe wrinkles and creases over time. You can
maintain the elasticity in your skin – and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful – by moisturising daily.
And to kill two birds with one stone, use a moisturiser that also offers UV protection, as prolonged exposure to
direct sunlight can cause permanent skin damage.

How to look after your skin if you work outdoors

Working outside leaves your skin vulnerable to damage from UV rays. This can accelerate the ageing process in
skin, and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. It is therefore important that you stop what you’re
doing to reapply sunscreen every two hours – making sure you apply it to your face, arms, hands and any areas of
exposed skin.

If you work in a relatively dirty environment or battle the daily pollution in the city, the dust in the air has
the potential to get into the deeper layers of the skin, causing inflammation, dehydration and wrinkling. An
easy and effective solution is simply washing the skin to remove the dust and pollutants through proper
cleansing before bed every night and apply ample moisturiser. Wearing moisturiser in the morning is also helpful
because it trap the pollutants during the day, preventing them from reaching the skin.

 

Dorco Shaving Tips

Four Reasons to Take up Traditional Wet Shaving

Posted on by

Wet shaving is a one-of-a-kind experience. The sensations of the warm, comforting water and the cool, soothing cream are among life’s simple pleasures.

Certain time-honoured tools are involved in traditional wet shaving, and they include a trusty double-edge razor and some old-fashioned, all-natural cream or soap. It usually incorporates a shaving brush as well, an instrument that can thicken the cream and make it feel even more luxurious. Likewise, aftershave is common with these shaves.

However, in today’s hectic world, many men have never tried a wet shave. Others have given it up in favour of disposable razors or (shudder) electric shaving. But wet shaving offers advantages that perhaps you’ve never stopped to think about. Once you discover or rediscover this method, you might never want to shave any other way again.

1.   Get Smoother Skin

Above all, wet shaving is simply the most effective type of shaving. The hot water softens the hairs, making it easier to dispose of them. Moreover, it triggers your pores to open up, which lets those whiskers fall away more swiftly.

2. Avoid Ingrown Hairs

With wet shaving, you’re less likely to have painful ingrown hairs, which can lead to itchy ingrown hairs. By contrast, electric razors often force hairs back into their follicles, causing them to become ingrown.

3. Reduce Acne

When you use a disposable razor, you probably shave the same spot multiple times. And each time you swipe a patch of skin, you spread your natural oils all over it, which often results in clogged pores and acne.

On the other hand, with a safety razor, you touch each part of your face and neck fewer times. As a consequence, you probably won’t irritate your pores.

4. Pamper Yourself

 

If someone else wet shaves you ? a barber or your significant other, for instance ? it becomes a form of pampering, and you might feel truly energised afterward. Indeed, many European barber shops, salons and spas now offer wet shaves for their clients’ enjoyment. The only trouble is that some customers tend to fall asleep during the shave!

Many people view shaving with an electric or disposable razor as a chore, one more nuisance to get done before going to work, school or a special event. But wet shaving is something else entirely. It’s a process that demands care and attention to detail; some would even deem it an art form. It feels like a ritual, and it can connect us spiritually to earlier generations. In that way, wet shaving can subtly boost your confidence. With an extremely close shave, you’re ready to take on the world.

SHOP NOW

dorco

Beard Trends for 2016 and Maintenance Tips

Posted on by

Beards are back in fashion like never before. In fact, there may be more young men with beards than without them. But like all fashion trends, the shape and style of beards in 2016 are slightly different from during previous years.

The overriding trend is for slightly shorter beards. Whereas big and bushy were in for 2014 and 2015, neat and trimmed are leading the way this year. Walk along any street in the UK today, and you’ll see that the beard is still alive and well.

If you want to stay on trend and create a sculpted beard for 2016, here are some eye-catching styles you might want to emulate.

The Classic Short Beard

The short, well-maintained beard is the perfect blend of smart and individualistic. A short beard will also take relatively little maintenance to keep it looking fantastic.

Aim for the hairs to grow to a length of around one centimetre. Any less, and you’ll be in stubble territory. Any more, and you’ll be dangerously close to bushy. For the best look, your short beard should follow the angles of your cheek and jaw bones. It might be a good idea to leave the hairs on your chin a tiny bit longer, since this length will elongate your face and create the pronounced, manly chin you’ve always wanted.

There are some excellent variable-length shavers on the market today, which are designed specifically for maintaining short beards. However, weekly trims at home or at the barber’s will also do the trick. Use a set of fine detailers to create a distinctive line parallel to your jaw, and don’t forget to keep your skin in good condition, too. Moisturising regularly is essential.

Stubble

Stubble is the beard trend that simply won’t go away. However, it always looks best on relatively chiseled faces. Whether you’re still blessed with colour or have gone completely grey, you know stubble never fails to deliver that smouldering, sexy look. Just take a look at George Clooney for proof.

The great thing about stubble is that maintaining it is often a simple matter of a quick once-over with a variable-length shaver. Just don’t let your beard hairs grow longer than half a centimetre, otherwise you’re headed firmly into full beard territory.

Again, you should use the bone structure of your own face to determine where your stubble should start and end. Continue to shave your neck and upper cheeks with a razor, or you could end up looking like you simply can’t be bothered to shave.

The Moustache

Yes, it’s back! After years of derision and parody, the moustache is making a comeback in 2016. Inspired by the emergence of hipster culture, the humble moustache is now back on the upper lip of men all over Europe.

However, the 21st century moustache is a little different to its 1970s cousin. The latest version is part of a beard: The hair on your upper lip should be left around twice the length of the hair on the rest of your face. Before you take the plunge, though, make sure you address your overall style. A moustache isn’t always the way to go if you’re a T-shirt and trainers type of guy.

You’ll need to be patient to grow a great moustache. Allow at least six months for the hair on your upper lip to grow in properly, keep your growing moustache clean, and comb it regularly. Once it grows to a decent length, apply wax to it and straighten it every day.

The ‘Russian’ Beard

While bushy beards are being consigned to the annals of fashion history, there is still a place for the ‘Russian’ beard. This look involves sharp lines and short hair length on the face, but a much longer, straightened section of beard on the chin.

If you want to give your chin definition, or perhaps hide unwanted additional chins, you might find this beard is the look for you. However, you’ll need the ability to grow a full beard without gaps to make it work.

To grow this fuller type of beard, you’ll need to start at least six months beforehand. The majority of the growth will be around your chin, so you’ll have to stop trimming this area completely. As your beard grows, continue to maintain its lines, and create a relatively low line on the cheeks. Don’t be put off if your face takes on an unkempt appearance during the growing process; just keep your beard clean, moisturised and combed.

Once you have the length, your beard should taper off on your chin in the shape of a triangle. To maintain its shape, apply a styling paste to your beard when it’s damp, and blow dry it into shape whilst combing it. This process will make your beard appear longer and help to keep its shape for longer.

Of course, anything goes in the world of fashion these days. Whether you want 1950s sideburns or an ultra-thin goatee, make sure you have the tools and time to maintain your facial hair on a daily basis.

 

SHOP NOW

Top 10 Most Viewed Articles

6 brilliant things about kissing a man with a beard
A womans guide to shaving your face
The science of shaving how to pick the best razor for your shaving goals
T’is the season to bare with dorco eve
Do Women Find Men With Beards More Attractive?
How to self shave the back of your neck
How to prevent irritation when shaving your head
8 tips for caring for your razor
The best ways to shave in a hurry
5 Steps for Silky Skin