Tag Archives: shaving kit

Should you ditch your beard for summer?

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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.

 

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Cut Throat Shaving – How to Do It Safely and Effectively

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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.

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How to Choose the Right Shaving Cream for Your Face

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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 Can You Tell Your Razor Blade Needs Changing?

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The closest, most comfortable shave possible relies on razor blades of the very highest quality. A wet shave is only ever as good as the razor being used, so replacing blades regularly is essential.

A quality blade should deliver several close shaves. But while regular replacements are essential, there is very little to be gained from changing a blade while it’s still in great shape. The end of a razor blade’s useful life depends on a range of factors, including how often it is used, the size of the area it is used on and the thickness of the hairs it is shaving.

So when is it time to change a blade? Well, there are some tell-tale signs to watch out for.

 

Pulling and Tugging

A good razor blade should glide over the skin with ease, particularly if the blade is going with the grain of the hairs. But older, blunted blades have a tendency to tug and pull at the skin — causing irritation. Severely worn blades can cause nicks, cuts and rashes, so it’s imperative that they’re replaced the moment they start to feel uncomfortable against the skin.

Rust

Regardless of how well a blade is performing, rust is a sign that a replacement is needed immediately. Not only does rust interfere with the performance of a blade, it can cause serious blood infections if the skin is nicked during shaving.

The Shave Loses Its ‘Closeness’

Nothing delivers a close shave like a quality razor blade. But if that prized ‘closeness’ starts to suffer, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Skin should be soft and completely stubble-free after a shave; if it’s not, the blade simply isn’t doing its job anymore. This loss of performance will often be accompanied by increased irritation during and after a shave.

Prolonging the Life of a Razor Blade

There are ways users can prolong the life of their blades. For instance, repeatedly rinsing the razor after every two or three swipes will stop hair from increasing friction and pressure — both of which can dull a blade. It’s also a good idea to give a blade a thorough rinse after every use, making sure to wash away all remaining hairs.

Water is essential for the cleaning of a blade, but it can also be the enemy. Contact with water can cause steel to rust, so it’s a good idea to use a flannel to dry razor blades after every use.

There are some very effective cleaning solutions for razor blades on the market today. Not only do these solutions sterilise blades, they reduce friction and protect against premature corrosion.

 

Quality Goes a Long Way

Buying a quality blade is always cost-effective, as it will last significantly longer than a cheaper, inferior blade. The Dorco PACE6 PLUS, for instance, has received exceptional reviews in a survey performed by Contract Test Inc. in July 2016. After 16 uses of the blade, around 90 percent of respondents revealed they intended to continue using the same blade. And 77 percent said they were still completely satisfied with the blade’s performance. Crucially, two-thirds of the men interviewed said they would use their blade at least another three times after the initial 16 uses.

Razor blades need to be clean, free from corrosion and as sharp as possible if they’re going to deliver a close and comfortable shave. Looking after blades and replacing them when the need arises will ensure the best possible shave every time.

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How to Shave Your Bikini Area in 6 Easy Steps

How to Shave Your Bikini Area in 6 Easy Steps

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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

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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

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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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