Nick from The Shaving Shack has generously offered to not only write a few words of wisdom regarding shaving, but also give away a Kent BK4 Silver Tip Badger Shaving Brush, valued at over $65, to one of our readers. Being the wet-shaving enthusiast I am, I couldn’t resist. More contest details at the bottom of the post.
Debunking five common wet shaving myths
When it comes to men’s shaving there are many myths and misconceptions out there about what you should or shouldn’t be doing. In this article we will take a look at five different areas that blokes can get hung up about when trying to find the best way to shave and offer a few tips on each point.
Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
This question is asked a lot by men who think that by using more foam, they will benefit from a smoother shave. Well, the truth is, you don’t. All that using more foam does is to add more product to the skin and thus get in the way of the razor. The razor’s job is to perform through touching the skin and excess foam just hinders this. Also, by using products without alcohol or harsh ingredients, it will reduce the chances of you getting any nicks or cuts to the face.
Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’?
Again, the answer to this is no. It is ok to go against the grain and the direction of growth. This may be easier for those with thicker beards and skin that isn’t as sensitive, but can still be achieved by anybody for the best possible shave.
Should I use the same brand for all my shaving products?
No, there is no rule about sticking to one particular brand. In fact, it is more interesting to create a cocktail of products through trying out different ones from each brand. As long as the product is quality, then you should have no problems mixing and matching.
Should I use soap on my face before shaving?
The problem with soap is that it dries the face and strips away the moisture content. It is still worth washing the facial area prior to shaving, although it is recommended you try using a cleanser instead.
Do you need to use hot or cold water when shaving?
It is always recommended that you have a shave immediately after taking a hot shower. This is because the steam and heat opens up the pores and softens the beard. When you have finished shaving you can then use cold or cooler water to close the pores again and shut everything back down, leaving you with a cool face.
These wet shaving tips were kindly provided by the Shaving Shack, a retailer on luxury men’s shaving accessories, including razors, brushes and shaving creams.
OK, so you want to win the Kent Shaving Brush? Because we’re thinking of running this contest again in the future, all you have to do is go to the Shaving Shack Website, find a product you’d like to see us give away next month, and post it in the comments here at the bottom of this page. The contest is open to all ages, locations, etc., and ends June 1. One entry per person. June 1: Contest is now CLOSED.