The shaving brush has been a staple of men's grooming since it was first used in France in the mid 18th century. These brushes often became a status symbol, and throughout history have been made from exquisite materials such as ivory, whale bone, and precious metals. The bristles of a finely-made shaving brush are made from badger hair, and even today the best brushes can cost several thousands of dollars.
There are many less-expensive shaving brushes available for men, some of which are made of synthetic bristles or boar bristles. The badger hair brushes are still considered top-of-the-line, however, because of the rarity of the material and the quality of the hair. Among badger hair brushes, silvertip badger hair is considered the Rolls-Royce of materials. A badger hair shaving brush can cost between ten dollars and ten thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the hair and the material used to make the handle.
The shaving brush has two distinct purposes. The first is to gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and to gently raise the hairs on the face, allowing for better results. Applying shaving cream by hand pushes the stubble flat against the face, and the result is more irritation and an increased chance of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.
The second purpose of a shaving brush is to create a rich thick lather. This is done with shaving soap (not a cream), and a scuttle. A scuttle is the technical term for a shaving mug. Shaving brushes, especially those made from badger hair, hold a significant amount of water. This water is mixed with the glycerin-based shaving soap in a scuttle, and is agitated by hand in order to produce a lather. High-quality shaving brushes will hold more water, resulting in a thicker lather.
If you are a man on the go, then a shaving brush may not be right for you. A shaving brush, straight razor, shaving soap and a scuttle are for those gentlemen who enjoy and respect the time-honored art and ritual of shaving. These are the types of refined gentlemen who savor the grooming experience, as opposed to rushing through it. Of course, top quality soaps, scuttles, and brushes are expensive, but most men who use them will agree that once you have mastered the fine art of shaving, nothing else will do.
If you're new to the "art of shaving", here are some great products to get you started:
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Best Shaving Cream
Most men give little thought to shaving cream. However, there is a vast "underworld" of shaving products, from simple cans of shaving cream to super-expensive European shaving soaps. This shaving sub-culture is a multi-million dollar industry, led by manufacturers who have been involved in the fine art of shaving since the 18th and 19th centuries. For example, a tiny container of Truefitt and Hill shaving cream will set you back about forty dollars. A small tin of Pehaligon's of London shaving soap costs about seventy dollars.
While there are dozens of luxury brands of men's grooming products, one of the best shaving creams is probably on the shelf of your local supermarket, or perhaps even in your medicine cabinet right now. This shaving cream has been around since the 1920s and has become an American icon. In fact, it has been endorsed in advertisements by the likes of Babe Ruth and Knute Rockne, and is even mentioned by name in the classic musical "Guys and Dolls". Best of all, a can of this product can be purchased for less money than a gallon of gas on most areas. Of course, I'm talking about Barbasol.
Invented by an MIT professor during the 1920s, this product has been a staple of men for nearly a century. The longevity of this brand name alone is proof that Barbasol is a superior product. While many American brands come and go, only the best manage to survive through World Wars and economic depressions and the changing tastes of society. These rare brands include Ford, Coca-Cola, and Barbasol.
Barbasol is an exceptional shaving cream because it produces an extremely rich and thick lather, which brings back memories of old time barbershops. In recent years, Barbasol has added different formulations to their product line, as well as the tried-and-true original formula which has been a favorite for nearly a century.
While the original formula is a great product for most men, the Soothing Aloe variety of Barbasol is a must-have for those with sensitive skin. It features the famous rich and thick lather of the original product, with the healing and soothing powers of aloe. The Soothing Aloe variety is perfect for men who also prefer to shave beyond the face; the moisturizers and emollients do a fine job of minimizing razor bumps, redness, and irritation.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs are an inevitable part of life for those who shave regularly. An ingrown hair is the result of hair that has been cut or shaved so short that the remaining hair recedes below the surface of the skin. As this hair continues to grow, it becomes lodged under the surface of the skin. The resulting condition may produce a swollen red bump of the surface of the skin that is usually painful to the touch.
There are numerous treatments for ingrown hairs, such as extraction with tweezers or the application of a topical solution, usually containing glycolic acid. Most ingrown hairs can be easily extracted with tweezers, although this treatment may result in possible infection. If extracting an ingrown hair with tweezers, it is a good idea to wash your hands first and sanitize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol in order to prevent the risk of infection.
Prevention of ingrown hairs can usually be achieved by making changes in one's shaving routine. Those with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs, as well as those with thick or coarse hair. If you have curly hair or coarse hair, the best way to avoid this condition is by shaving the hair in the direction in which the hair grows, rather than in the opposite direction. This, of course, will result in a shave that is not as close, but it will certainly prevent ingrown hairs since the cut hairs won't recede below the surface of the skin.
There are also a variety of home remedies which can be used to treat ingrown hairs. One popular remedy is applying unscented stick deodorant to the shaved area. Unscented stick deodorant contains aluminum oxide, which absorbs excess moisture from the skin and helps to reduce redness and irritation caused by shaving. There are many store-bought products that are designed to treat ingrown hairs as well, such as Tend Skin. This liquid is applied to the skin after shaving and is quite effective at treating ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Try it, it's amazing!
Although ingrown hairs are a minor condition which rarely develops into a more dangerous condition, one should be careful not to damage the skin by squeezing or picking at the inflamed area. In most cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own without any treatment within a few days.
There are numerous treatments for ingrown hairs, such as extraction with tweezers or the application of a topical solution, usually containing glycolic acid. Most ingrown hairs can be easily extracted with tweezers, although this treatment may result in possible infection. If extracting an ingrown hair with tweezers, it is a good idea to wash your hands first and sanitize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol in order to prevent the risk of infection.
Prevention of ingrown hairs can usually be achieved by making changes in one's shaving routine. Those with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs, as well as those with thick or coarse hair. If you have curly hair or coarse hair, the best way to avoid this condition is by shaving the hair in the direction in which the hair grows, rather than in the opposite direction. This, of course, will result in a shave that is not as close, but it will certainly prevent ingrown hairs since the cut hairs won't recede below the surface of the skin.
There are also a variety of home remedies which can be used to treat ingrown hairs. One popular remedy is applying unscented stick deodorant to the shaved area. Unscented stick deodorant contains aluminum oxide, which absorbs excess moisture from the skin and helps to reduce redness and irritation caused by shaving. There are many store-bought products that are designed to treat ingrown hairs as well, such as Tend Skin. This liquid is applied to the skin after shaving and is quite effective at treating ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Try it, it's amazing!
Although ingrown hairs are a minor condition which rarely develops into a more dangerous condition, one should be careful not to damage the skin by squeezing or picking at the inflamed area. In most cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own without any treatment within a few days.
Dry Skin Tips for Men
An article with some easy steps you can take in order to prevent dry skin, written especially for men.
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/650125_dry-skin-tips-for-men
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/650125_dry-skin-tips-for-men
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Head Shaving Tips: Getting That Shiny Look
Having no hair is wonderfully liberating. No more bad hair days, and no more expensive trips to the salon or waiting your turn at the barbershop. Simply lather up each morning with shaving cream and shave your haircare worries away. While maintaining the bald look is easy, the best way to maximize the visual appeal of a shaved head is by adding shine to the scalp. Here a few tips that will allow you to add more "chrome" to your "dome".
Practice good shaving technique. For a scalp to shine, it is a good idea to minimize razing bumps, nicks, and scrapes. This means doing away with cheap disposable razors and upgrading to something better, like a Gillette Mach 3 or a Schick Quattro. Also be sure to use a shaving gel or cream with extra conditioning ingredients like aloe.
Use lotion or moisturizing cream. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the scalp will be exposed to wind, sun, and other elements that may strip moisture from the skin. Use an unscented lotion or moisturizing cream daily in order to maintain a healthy moisture balance. A well-moisturized scalp is a healthy scalp, and if you are bald or shave your head this step is important if you want your head to shine.
Oil the scalp. This is the final step, and the step that will allow you to get that shiny bald look. Not only will oil provide a deep shine, it will also protect the scalp from being chapped by the wind in the winter and burned by the sun in the summer. Far and away, the best oil for this job is olive oil. Used for centuries for haircare and skincare purposes, olive oil provides miraculous conditioning qualities as well as nutrients to the scalp. For best results, massage a dime-sized drop of olive oil onto the scalp after shaving and applying lotion. This finishing touch will protect the scalp and make it shine. Coconut, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils also work well, although they are more expensive.
Basically, that's all there is to getting that shiny bald look that will turn heads. It all comes down to three simple steps: good shaving technique with quality shaving products, basic scalp care with a moisturizing lotion, and olive oil as a finishing touch.
Practice good shaving technique. For a scalp to shine, it is a good idea to minimize razing bumps, nicks, and scrapes. This means doing away with cheap disposable razors and upgrading to something better, like a Gillette Mach 3 or a Schick Quattro. Also be sure to use a shaving gel or cream with extra conditioning ingredients like aloe.
Use lotion or moisturizing cream. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the scalp will be exposed to wind, sun, and other elements that may strip moisture from the skin. Use an unscented lotion or moisturizing cream daily in order to maintain a healthy moisture balance. A well-moisturized scalp is a healthy scalp, and if you are bald or shave your head this step is important if you want your head to shine.
Oil the scalp. This is the final step, and the step that will allow you to get that shiny bald look. Not only will oil provide a deep shine, it will also protect the scalp from being chapped by the wind in the winter and burned by the sun in the summer. Far and away, the best oil for this job is olive oil. Used for centuries for haircare and skincare purposes, olive oil provides miraculous conditioning qualities as well as nutrients to the scalp. For best results, massage a dime-sized drop of olive oil onto the scalp after shaving and applying lotion. This finishing touch will protect the scalp and make it shine. Coconut, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils also work well, although they are more expensive.
Basically, that's all there is to getting that shiny bald look that will turn heads. It all comes down to three simple steps: good shaving technique with quality shaving products, basic scalp care with a moisturizing lotion, and olive oil as a finishing touch.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Fashion: Classic Men's Accessories
In the world of men's fashion, little thought is often given to wardrobe accessories. However, a man's accessories are a better reflection of individuality and refined taste than the clothing itself. Wearing a baseball cap with an Armani suit can completely detract from a man's overall appearance, however wearing a fedora with jeans and a dress shirt can complete a man's appearance. They say the devil is in the details, and this is especially true when it comes to men's fashion. Here are a few essential classic accessories for men:
1. Belts. A belt can say a lot about a person, and I'm not even talking about a belt buckle emblazoned with a vehicle logo, sports team logo, or favorite Nascar driver. Belts do not need to be fancy, they only need to be functional and match the rest of the wardrobe. A black leather belt is a must in every man's wardrobe, since it can be worn with virtually any outfit. Belt width should depend on the style of pants. High-waisted or pleated pants look best with a narrow belt, while most other types of pants look best with wider belts.
2. Hats. It is truly a shame that we live in a generation where hats are no longer part of standard men's attire. It is hard to imagine certain men without hats, such as Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart. Today, men are limited to two choices: cowboy hats or baseball caps. Neither of these are bound to make a fashion statement. If you truly want to make a statement, get yourself a fedora, making sure to wear it at a slightly jaunty angle.
3. Money Clips. What is the difference between an executive and a truck driver? One has a money clip, the other has a wallet. A sterling-silver monogrammed money clip is a sure bet for any black-tie affair. Wallets have no place in formal men's attire, since they are often bulky and can leave an unsightly bulge in your pants. However, if you must carry a wallet to a formal occasion, carry it in a front pocket, never the rear pocket. Ever rent a tuxedo and wonder why the back pants pocket is sewn shut? Now you have your answer.
4. Handkerchief. There ought to be a law requiring a handkerchief in the left breast pocket of every suit jacket. Forget pocket squares; those little scraps of fabric designed to replace the traditional linen handkerchief. Pocket squares are the equivalent of clip-on neckties. There are several different folds for men's handkerchiefs, some fluffy, some pointy. I prefer the classic British method, which is not a fold at all. With the handkerchief on a flat surface it, grab the center with your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand, form a ring and pull the handkerchief through the hole. Fold in half and insert into the pocket, pointy side out. Make sure your handkerchief is starched, or else it will hang pitifully out of the pocket. Think of starch as Viagra for a handkerchief.
5. Pocket Watch. I don't care how expensive your Rolex or Tag Hueur is, wrist watches are far too casual for formal events. Get yourself an engraved pocket watch, and don't forget about the fob. Unfortunately, if you have no idea what a fob is, you just might be beyond help, in which case I would recommend getting a subscription to GQ or Esquire. These magazines provide a useful education for those interested in men's fashion.
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