Money saving tips for mens shaving

How to make blades last longer and maintain a close shave



In recent times of economic hardship it has made it hard to justify those little luxuries you once didn’t think twice about. That extra bottle of wine or that trip to the cinema is now for most sadly a distant memory. But some expenses in life you simply just can’t avoid. Every man needs to keep well groomed regardless of the bank balance. But do not fear, Pall Mall Barbers are here to help once again with some killer money saving tips on how to save money whilst maintaining your male grooming routine look and a close shave.

One blade a month will save you pounds


Disposable shaving blades are most definitely a handy way of keeping the stubble away each morning, but over the past 10 years they have become really quite pricey. Unless you decide to go for the caveman look there aren’t too many ways around splashing the cash and purchasing those safety razor blades. However there are a few ways you can try and get the most for your money. If you usually get through 2 razor blades a month see if you can reduce this to just 1 as this way you will get twice as much use for your money. In real terms this would mean that a 12 pack of disposable blades which normally costs around £16 would last you for a whole year, when previously you may have been spending double this.



How to make your razor blades last longer

You might be thinking that it’s all well and good to try and only use 1 blade a month, but the last thing you want to do is chafe your face, get any shaving rash or cause any irritation. By preparing your face with a little more care than usual prior to each shave you will be putting less ware on your blade making them last much longer while staying safe.



Softening your skin and facial hair with a hot towel will make sure that the blade glides along the face with a lot more ease. Soak a face towel in hot water and carefully place around your face, being sure to take care not to burn the skin.

Using a quality shaving cream will also make sure that the blade has a smooth journey across your skin, minimising any irritation. Although you may have to pay a few more pence for a quality cream, you will more than make up for the expense with what you save in the cost of blades.

Applying this cream with a quality mens shaving brush also ensures that it lathers itself around the face deeper. This will give your razor less friction when being used. Regularly rinse your razor under warm or hot water while you are shaving to remove trapped hairs and excess shaving cream, making sure to turn the head of the razor to rinse both sides thoroughly. Keep the blades hot whilst in use as this will ensure that the face maintains its softness and the blades keep cutting through the hair easily.

After you have finished your shave, be sure to clean and then dry your razor to give them as much life as possible. If you leave them wet then the moisture can act to corrode the metal of the razor blade which results in the blade becoming unsafe. There are a number of ways you can dry the blades; a quick dap on a towel will get rid of most of the excess water. If you have any, then cleaning alcohol will not only sterilise the blade but kill off the water and any other remaining matter. This also dries very quickly. I find the most effective method to just give the razor blades a quick blast with a hair dryer.



Save while you shave

Following the above methods to save money on shaving does not mean that you are cheap. In fact you will not only find yourself saving money on expensive blades, but also you will be getting a closer, cleaner shave overall.

Learn the best tips for using a shaving brush

Learn the best tips for using a shaving brush

Many people might own a shaving brush but only a handful of people use one as part of their regular shaving routine. The image of a shaving brush has suffered a bit in recent times with many people viewing them as an out of date shaving tool, or perhaps even obsolete in the shaving routine. This couldn't be further from the truth as not only do they help to prepare the face for a closer and chafe free shave, but they can also make razor blades last longer.

This lens will offer up some advice on the best way to use a shaving brush and how to care for your mens shaving brush so that you can have a life time of close shaves and happy days!

The image of shaving brushes

Old fashioned and out of date, or vital tool for close shave?

The modern mans shaving tool kit does not often feature a shaving brush these days. In fact you are far more likely to see things such as shaving gel and disposable razor blades which are designed to save time in a mans morning shave. But has too much impetus been put into saving time on shaving over achieving a close, comfortable and fresh feeling shave?

I personally feel that you need to achieve a balance with shaving. It would be silly to think that any man has time to spend a good 45 minutes each morning fully preparing for a thorough traditional wet shave. But it is important not to do just spend as little time as possible on shaving, as a quality shave not only keeps your skin healthy, but makes gives you confidence and comfort. A shaving brush is the forgotten tool which can achieve this balance in the modern mans shaving schedule. Used correctly it not only ensures that the face is fully prepared for razor, but also soothes and moisturised the skin far more deeply than any cream, gel or soap can achieve by hand,

How to use a shaving brush

Easy to follow tips for using your brush

Prior to their first use, new brushes should be thoroughly washed using warm to hot water. This will soften up the brush and remove any residue present from when the brush was created. You can use brushes with most types of shaving foam and some people even use them with modern gels; but I believe that shaving brushes work best with traditional shaving soap.

First prepare your face, bathing it in warm to hot water. Some people find that wrapping it in a hot towel softens the facial hair and makes for a more comfortable shave. With the washed brush in hand, use a circular motion and run the brush over the shaving soap to give it a solid coating over the all of the bristles. Next apply the brush to the skin and to the areas you are going to shave so that a solid covering of lather is formed. Work it into the skin so that it covers all of the face and neck.

Do not push too hard so that the brushes spread out too widely across the face. An even amount of pressure should make for good lathering which will aid the overall shave and reduce the risk of chafing.

Have you seen the barber shop you shouldn't visit?

Pall Mall Barbers hit comedy about the barber shop you don't want to get a cut at!

Although Pall Mall Barbers are all about quality cuts, shaves and service, we put together a barber shop comedy to see what life would be like if we were the complete opposite. Enjoy!

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Care for your shaving brush

How to make it last a life time

Having applied lather to your face using your brush, do not leave the lathered brush standing. Immediately after use, rinse it thoroughly under running water. Otherwise, soap residue which can destroy the fine badger hair remains on the brush head, particularly in the middle.

Dry the brush by repeatedly shaking out the remaining water, then hang it up with the bristles pointing down. When moist, the brush must not be kept in closed containers such as toilet bags.

Do not use chemical detergents to clean the brush. Wooden or horn handle shaving brushesmust not be left in water and should be dried with a cloth after use.

Please note that due to the normal friction during use of the shaving brush, surplus hairs can sometimes break. This is not a reason for rejection or worry. We hope you and your shaving brush will enjoy many years of cooperation and enjoyment together.