Shaving – Do try this at Home

It’s a pretty common occurrence at the shop to have inquiries about what exactly is involved in a Wet Shave.  For men who have for decades been shaving perfectly adequately at home, they want to know what we can offer that they don’t already do themselves.  Anyone who’s been to our store and experienced a shave from one of our expert barbers will attest  that what we offer is luxury in a barber’s chair, though that’s not to say that there are ways to make your home shaving routine a little more like the real McCoy.  Here are some tips on what you can do in your own bathroom

If you’ve ever had a traditional shave you’ll know there’s nothing quite like it.  From the smell of the shaving cream and the feel of the hot towel hitting your face to the unbeatable smoothness of the final results, it’s an unforgettable rite of passage.  Plus, there’s something liberating about having someone else do all the work.  What is essentially a daily chore turns into a relaxing indulgence.  But there’s another benefit to having a traditional wet shave.  If you’re observant (and are inquisitive enough to ask a few questions) you can pick up some great tips about technique and then incorporate them into your routine at home.  Men on the whole aren’t taught how to shave and so they get it wrong from the start, leaving their first experience a bad one.

Pall Mall Barbers are expert barbers and considered by many to be London’s favourite barbershop

Luxury haircuts and wet shaves

Tools of the Trade

For a traditional approach to shaving, kit yourself out with these essential shaving tools.

The Hot Towel

To prepare your skin for the shave, give yourself a DIY hot towel treatment by dipping a towel into a sink full of hot water, wringing it out and plopping it onto you face for minute or so.  It’s how we, the professionals always kick off a traditional shave.  To aid this process you can use a product like American Crew pre shaving oil or even a simple almond oil.  Rubbing the oil into the skin helps soften the skin, reduce friction for the razor and helps lift the hairs in readiness for cutting.

The Razor

Razors are a bit like cars – some handle better than others and driving an Audi Q7 is always going to be better than driving a clapped out old banger.  So to groom like a lord invest in a decent razor – we would always recommend one of our “Regal” range or if you’d like something a little more unique our double edged razor.  Like many traditional style razors it uses a “butterfly” design head which allows the top to be opened to allow the insertion of double-edged blades.  It also allows for the razor blades to be continuously adjusted, ensuring you have total control as you’re shaving.  But what about open or cut throat razors, you ask?  Well, they are the crème de la crème, but we’d suggest coming to the shop for some lessons before embarking in “extreme shaving”.

Pall Mall Barbers is a quality barbershop in London’s West End. We offer cut throat shaves

The Shaving Brush

Start by investing in a quality shaving brush like our Art Deco Badger Hair Brush.  Not only is it the best way to create a creamy lather, it also helps lift your stubble and exfoliate the skin, ridding it of the dead cells which can clog your razor.  The best brushes are made of badger hair – one of the few animal hairs that holds, rather than repels moisture.  To protect your investment always hang your brush upside down on a brush stand after use.  This prevents water seeping into the handle, causing the hairs to rot.

Shaving Cream

Face the facts: there’s nothing gentlemanly about a cheap own brand shaving foam, so switch to a traditional shaving cream – they’re richer, creamier and often kinder to the skin.  Or use a traditional shaving soap, like D R Harris’ Arlington Shaving Soap.  It will work brilliantly with your new shaving brush.

The Balm

A soothing balm is essential for calming irritation, re-hydrating skin and kick starting the skin’s natural repair process.  One brand that proves very popular in the shop is Jack Black.

Stylish haircuts in a traditional setting. Great gifts for men