Shaving Oil suggestions and shaving suggestions, tips and hints presented in a Q&A format (mostly).
Is it OK to electric shave?
Certainly electric shaving can be faster than wet shaving. However, electric shaving is harsher on the skin as it strips away natural oils and usually requires the hairs to be dry and brittle to get a close shave. For a closer and more comfortable shave, our advice is to shift to wet shaving. That said, it’s all up to you, so if you wish to continue with the electric razor, here’s what we suggest: apply two or three drops of Almaden Shaving premium shaving oil to your face before starting. It will prepare your skin and beard helping leave you feeling moisturized (not roughed up)
Additional tips: Unlike all Almaden Shaving premium shave oil products, most pre-shave lotions or electric pre-shaves contain alcohol and/or other astringent (drying) agents. Please read the label and check the ingredients before you purchase.
Are moisturizers only for girls/wimps etc.?
Certainly not! It’s important to care for your skin, regardless of your sex, it is the larges organ of your entire body. The daily routine of life can damage your skin. Women have been wise to this for years – men have taken longer to catch up in their understanding. Shaving can be very drying on your skin and coupled with weather and lifestyle conditions (yes, hanging out in smoke filled bars or pool halls will negatively affect your skin) you need to protect it. Products that claim to be able to replace moisture are pretty much nonsense, – once the moisture is gone, it’s gone. By using Almaden Shaving premium shave oil to shave you are using an amazing moisturizing product to start with. When you’re done shaving, simply allow your face to air dry or pat it dry. If you want additional moisturizing, massage another 2 or 3 drops into your face.
The key is to lock moisture into the skin rather than try and replace it later. The simplest way to do this is to apply a moisturizer to the skin as soon after shaving as possible, but definitely within eight to ten minutes of shaving. Almaden Shaving oil itself is an excellent moisturizer. All of the main ingredients castor oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil and grape seed oil, are known for their emollient (moisturizing) properties.
Myth: Shaving causes your hair to grow back thicker, darker or faster.
Truth: No way. Hair regrowth is determined by what’s on the inside—your genetics and hormones. So why does fallacy continue to be perpetuated? As hair grows back, the blunt ends make it seem/feel thicker. Most hair grows about a half-inch per month and is a sign that your body is healthy and doing just what it’s supposed to do. According to a 2005 study published in the international Journal of Dermatology, hair growth rate varies substantially by race. On average an African’s hair grows slowest at about 4 inches per year; caucasian ‘s hair grows about 5 inches per year and Asian hair grows about 6 inches per year. Growth rates for men and women are essentially the same. As the hair is above the skins surface, it begins to rub on things, clothing, other people, a washcloth, towel drying etc. the end is rounded, giving it a “smooth” feel.
Myth: A new blade causes nicks and cuts.
Truth: In reality, it’s the exact opposite! Shaving with an old, dull blade typically causes more nicks and cuts. A new blade being sharper, is safer. By using a light touch with Almaden shaving oil and it’s super lubricating qualities, your razor will glide easily over your skin avoiding those painful nicks and cuts.
My Multi-blade razor clogs way too easily and often!
The best solution I’ve found is to NOT use a multi-blade razor. I switched to a Double edged safety razor over a year ago and haven’t looked back. The shave is is as close, is less irritating and much, much less expensive.
OK Bozo, I said it clogs too much. I have a small fortune invested in these blades and I need a solution for these razors.
Right! The key is to rinse your razor in warm or hot water more often and to tap the blades inside the sink to dislodge the particles. So, basically, rinse the razor on every stroke or every other stroke.
My sales manager isn’t going to like me revealing this secret: Use LESS shaving oil during your shave. For men, shaving their beard, we recommend starting with between three and five drops. Most people start at the upper end just because they’re used to using more conventional shaving software. Back off on the amount you use for your shave. If you’ve properly wetted your beard, three or four drops should be sufficient.
If you do that, you’re a little more likely to want an extra drop or two afterwards for extra skin conditioning.
If you have shaving oil suggestions, send them our way and we’ll give them a look. If we use your suggestion, we’ll send you a coupon for a shaving oil. If our readers vote it most useful, we’ll send you some shaving oil on us!