Shaving – Groom+Style https://groomwithstyle.com Reviews for Luxury, Style, Beauty, Fitness & the Home Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:32:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5 https://fluxdigi.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/groomwithstyle/uploads/2019/06/cropped-GROOM-AND-STYLE-MAIN-FAVICON-e1561823600241-32x32.png Shaving – Groom+Style https://groomwithstyle.com 32 32 How Long Does It Take to Grow a Beard? https://groomwithstyle.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-grow-a-beard/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://groomandstyle.com/?p=2019313 Read more]]> grow beard

Growing a beard can be a long-term commitment that causes many men to wonder how long the process will take. While every man will be a little different in terms of how long their hair takes to grow, hair grows an average of half an inch per month.

Whether you’re wondering how long it will take to grow a long beard or you’re intending to keep your facial hair shorter, this article is here to answer your questions about growing a beard.

What Are Beards Good For Anyway?

Facial hair helps men shape their personal style. It can give its owner confidence, while at the same time, a well-maintained has been known to make a good first impression. It’s one way for a man to demonstrate his ability to care for his appearance.

There’s also a physical health aspect to growing a beard. It protects the skin by blocking it from sun and debris, particularly for those who work outdoors. It also keeps allergens and bacteria away from the mouth and nose.

Beard maintenance, including beard oil, promotes healthy skin. Furthermore, the beard can cause men to appear younger while also preventing skin aging through infections, such as acne.

When it comes to the laws of attraction, a nice beard can draw attention to a man which could help in finding a date. However, everyone has different preferences. Some people will prefer men with a long, well-maintained beard, while others may prefer scruff or a clean-shaven look.

How Fast Does Facial Hair Grow Per Day?

For those who wonder how long it takes to grow a beard, the answer varies from person to person. The key factor in growing a long beard is time.

The average beard grows .27 mm over 24 hours. This adds up to about 1/2 inch of facial hair a month. Also, keep in mind that hair grows mostly at night while you sleep, and it reaches its peak growth at around 2 a.m.

The time it can take to grow a full beard will generally range anywhere from two to six months. This growth rate will vary from person to person. This is also dependent on individual genetics as well as personal health and diet.

how long does it take to grow a beard everyone grow a beard

Can Everyone Grow a Beard?

Unfortunately, not every man can grow a beard.

The number of facial hair follicles depends on genetics, and this is generally something that you can’t change. In other words, it’s almost impossible to make hair grow where it doesn’t already naturally grow. Some ethnicities, such as men from East Asia, will have fewer facial hair follicles, and these are generally concentrated around the mouth. Other ethnicities may have wider growth patterns.

Nonetheless, for those who can grow a beard but are having trouble achieving the length they want, there are ways to stimulate beard growth, including diet, exercise, sleep cycles, and beard care.

What Hormones Are Responsible for Beard Growth?

The main hormone for hair growth is the male sex hormone testosterone. However, testosterone levels do not always directly affect how quickly hair grows or the ability to grow a beard.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the major factor in hair growth, muscular development, and fertility. DHT is also primarily responsible for many of the masculine-coded characteristics that a person may exhibit. This is a bi-product of testosterone and is present in everyone. Although, men will have more of it than women.

The important factor connecting DHT to hair growth has to do with how your body reacts to it. On a daily basis, about 10 percent of testosterone is converted into DHT, which then attaches itself to receptors such as those found in hair follicles.

DHT is a big player in head hair loss, such as male pattern baldness. DHT sensitivity shortens the hair growth cycle, causing the hair to grow thinner and fall out sooner as it moves more quickly through the three phases of hair growth. Additionally, high levels of DHT will increase the rate at which the head follicles shrink, which can lead to hair loss.

However, DHT impacts the beard and head hair differently. Men who are sensitive to DHT may find that they’re losing head hair. However, DHT helps beards develop and grow more fully. In other words, a patchy beard is not necessarily a sign of low testosterone so much as a sign that the follicles of the face are not sensitive to DHT.

Ultimately, while testosterone does play a big part in the growth of body hair, it might not be the source of your facial hair troubles. Most men will actually have similar testosterone levels, and those with low testosterone will notice other, more drastic symptoms, such as infertility and erectile dysfunction.

how long does it take to grow a beard phases

3 Phases of Hair Growth

Hair growth takes place in a growth cycle. There is a growing phase (anagen), a resting phase (catagen), and then the hair will fall out (telogen) making way for new healthy hair.

Anagen

The anagen phase is the growth phase. This happens inside of the hair follicle, as cells multiply to make the hair shaft. Depending on an individual’s genetics, this anagen phase can last anywhere from two months to about six years.

Catagen

During the catagen phase, the hair is dormant. The hair becomes cut off from the blood supply while it separates from the follicle and attaches to the skin. This is also called the resting phase. The hair neither grows longer nor is it ready to fall out.

Telogen

The telogen phase can be alarming for many people who are concerned about losing their hair. However, it is a natural part of growing a beard.

During the telogen phase, older hairs which have gone through dormancy fall out. This makes room for new hairs to begin growing in the follicle. At any point in time, about 10 percent of a person’s hair is in the telogen phase, which may last from two to four months.

What Affects How Your Beard Grows?

The length of an individual’s anagen phase will determine how long a beard can ultimately grow. For example, if someone’s anagen phase lasts for four years, they can expect that the longest their beard will grow is four years worth at their personal growth rate.

If you’re curious about how long your beard hair can grow, pay attention to its natural shedding. This is when the hair falls out without pulling or plucking it. A beard hair that falls naturally will indicate your beard’s maximum length. On average, a long untrimmed beard will grow to about three feet long.

Keep in mind that hair growth patterns and beard texture will affect how long your beard looks. For example, curly beards may look shorter even with significant growth. Additionally, hair can grow in many directions with different grains, creating different hair growth patterns.

how long does it take to grow a beard slow down beard growth

Mistakes That Slow Down Your Beard Growth

While beard growth is largely determined by genetics, there are a few health factors that influence how long it might take to grow.

  • Having a poor diet, lacking exercise, and inconsistent sleep cycles. This includes eating too much sugar, including simple carbohydrates.
  • High stress levels can slow hair growth and lead to hair loss. Consider ways of destressing, including meditation, work-life balance, and exercise.
  • Impatience will also slow your beard growth plans. It might cause you to give up or shave your beard early. A long beard takes time.

Tips For Faster Beard Growth

  • Take care of your beard. Keep the beard cleaned and conditioned with beard balm and beard oil. These will protect the hair and keep it moisturized.
  • Brush your beard. This stimulates and carries oxygen to the blood vessels around the hair follicles, making them more likely to grow healthy beard hair.
  • Consider a high protein diet. Hair is protected by keratin, which you can gain through eating healthy proteins. Consider nuts, including almonds, walnuts, and peanuts. Fish, such as salmon, and meat, such as chicken or steak, are also good staples for protein in your diet.
  • Consume foods high in Vitamins A, B, C, E, and F, as well as the minerals iron, zinc, selenium, silica, and magnesium. You can find these in vegetables, such as leafy greens, cabbages, broccoli, asparagus, carrots, peppers, avocados, and mushrooms. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids also help grow thicker hair. Additionally, some fruits including peaches, apples, and bananas can promote healthy hair.
  • Consume multivitamins and supplements, such as biotin and fish oils.
  • Regular exercise will help stimulate beard growth during the anagen phase. Exercise can increase testosterone levels, particularly exercises that build muscle such as weight lifting, and it will circulate blood for greater cell turnover and reproduction. Additionally, exercise can help to mitigate the negative effects of stress on the body.
  • Keep your sleep cycles healthy and regular. Hair grows more while you rest, since your body temperature drops while sleeping therefore increasing blood circulation to the skin. At the same time, your body releases growth hormones during sleep, which stimulates general cell reproduction including hair growth. The ideal of seven to eight hours of sleep a night can increase your rate of hair growth per month.
  • Practice good skin hygiene and care. Skincare is important for blood circulation. A good cleansing regime means exfoliating away dead skin which may block hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs. Make sure to moisturize every time you exfoliate to keep your hair and skin healthy.

how long does it take to grow a beard patchy beard

What About the Patchy Beard?

When you start to grow your beard out, you may find that there are small areas where hair won’t grow. Everyone has areas of their beard that grow thinner. These are likely caused by your genetic background.

If you want your patchy beard to look great, don’t shave these spots. It won’t make the hair grow back and thicker or faster. Instead, give your beard time to fill in. The longer your beard gets, the more even it will look.

What Causes a Patchy Beard?

Uneven growth is a given, particularly for those who want to wear a full beard. No beard grows in an ideally uniform pattern or at a uniform length.

Some patchiness is unavoidable. There is no way to grow hair follicles where they aren’t already. If there’s a spot where your beard won’t grow, you’ll likely find yourself be stuck with that pattern. At least until you grow older.

Do Beard Patches Fill-In?

Your beard and patches may fill in as you grow older since beards tend to grow fuller and coarser as men age. If you tried to grow a beard when you were younger and found it unsatisfactory, you might give it another try as you age. Beards often thicken in a man’s mid-to late-twenties.

How to Fix a Patchy Beard

Allow your beard to grow for at least four to six weeks before trimming it. This will tell you a lot about your personal growth patterns, including what your full beard growth looks like. This will help you to work with the hair you do have to find your best style.

Once you know the extent of your beard growth, even it out using a beard trimmer or clippers. This will make the non-uniform growth less obvious.

If the patches in your beard aren’t growing in, consider letting the rest of your beard grow long enough that it will cover these bare patches. Then, style the beard according to your particular growth patterns, highlighting its best and thickest growth.

If your beard patchiness isn’t filling in even with length, it can benefit you to trim it shorter. You don’t need to be completely clean-shaven. You could try a long stubble style, consider a strong mustache, or style a goatee.

Furthermore, whatever beard you have, take care of it with oils and conditioning so that it’s always looking its best.

Conclusion

Many men wonder how long it takes to grow their ideal beard. While the actual timing varies for every person, there are a few measures you can take to ensure a quick-growing and thick beard, including consuming healthy proteins, exercising, and catching up on your sleep.

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Beard Neckline 101 https://groomwithstyle.com/beard-neckline/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://groomandstyle.com/?p=2018533 Read more]]>
Beard Neckline 101

Beard Neckline 101

Whether you’re growing a thick beard or keeping it trimmed, the beard neckline is a crucial aspect of your facial hair grooming. A well-defined neckline can make all the difference in achieving a polished, professional look. On the other hand, neglecting the neckline can lead to the dreaded “neckbeard” appearance.

Finding and trimming a good beard neckline can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, it can be done consistently. It’s important to know where the invisible line should be and how to trim it properly. This guide will help you master the art of the perfect beard neckline.

Where Should My Beard Neckline Be?

Man Showing Beard

First of all, if you’re trying to keep up a deliberate, particular, beard style, the beard neckline will vary. For some beard styles, a shorter, faded neckline may work best.

However, if you are the average guy just wanting to grow out his beard or keep a simple short ‘box’ beard, then there is a solid and clear neckline to aim for.

And it’s actually easy to find, so we’re going to keep the explanation simple.

How To Identify The Beard Neckline

Method One

Firstly locate the Adam’s Apple and place two fingers above it. The top of your fingers is precisely where the bottom point of the neckline should be.

Method Two

An easier way to go about it is to tilt your head downward. A crease will form where the underside of your jaw meets the top of your neck.

Place your finger on the crease and straighten your head. And there you have it, the beard neckline!

Should I Shave My Neck When Growing A Beard?

Man Shaving Neck

When it comes to the neckbeard, there are split opinions.

Some men grow a full beard, so they don’t have to shave anymore, while others prefer to keep their beards in check even while growing a magnificent beard.

However, that debate needs to be addressed.

The reality is that when trimming up a beard, there are no right or wrong ways but simply guidelines, and it depends largely on the beard you are trying to grow.

Growing A Short Beard

If you want to keep your facial hair relatively short, it’s less likely that you should be ditching the shaving cream just yet.

Shorter beards look great when they are tidy, some men who prefer short beards tend to keep shaving their necklines.

Having neck hair does tend to look unkempt, especially once you get past that stubbly stage.

However, if that’s the style you are going for, then, it’s possible to make your jawline more prominent. So the best way to achieve this look is to keep the necklines trimmed up.

Growing A Medium Beard

Man With Medium Beard

A medium bead is a loose term. In fact, it is somewhere between long stubble and short lumberjack.

So it’s tough to establish hard and fast rules here. If your beard does cover your neck, then shaving it is still worth it.

This doesn’t, by any means, mean that you have to. Some men prefer the shape of their beards without the shaved neckline.

However, for other men shaving the neckline on a medium beard gives it purpose and can make a more significant difference to the angles and shape that you expect.

One of the rules for finding your neckline is not letting your neck creep up.

If you prune your beard on a regular basis, the last thing you want to see is a bit more of your neckline each and every time.

So, in other words, there’s nothing more that you’ll hate than seeing a neckline that’s actually not even on the neck. And if you’re going to grow a beard, you should do it right.

Growing A Long Beard

If this is your plan, then you should stop shaving your neckline right away.

Your facial hair will grow at the same pace, and if you keep shaving your neckline and growing your beard out, you’re going to reach a point where your stubble neckline stands out.

How To Get Rid Of Beard Hair On The Neck?

Bear On The Neck

Growing a beard is a process that takes time, and this is especially if you want to grow a long beard because it’s going to take a really long time.

You don’t have to shave your neck while growing a beard. It isn’t going to hurt the hair on your face if you decide to do so. Your beard will keep growing at exactly the same pace it did before.

One of the disadvantages of not shaving your neck while growing a beard is that you could end up looking scruffy and unkempt.

However, if that’s what you’re going for and you feel you can pull it off, then, by all means, go ahead and do so.

Then again, if you want a well-groomed and presentable look, then keep reading.

Removing hair from your neck doesn’t have to be a big deal. Because you have so much less ground to cover, it’s actually easier than shaving your face.

The bonus is that you will shave your neck exactly the same way that you shave your face, and that is using shaving cream and a high-quality razor.

Alternatively, you may choose to use a good beard trimmer.

Perhaps, the only difference between shaving your face and your neck is that when shaving your neck, you’ll need to pay extra attention, ensuring that you keep the neckline of your beard neat and tidy.

It will take a little longer while you’re working on this area; however, once you see the finished result, it will all be worth it.

Where Should Your Beard Neckline Be?

This depends highly on your personal preference. Your beard length and appearance will also play a role.

Shaping up the neckline of your beard is going to shape the appearance of your entire face. So it’s crucial that you get it right.

For Longer Beards

Man Choosing Beard Neckline

When it comes to the question of whether or not you should shave your beard, there are a few things to consider. One important factor is the length of your beard. If you have a longer beard, it’s best to leave the neckline lower. This will help to increase the visual density of your beard, making it appear thicker, fuller and more impressive.

However, it’s important to avoid the neckbeard look by not letting the neckline fall lower than the longest portion of your beard.

Additionally, if you have hair that grows down beyond your Adam’s apple, it’s a good idea to tidy it up by bringing the neckline in line with the top of your Adam’s apple for a fresh and polished look.

For Short Beards

If you are growing a shorter beard, then you’ll want to remove as much hair from the neck as possible.

Try to line the beard up just under your jawline and trim away so that the beard hair on your face stops on the hard edge, just underneath your jawline.

Take a pair of clippers or a beard trimmer and use it to fade the hair into the bare skin of the neck if you’re going for a more natural look.

For men who have a weak jawline, this fading process will help avoid the dreaded chinstrap.

If your beard is covering your neck completely, you can just forget about it and let it go. For some men, this is quite liberating.

There is no more itchiness caused by shaving, and you simply snap on your beard oil or wax in the morning, and you’re good to go.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Should My Beard Follow My Jawline?

Deciding on the proper point to trim the beard neckline is a common challenge for men. Going too low can result in a loss of definition and an awkward appearance while trimming too high can make it appear as though the beard is trying to escape the face. A good strategy is to create a smooth line by trimming just under Adam’s apple and following the contour and crease of the neck. This creates a polished, sophisticated look without being too bold or daring.

Conclusion

The beard neckline is an important aspect of grooming a beard. It is the line that separates the hair on the neck from the hair on the face. Keeping the neckline well-defined and clean can help give the beard a neat and well-groomed appearance. It is often recommended to maintain a neckline that is slightly above the Adam’s apple, but ultimately the best position for the neckline will vary depending on individual face shape and personal preference. It is often recommended to have a professional barber or stylist shape and maintain the neckline to ensure a sharp and well-defined look.

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Where To Trim A Beard Neckline nonadult
Best Shaving Tips for Men Suffering from Acne https://groomwithstyle.com/best-shaving-tips-for-men-suffering-from-acne/ https://groomwithstyle.com/best-shaving-tips-for-men-suffering-from-acne/#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 http://shaverstudio.com/?p=444 Read more]]> acne_man_2Best Shaving Tips for Men Suffering from Acne

It is not just women, who battle acne. Even men have to handle acne and for them shaving can be a painful experience. Shaving every day takes a toll on your skin, but if you also have acne, it is a recipe for complete disaster.

With the wrong shaver, you will end up irritating your skin and your acne will worsen. Men with acne should avoid shaving with a manual razor and should choose an electric razor (read the linked article or see ideas below for the best electric shaver for acne prone skin).  Manual razors simply cut too close to the skin, whereas with electric razors you can retain greater control over how close you shave and the pressure you apply around acne prone areas. If you simply must have a manual shave, you might want to investigate the products you are using.

Importance of Daily Skincare for Men with Acne

When you have acne, you should have a daily skincare routine. This will help reduce the acne and also allow your skin to heal. Exfoliate your skin two to three times a week to slough off the dead skin cells that bacteria love to feed on. Exfoliation will promote growth of healthy skin cells, making it easier for new facial hair to push through the skin, so that you can shave properly.

Sure, here’s an example incorporating the phrase “beard trimmer tips” into the text:

Along with maintaining a proper cleansing routine, it’s essential to pay attention to beard trimmer tips. When trimming your beard, make sure to use a high-quality trimmer that suits your needs and preferences. Consider the length and style you desire and adjust the trimmer accordingly. Remember to trim slowly and carefully, following the natural contours of your face for a precise and even result. Regularly clean and maintain your trimmer to ensure optimal performance and longevity. By incorporating these beard trimmer tips into your grooming routine, you can achieve a well-groomed and stylish beard.

Please read this article which contains 7 powerful ways to treat acne with coconut oil!

Relationship Between Humidity and Acne

Believe it or not one of the often overlooked natural treatments for acne is moisture.  If you live in a dry or cold climate it might be worthwhile doing some further research and buying a humidifier for your home or office – Groom+Style has done some of the leg work for you and reviewed the best humidifiers.

Best Way to Shave with Acne – Electric Shaver Shaving Tips

Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy your morning shave without leaving your skin in a bloody mess or aggravate your acne.

These steps assume you have bought an electric shaver that can be used with shaving cream i.e. the Wet/Dry type that allow shaving creams and gel to be used – see next blue box below.

Tip: There will be some days when your acne is worse. On such days, it is best to avoid shaving and letting your skin’s natural healing process soothe the breakouts and inflammation.

  • Prepping the Face: Before you begin using the electric shaver, it is necessary to prepare your face and neck. Take some warm water and splash it on the area. This will dilate the blood vessels and increase blood circulation to the skin. It also will hydrate your skin, making it more supple and pliable. You also can prep your skin while taking your morning shower. In fact, shaving in the shower is one of the best options.
  • Lathering: Use a shaving cream that is thin and yet creamy – you can even use a natural product like coconut oil as a shaving cream replacement. This will help the shaver glide on the skin, thereby reducing irritation. Make sure you lather the area well and coat it evenly. Do not try to whip up too much lather. A thin coat is more than enough.
  • Shaving with the Grain: If you try and get a close shave, you will irritate your skin and your acne will worsen. Instead concentrate on shaving with the grain. In other words, move the shaver down instead of upwards. This will help to reduce skin inflammation and also reduce the number of cuts and nicks.
  • Aftercare: Once you finish shaving, use an alcohol-free skin toner. Alternatively, you can use an antibacterial gel, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. What this does is prevent bacteria from entering into your hair follicles and aggravating your acne.

The Best Razor for Acne Skin – The Right Razor Matters

When you have acne prone skin, your razor makes a huge difference. Always use a top of the range men’s electric shaver – you should focus on the wet/dry models that allow you to use shaving creams.

In general Groom+Style would also recommend a foil shaver (rather than a rotary shaver) – you can read more in our article, Choosing an Electric Shaver: Rotary, Foil or Clipper?

Tip: Not all wet and dry shavers actually “allow” you to use shaving creams.  For example, in the Series 9 models from Braun you need to look for models with the suffix “s”.  The models which come with a cleaning station typically cannot be used (otherwise the warranty will be voided) with shaving creams or gels, as the gels affect the cleaning station.  Some customers get around this by washing the shaver first and then putting it in the cleaning station (but Groom+Style cannot officially recommend this).

Even if it means having to spend a bit more time (and money) finding the right shaver for your needs, it will be time well spent.

Shaving Tips for Men

Switching to Constant Stubble – Trimming Your Beard Instead of Shaving

The other option is to ditch the idea of shaving every day.  If your work and lifestyle allow you could change your look to sporting a constant five o’clock shadow (or at the other extreme just grow a full beard).  Many men with acne or sensitive skin are following this trend, they buy a beard trimmer and just trim their stubble.  This has 2 advantages; firstly the stubble can work on hiding some of the acne and second benefit is that the reduced irritation on the skin can actually help the acne breakouts heal faster.

The Bottom Line for Men Shaving With Acne

A foil electric shaver is the best option if you are battling acne. The Braun 7 Series Shavers or the more expensive Braun 9 Series Shavers foil shavers fit the bill perfectly for acne prone skin as they offer an extremely good shave without irritating your skin with propreitary ActiveLift technology.  If you can afford it the Braun 9 shavers is the one to go for as it comes with a cleaning and disinfecting station which is really beneficial for men with acne – as it reduces the chance of infections (although you need to take note of the Tip above).

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https://groomwithstyle.com/best-shaving-tips-for-men-suffering-from-acne/feed/ 1 Shaving Tips for Men: How to Shave Your Face | Gillette ProGlide Shield nonadult
When and How to Teach Your Son to Shave – Modern Day Rituals of Manhood https://groomwithstyle.com/teach-son-shave-modern-day-rituals-manhood/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 http://groomandstyle.com/?p=6019 Read more]]> father-son-shavingWhen and How to Teach Your Son to Shave – Modern Day Rituals of Manhood

The team at Groom+Style cover the when and how of teaching your son to shave, with an introduction by Homer Simpson.

Right before teaching Bart how to shave, Homer Simpson offers his son three sage pieces of advice, “The three little sentences that will get you through life —

Number one: Cover for me. Number two: Oh, good idea, boss! Number three: It was like that when I got here.”

Teaching your son how to shave can be great fun for both of you, and it’s a fantastic way of bonding with him.

You’re unlikely to offend the guy by suggesting that he learn how to shave, he’s dying to know.

He’s probably had a play around with the razor once or twice already, but to him that thing in the bathroom with the lethal-looking blades is still something mysterious.

It’s not part of his world yet — the razor is about as alien to your son as the tampon is to you (it’s ok, we know.)

In this article we’re going to explore when and how to teach your son to shave.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

– Making the offer

– Choosing your equipment

– Prepping and shaving technique

Be incredibly relaxed and lighthearted about all of this. It’s not a right of passage or an initiation ceremony, it’s shaving. It’s a chance for you to have some fun with your son, and it’s something he’ll remember for the rest of his life. Make it count, but don’t stress about it.

Making the Offer

Unless Spartan initiation rituals are commonplace in your house, we suggest keeping it simple. The next time you’re about to shave, invite your son to join you, saying that he might like to learn how to do it himself.

Tell him that he’ll need to start shaving regularly soon, even if he does choose to eventually maintain an awesome beard. If asking him outright to follow you and watch you shave feels a bit weird, buy him a disposable razor kit — he’ll be thrilled with it and raring to try it out.

Groom+Style does recommend you start by teaching your boy how to shave with a manual razor.

You can start with a disposable razor, or if you want to make a bigger occasion out of it, you can gift your son a safety razor.  Once your son has learnt to appreciated the art of shaving you can discuss alternative shaving methods such as straight razors or electric shavers.

But, even with the kit, he might not be ready to give it a try just yet.

He might be having a bad day, or he might want to approach you once he’s ready. Offer it to him, say, I can see the start of a beard, there. Want me to show you how to shave? I’m doing mine. He might say yes, but if he’s unsure, turn it into an open-ended offer, Let me know when you’re ready and I’ll show you.

That’s option number one. Option number two is to do as Homer Simpson does and simply tell your son that he’s going to learn how to shave.

“Now come on, you’re gonna learn how to shave.” Homer Simpson

Choosing Your Equipment

Groom+Style highly recommend giving your son his own razor right from the start.

You can give him a disposable, as we mentioned, but even if it seems unnecessary to give him a decent Gillette razor with replacement blades at this stage, this is an experience of a lifetime for your son.

When he looks back on this in ten, fifteen years, he’s going to remember that you made it a really special occasion by giving him his very own shaving set.

If you’re thinking that spending money on something the kid can’t even use properly yet is a waste, pinch yourself and ask whether you’d think the same about a musical instrument or a sketching pad.

Something like the Merkur Shaving set would be an ideal gift – get yourself one while you’re at it so you can match!  Having said all that anything will work as long as its not chainsaw…

Either way make sure you’ve got the following to hand:

  • A new razor for both you and your son
  • A good quality shaving cream
  • A face wash and moisturiser

If you’re an old-school aftershave applier, go for it, but plenty of us at Groom+Style prefer a simple moisturiser.

Prepping and Shaving Technique

This is really for your benefit, right here.

If you get in there with your son and realise that actually, you don’t know how to shave properly (a lot of us don’t) you’ll spoil the experience.

Avoid rashes, razor bumps and an uneven finish by following these steps for a smooth shave.

We know, he might not have enough hair yet to warrant worrying about such things, but it’s the thought that counts, and while this is primarily a bonding experience right now, what he learns with you is going to stick with him when shaving becomes a daily routine.

So let’s get it right – you can also find more details in our article on the art of shaving.

boy shaving

Wet Your Beard Thoroughly

Dry shaving is one of the leading causes of rashes and razor burn.

When your hair is warm and wet, it becomes much easier to cut. If you’ve ever had a straight razor shave from a barber, you’ll know how seriously they take the pre-shave washing ritual.

Wash your face in very warm water, massaging the hair as you go to get it all standing up.

Use a Quality Shaving Cream

Shaving creams with a lot of foam are a bit misleading.

We need something to look at in TV ads, which is partly why most creams foam so much. You don’t want that, though. A shaving cream’s job is to lubricate your face and make it easier for the razor to cut the hair. The more foam, the less contact there is between razor and skin. If your beard is wet and warm enough, you should only need a small amount of cream to get the job done.

Use a Sharp Razor

A blunt razor is more likely to cut your face than a sharp one, since you’ll press harder with a blunt razor and it’ll catch more. You’re using a metal razor against soft, wet hair, there should be no contest. If your razor is sticking and catching, change it.

It never hurts to wet your razor in warm water right before use, either.

Shave With the Grain First

The simplest way to get a good shave, is to remember that shaving in the direction of the hair growth is best. Everyone’s beard grows in differently, but it should be pretty easy to tell which way yours goes (it’ll grow in different directions on different parts of your face.)

Let the razor do the work, gliding over the hair. If you’d like to get an even closer shave, apply more cream, then go sideways. You can go against the grain when it’s very short, but you risk bumps and ingrown hairs.

Wash and Moisturise

When you’re done, wash your face gently with clean, warm water. Pat dry, don’t rub, and apply a moisturiser to soften the skin out.

That’s it. You’ve got everything you need now, to make this a fun and memorable experience for you and your son. If it goes well, let us know by dropping a comment below, or share a photo with us on Facebook.

After all that if your son is not ready go outside and play some catch, and try again next year!

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Black Dads Teach Their Sons How To Shave nonadult
How To Shave Without Shaving Cream https://groomwithstyle.com/shaving-without-cream/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://groomandstyle.com/?p=2018544 Read more]]> How To Shave Without Shaving Cream
How To Shave Without Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is not always necessary when shaving.

In fact, lots of men have gotten by for years without ever using shaving cream.

Alternatively, there are solutions such as hair conditioner, soap and plain water that can get the job done just as well.

Ultimately, though, the most important part of shaving is to always moisturize the skin immediately after shaving to prevent irritation as well as dry skin.

So shaving cream is not an essential item. However, that doesn’t mean that you should toss it in the bin. Shaving cream does serve a few purposes.

Ultimately, the purpose of shaving cream is to moisturize your face, lubricate the blade and soften your facial hairs as you shave.

They are, however, plenty of other items that can replace your shaving cream and here’s a list of them.

Tips For Shaving Without Shaving Cream

There are plenty of alternatives when it comes to shaving cream, and some of them do an even better job than shaving cream itself. 

So let’s take a look at some of these alternatives.

Baby Oil

Woman Shaving Legs With Baby Oil

If you have any type of baby oil available, it’s going to be a prime choice. Baby oil already lubricates quite well, so you don’t have to worry about getting the blades caught up in your hairs.

In fact, baby oil has been a popular choice for women who need to shave their legs in a hurry. It’s also clear so you can see where you need to shave.

However, we recommend that you don’t use more than a few drops, or you could get your blade clogged up fairly quickly.

Hair Conditioner

Hair conditioner is a great way to soften up the hairs on your beard; the same weight softens the hairs on your head.

You’ll want to take some extra care when lathering it on your skin, and you can start shaving almost right away.

Using a hair conditioner makes your shave nearly as smooth as proper shaving cream.

Bar Of Soap

If you’re running out of options, you can always use a bar of soap to shave. Although it’s not ideal, it will moisturize your face and give your blade some lubrication.

Be sure to remove stray hairs from the soap before applying it to your face.

Body Lotion

Pouring Baby Lotion On Hand

Body lotion lubricates the skin and provides a barrier to prevent any dry or bumpy skin on your face after your shave.

It is recommended that you use unscented lotion as you don’t need a flowery scent on your manly face. Then again, that also doesn’t pair well with your aftershave.

Peanut Butter

Because peanut butter is oily, it will moisturize and also lubricate your skin.

It’s probably not the best choice, but if you are trapped on a remote island or mountain cabin, and you need to shave, and the only item available is peanut butter, then you may as well use it.

Honey

The only time this would not be a good choice is if you work closely with a bear. Honey is a good source of lubrication and will moisturize your skin well.

In fact, lots of high-end spas use honey as part of their skin for a reason. However, it also works well as a natural moisturizer.

Olive Oil

Shaving With Olive Oil

If you’re looking to use a shaving cream alternative from the kitchen, then olive oil is what you should reach for first.

This is especially if you have an old bottle lying around, that’s no longer suitable for cooking.

Olive oil is a great natural moisturizer but use it sparingly as it can clog up the blade quickly if you don’t rinse it frequently.

Almond Paste

Use fresh almonds and grind them into a fine paste. Place the paste into a container and refrigerate it. Use it as a shaving cream as and when required.

The almond paste has the ability to soften your skin, making it shiny and also healing wounds that develop while shaving.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is not just an excellent moisturizer but reduces the shearing force between the blades and the skin.

Ultimately, this results in a closer, smoother and less painful shape. Also, you won’t need to apply any creams or lotions afterward because the butter nourishes the shaved area.

Aloe Vera

Shaving With Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a great shaving cream alternative because it’s used to soothe the pain of sunburn and therefore, can help to prevent and treat razor burn.

It has a consistency similar to that of common shaving gels and causes little mess and no damage to the blade.

In the unlikely event that you still end up with razor burn after shaving, the cooling effects of the aloe gel will keep your skin from itching and becoming inflamed.

You can use the aloe gel straight out of the plant or use a store-bought gel.

Conclusion

Irrespective of whether you’re looking for the perfect solution to avoid razor burn and irritation or need a gift for a loved one or friend, natural alternatives to shaving cream are available to save the day.

Some of these natural alternatives to shaving cream have lots of benefits as well as being good for sensitive skin, fighting razor burn and giving your skin a natural flow.

In addition to these advantages, these natural alternatives are also eco-friendly and less likely to cause adverse reactions or allergies.

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