Face mapping

Basically face mapping simply means to determine which way your stubble grows. By knowing this you can eliminate the possibility of ingrown hairs and irritation by shaving in the correct direction.

 

The simplest way to do this is to follow the steps below;

Step 1 - Let your beard grow for a couple of days.

Step 2 - Print off the above photo.

Step 3 - Run your fingers over your stubble and take note on which direction you feel the most resistance. Lets say you feel resistance when you run your fingers upwards, you then know your stubble grows downwards.

You can also use the interactive face map here: http://www.pbjsite.com/shave/whiskarmap/

Don't be surprised if your stubble grows in various directions or changes direction, this is very common. Always remember that we're all different. If you are like me and you cant shave against the grain then face mapping is essential and you should take the time to get to know your face.

Wetshaving on a budget!

This post is dedicated to the budget starter. It is possible to begin traditional shaving on as little £30.
The brush will be the biggest expense but will last for many years.
So let's take a look at the kit in question.

Razor
You could start with a very basic Wilkinson sword classic DE razor. This was my first razor and it soon taught me the correct angles. It also comes with 5 free double edge blades.
Price: around £3.00
Store: Most high street shops and supermarkets.

Shaving brush
Edwin Jagger pure badger shaving brush. Creates great lather quickly and easily. This brush is great quality and will last years.
Price: £15 Although there are cheaper brushes available I would recommend this particular brush.
Store: Amazon.co.uk

Soap
Erasmic soap puck. This soap takes minimal effort and little time to produce a great lather. Its a great soap for newbie and experienced shavers alike.
Price: Around £2.50
Store: Most high street shops & supermarkets.

Blades
What I suggest is you try a blade sample pack from connaught shaving, reason for this is that you may find you prefer certain blades so its a perfect way to find the right blade for you. These include 9 of the most popular brands.
Price: £9.60 for assortment of 60 blades (these will last for a while!)
Store: Connaughtshaving.co.uk

5 Reason to bin your cartridge razor!

1. The cost of modern day cartridge razors such as Gillette or Wilkinson sword are phenomenal. For some replacement blades you can expect to pay as much as £17 for 8 blades!
100 DE blades can cost as little as £8 and depending on how often you shave can last for more than a year!

2. The ingredients for your run of the mill shaving foam or gel include propellants and known carcinogens. They also include many additives that are known by the cosmetic industry to be skin irritants.
Traditional shaving creams and soaps do not include these ingredients as they do not come from a pressurised can.

3. By switching to traditional shaving methods your skin will reap the benefits. I suffered with acne as a teenager and I tried every over the counter ailment but to no avail. I then began shaving the old way and before I knew it my acne had gone and stayed away! Its just generally much better for your skin!

4. There is less of an impact on the environment when shaving traditionally also. The only thing you wash down the drain is lather which is basically soap. The disposable DE blades are recyclable and any empty soap or cream containers come in handy for soap refills!

5. Traditonal way of shaving is a much more enjoyable experience. Using a good shaving brush and soap followed by your favorite aftershave is very pleasing indeed, as you will hopefully find out for yourselves.