Style: October 04, 2017

70 STYLE | men’s grooming
A CLOSE
SHAVE
With spring upon us and summer
waiting in line, the time has come to
shed the winter woollies – and we’re
talking about what’s on your face.
Words Gilbert Wealleans
In order to look your best for the upmarket
happenings of the warm seasons, like corporate
parties, weddings and, of course, the races, you
need some basic essentials; smart threads, dapper
shoes, a sharp haircut and, most importantly, but
sadly often overlooked, a clean and close shave.
Whilst it may be hunky-dory to look like a hunky
refugee from Miami Vice circa 1983 at the beach,
sporting Crockett and Tubbs style stubble takes the
shine off the sartorial gingerbread when one is out
to impress.
Today there is a vast range of options and
products when it comes to shaving. The market
is dominated by plastic disposable or cartridge
razors packing anything from one to five blades.
The theory is that more blades give a closer shave
with fewer strokes, and whilst most of these razors
do give good shaves, multi-blade types can create
irritation and cause rashes and razor bumps.
Worldwide there is a resurgence of traditional
shaving methods using both cutthroat and doubleedge
safety razors and although these are more
time consuming, the results, with a bit of practise
and care, can be excellent.
For the beginner a safety razor is the best option
with a wide variety of styles and prices available,
mostly online. The double-edge blades that fit them
work out ridiculously cheap compared to cartridge
blades too, with online sellers offering sample packs
of different brands – a great way to find the blades
that suit your own hair and skin.
Whichever way of shaving you choose, the most
important part is in the preparation, so do not
skimp on this.
SEVEN STEPS TO A SHARPER SHAVE
1. Give your face a thorough wash, preferably
using a mild cleanser rather than ordinary
hand soap, which can be harsh, especially to
sensitive skin.
2. Soak your beard thoroughly – in the shower is
good as you can keep it wet.
3. Lather up with a good shaving cream, rather
than the aerosol kinds that may be drying to
the skin, and a brush.
4. Work the lather into your whiskers firmly,
but gently, giving a thick, even spread. Don’t
allow the lather to become too wet or sudsy
but keep it dense and rich. It is a good idea to
leave it to condition the hair for a few minutes.
5. Shave with short even strokes in the direction
of the growth and with gentle pressure. A
safety razor cuts very closely and requires
hardly any pressure as the razor’s weight does
most of the work.
6. Rinse and check for any missed patches, and
repeat until clear of strays.
7. Rinse with cold water and apply some alcoholfree
aftershave balm or lotion, don your best
outfit to step out in and show the world the
magnificent peacock you are meant to be.