Blade vs Electric: Which Method is Best?

Shaving is an essential part of personal grooming for many men, and there are a variety of methods and tools available for achieving a smooth and close shave. Two of the most popular options are using a blade and using an electric razor. In this review, we will compare the pros and cons of each method to help you decide which one is best for you.

Shaving with a Blade
Blade shaving is the traditional method of shaving, and it involves using a razor blade to manually cut the hair on your face, and required a cream or lubricant to protect the face while running the blade across the skin. The most common type of blade razor is the safety razor, which has a guard that helps to prevent cuts and nicks. Blade shaving can give you a very close and smooth shave, but it also requires a certain level of skill and practice to master. One of the main advantages of blade shaving is that it can give you a closer shave than an electric razor. This is because the blade cuts the hair at skin level, while an electric razor tends to pull the hair out from the root. This means that blade shaving can leave your skin feeling smoother and less irritated than electric shaving.
Another advantage of blade shaving is that it is more customizable. You can choose from a variety of razor blades, each with different levels of sharpness and skin lubricant, cream or oil to protect against irritation. However, blade shaving also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it can be more time-consuming than electric shaving. You will need to take your time and be careful to avoid nicks and cuts, which can take practice to master. Additionally, blade shaving can be more expensive in the long run as you need to replace the blades frequently.

Shaving with an Electric Razor
On the other hand, electric shaving is a more modern and convenient method of shaving. Electric razors use a rotating or oscillating head to cut the hair, and they can be used dry or with a small amount of shaving cream. Electric razors are generally considered to be less irritating than blade razors, and they are also more convenient for travel as they do not require water or shaving cream. One of the main advantages of electric shaving is that it is faster and more convenient than blade shaving. Electric razors can be used dry, which means you can shave on-the-go without needing to find a sink or shower. You can even shave while driving to work in the morning. Additionally, electric razors are generally less painful and more forgiving than blade razors, making them a good option for those with sensitive skin. Another advantage of electric shaving is that it is more affordable in the long run. High-end blade replacement cartridges can run $5.00 per cartridge. Electric razors do not require replacement blades, and they often come with a rechargeable battery that can last for several months before needing to be recharged. But, electric shaving also has some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that it can't give you as close a shave as blade shaving. Electric razors tend to pull the hair out from the root, which can leave some stubble behind. Additionally, electric razors can be more expensive to purchase initially, and they may not be as customizable as blade razors.

Summary
So, both blade shaving and electric shaving have their own set of pros and cons, and it really depends on what your preferences and priorities are. If you really value a close, clean shave and don't mind if it costs more and takes longer, then shaving with a blade could the be the best option for you. Or, if you don't mind a slightly less close shave and really just want to get it done quickly and move on with your day, then electric shaving might the better choice. Ideally, you are comfortable with both methods and use each one depending on your priorities that day. Have shaving!

 

 

 

Shaving Tips for Men with Sensitive Skin

Men with dry or sensitive skin often find shaving a painful and uncomfortable experience. Some skins types are sensitive to certain types of blades, causing razor burn, cuts and nicks. Small scars on the face can create an uneven or bumpy skin surface which can lead to cuts and nicks. Here are some shaving tips for men with sensitive skin:

 

Before You Shave

  • Wet your face and wash up with warm water and a mild facial soap before shaving. This will help soften the hair and open the pores
  • Apply shaving cream or gel to your face. This will help protect your skin from the razor blade.

 

Shaving

  • Use a sharp, clean razor blade. A dull or dirty razor can cause irritation and lead to razor burn.
  • Shave in the direction of hair growth. shaving against the grain can cause irritation.

 

Post - Shave

  • Rinse your face with cold water after shaving to close the pores and soothe the skin.
  • Apply a moisturizer to your face after shaving to keep your skin hydrated.

 

Following these shaving tips can help make the shaving experience more comfortable and prevent razor burn. Men with sensitive skin should also avoid using aftershaves that contain alcohol, as this can further dry out the skin. Instead, choose an aftershave that contains glycerin or witch hazel to help soothe the skin.

shaving should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so take the time to find the products and shaving technique that work best for you.

Happy shaving!

 

Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

Eat Your Way to a More Beautiful Beard

There’s not too much you can do about a receding hairline, other than curse your gene pool. But facial hair is a different story. “The condition of your facial hair directly corresponds to the health of your body,” says Jim White, registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association spokesman. Specifically, he continues, “The same nutrients that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs also benefit our skin and hair.”

In other words, you can literally eat yourself to a shinier, smoother, more healthy-looking beard. We asked White to tell us which vitamins are an essential part of a healthy facial hair diet, what they do, and how to get them into our diet. Results of our conversation below.

VITAMIN A AND BETA CAROTENE
How they better your beard
: “Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin tissue,” says White. “And keeping your skin healthy allows for better hair growth.” Beta carotene is a nutrient that your body converts to vitamin A. Since it’s found in foods that are lower in saturated fats than those that are rich in vitamin A, you’re better off eating foods that are high in beta carotene.

Where to find them: Vitamin A is present in milk, cheese, butter and egg yolks. Beta carotene is found in yellow and orange produce (e.g., carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and papayas) and leafy green veggies (e.g., spinach and kale).

VITAMINS C AND E

How they better your beard: Vitamins C and E promote the production of sebum, a natural oil that is produced by our bodies and lubricates and moisturizes hair, making it look thicker and more lush. Additionally, vitamin C assists in the growth of bodily tissues, including those that comprise our skin and hair follicles.

Where to find them: Citrus fruits, green peppers and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C. Wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanut butter, corn oil, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and spinach all contain high amounts of vitamin E.

PROTEIN

How it betters your beard: Our skin and hair are composed primarily of keratin, a structural protein made up of amino acids. We don’t produce amino acids on our own; instead, we need to eat protein, which the body then converts to amino acids.

Where to find it: Fill up on fish, lean meats, poultry, eggs, rice, beans and milk.

VITAMINS B6, B12 AND BIOTIN
How they better your beard:
B vitamins help your body synthesize the protein you eat so it can be used to build new skin cells and hair. Getting enough B vitamins, says White, also helps reduce stress and prevent hair loss.

Where to find them: Fish, poultry, leans meats, eggs, nuts, and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal are chock-full of B vitamins. Foods that are rich in B12 include beef, milk, cheese and wheat germ.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
How they better your beard:
Essential fatty acids are just that: essential to normal growth, including that of facial hair. They also protect cell membranes, helping to prevent your whiskers from getting dry and brittle.

Where to find them: Make sure flax seed oil, walnuts and fatty fish (e.g., salmon) find their way into your diet.

Want to make your beard even more beautiful? Of course you do! Supplementing the above foods with a multivitamin, or with any of the individual nutrients listed above, might do the trick. Just don’t overdo it: Your body will excrete any extra water-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin C or B12), but it’ll hold on to extra fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin A). Excessive doses of vitamin A could actually lead to hair loss. Ask your doctor to recommend a proper dosage, and you’ll soon be on your way to winning whiskers.

Get Olympics-worthy Facial Hair

People get all sorts of inspiration from Olympic athletes -- not least when it comes to their facial hair. According to master barber Gary Clark, executive director and general manager of Manhattan barbershop BBRAXTON, athletes rank as high as actors and musicians among figures whose facial hair inspires his customers. But why wait till after the Olympic Games, when everyone will be asking their corner barber for these looks? Garrett Pike, barber at Persons of Interest in Brooklyn, N.Y., breaks down five of the styles coming soon to a TV set near you. Choose your favorite and be the first among your buddies to sport it.

FULL BEARD
Kevin Love (Basketball, U.S.)

“He must have let his hair grow about four weeks to get this length. Trim it at about a No. 3 on your clipper. Then use a small pair of scissors to get the hairs that come over your lips, and shave your cheeks -- just the cheek line above the beard -- to make the beard look tighter. You can let the neck grow to keep things a little gruff.”

SCULPTED BEARDS/GOATEES
Teddy Riner (Judo, France)
Pascal Gentil (Taekwondo, France)

“The lines are really crisp and sharp, so these guys must be using T-liners -- the tightest form of a trimmer -- to outline their goatees and beards. Then they shave it out with a razor, being mindful of the lines. As with all the sculpted styles, unless you’re really handy at shaving, it’s pretty hard to do at home. I would just go to the barbershop, and then you can maintain it yourself. This style is great for guys with rounded faces that want some chiseled definition.”

Lebron James (Basketball, U.S.)
“Outline your beard with a T-liner, and shave it up. Then use a clipper with a higher guard -- at least a No. 2 -- to even out the bottom half. This is a good style for guys who can’t grow a lot of hair on their cheeks and want to disguise it.”

GOATEE
David Oliver (Track and Field, U.S.)

“It’s a really short goatee. It’s not outlined, so that must be how his facial hair grows. He trims up his cheeks with regular clippers to take out the bulk and then leaves a natural goatee.”

OUTGROWN GOATEE
Nikola Karabatic (Handball, France)

“I would say that it’s not just the shadows; he naturally doesn’t grow a lot of hair on his cheeks. He’s buzzing his goatee at a No. 1.5 or a No. 2, and he’s not touching the lines with anything sharp. He’s just using a clipper for his cheeks, probably lowered all the way to No. 000, and then letting it all grow out. Definitely not a high-maintenance guy.”

SCRUFF
Clemente Russo (Boxing, Italy)
Andy Roddick (Tennis, U.S.)
Aldo Montano (Fencing, Italy)

“They’re keeping the clipper at a No. 0, which puts the hair a little bit above the skin and looks like a shadow. Or they’re once-a-week shavers who buzz their facial hair all the way down with trimmers, and these photos were taken after they’ve let it grow three days. With these kinds of messy beards, you don’t touch the cheeks.”

 

 

Get a Barbershop Shave at Home -- for Less

Master barbers tend to use the word “process” to describe shaving, and there’s a reason. Take the typical 30-minute shave at Manhattan barbershop BBRAXTON: Executive director, general manager and master barber Gary Clark reclines clients to a 90-degree angle, smoothes on pre-shave oil, allows it time to soak in, massages in shaving cream, lays down a hot towel (fresh from the hot towel kiln, no less), shaves the client, lays down another hot towel and tops it off with shave balm for the finishing touch. The actual shave almost gets lost amid all the other steps.

Although this might be the best way to treat your face -- resulting in a super-clean shave and protected skin, not to mention stress release -- we’re going to assume you don’t have the luxury to hire someone to do this every time you want a bare face, or have the time or money to do it yourself. But, Clark reveals, it is possible to cut the 30-minute process in half, do it at home with inexpensive products and get incredibly similar results. Here’s how.

1. Raid your kitchen cabinet.
According to Clark, olive oil or grape-seed oil are perfectly acceptable pre-shave oils. “All-natural products are great,” he says. “Shaving is pretty harsh on the skin, but they keep the moisture locked in.”

2. Shave in the shower.
“Make sure it’s a steamy hot shower,” says Adam Ramos, a master barber and owner of Virile Barber & Shop in New Jersey. “One of the key components to a quality, comfortable shave is heat and moisture.”

For men with curly hair -- in other words, those prone to razor bumps -- Clark recommends applying moist hot towels for one-and-a-half to two minutes before and after shaving, even if you’re already in a steamy shower. “The vapor brings up any impurities and toxins and softens the hair follicle tremendously for a smoother, cleaner shave.” Install a fogless mirror in the shower and you’ll be sure not to miss a spot.

3. Forget the expensive badger hair brush; your hands will do just fine.
Says Ramos: “The purpose of the brush is to lift the hairs on your face and make sure the shaving cream really gets underneath and keeps those hairs propped up. Then the blade can get under them and shave as close to the skin as possible.”

Traditionally, barbers will heat up a disk of glycerin soap, place it on a scuttle or inside a shaving mug, run the brush under warm water and mix it with the soap (or with fancy concentrated shaving cream) to concoct the lather they desire. That translates to an extra 10-15 minutes of time before you can actually shave, plus the price of all the supplies.

Luckily, says Ramos, “Your fingers are just as good, so long as you’re really massaging it in.” Rub the shaving cream in vigorously, using circular motions to make sure you get in under the hairs.

4. Apply an inexpensive aftershave balm.
According to Clark, inexpensive aftershave balms can be as effective as their pricier brethren. In a pinch, even a splash of cold water will do the trick.

Follow these four simple steps and you’ll walk out the door looking like you just left the shaving salon.