Wet shaving, once a tradition passed down from father to son
seems to be making an “underground” comeback of sorts. While perhaps still a
bit “under the radar” more and more “hipsters” are acknowledging the benefits
of the traditional wet shave. Perhaps this resurgence of tradition can be
contributed to the following factors.
1) Those
who wet shave understand that wet shaving is actually better for your skin. A
proper wet shave is far less irritating and thus far more healthy for the skin.
Many “natural” products are available that contain nutritive ingredients to
comfort, soothe, and protect sensitive facial skin.
2) Wet
shaving with a safety razor is cost effective, after the initial cost of the
razor itself (safety razors can be found in a wide variety of price ranges)
razors are very inexpensive over time.
3) Consider
the environmental impact. Disposable razors are meant to be used once and
tossed; typically a safety razor can be used a few times before the blades will
need to be replaced. Blades versus whole plastic disposable razor equal less
waste. Using a more natural shaving product greatly reduces hazardous run off
and they are often considerably more skin friendly than canned aerosol
products.
4) A
traditional “wet shave” is a way of treating yourself to a healthy morning
ritual. A few minutes to take care of yourself. Applying shave soap via a
shaving brush smells nice, luxurious lather is relaxing as well as skin
nurturing. Lifting the whiskers results in a closer shave.
Steps to a proper wet shave
1) Hydrate
your beard; wet shaving is best done “after” a shower. Wet hair means weaker
hair and less pulling and irritation. If is shower is not conducive prior to
your shave be sure to take the time to wet your beard well with hot water to
open pores and allow hair to weaken. Shave with the grain, not against-find the
grain by feeling your beard, some beards are swirly and this means shaving in
several different directions. Shaving with the grain will mean fewer nicks and
cuts and reduces ingrown hairs and razor bumps-far easier on sensitive skin.
2) Create
and apply lather. Wet your shave brush working up a lather using good shave
soap-good shave soap will most often contain some sort of clay to allow a good
“slip” for your razor to glide across. Use a swirling action to apply lather to
beard-this helps lift the whiskers and prepares them for the razor to pick them
up. The swirling action allows for the various growth patterns of whiskers.
3) A
double edged safety razor is the “typical” razor of choice. The double edged razor’s
gradual reduction of beard is key to less irritation. Be sure to use very light
passes (typically 3) and adjust for best optimal angle.
4) Aftershave
comes in liquid, balm or gel and there are many “all natural” formulas that
contain conditioning oils such as hemp, vitamin e, and various essential oils
with clean soothing properties. Essential oils contribute wonderful natural
antimicrobial/soothing properties to shave soaps as well as aftershave.
Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps features several shave soaps in
our line up, something for everyone.
Olive Oil with Goat’s Milk-
a soap for the purist made especially for the person prefers a conditioning
without scent. Loaded with goodness-Olive Oil(a fabulous conditioner), Goat’s
Milk (also for conditioning) and like all the new shave soaps-Aloe Vera Juice
(for great bubbly lather.) White Kaolin adds a fine slip allowing your razor to
glide across the surface of your skin easily.
Tea Tree- soap for those
that like “hardcore” clean. Tea Tree possesses a strong medicinal scent, and
touts a wealth of benefits that make it perfect for shave soap. As with all
Tierra Verde Handmade Soap shave soaps, Tea Tree contains a nutritive base
comprised of skin loving ingredients such as Olive Oil, Aloe Vera Juice,
Coconut Oil and Castor. White Kaolin is also added to provide “slip” for your
razor.
Lavender-herbaceous with a balsamic
woody undertone; a fresh clean floral. I love Lavender because while it is a
floral it isn’t a cloyingly sweet floral, making it a perfect floral for men
also. As with all TVHS shave soaps, Lavender shave soap features a fabulous
base of Olive Oil that nurtures your skin while Castor forms a satisfying
lather that is given a fine slip with the help of White Kaolin clay. Rumor has
it that sometimes wives “borrow” Lavender shave soap from their husbands.
"I admit," I stole" a Lavender shave round of yours intended for my hubbie and use it for my legs! Loving it!"
One dismayed husband = one happy
wife (and one new Tierra Verde shave soap customer.) lol!
Menthe- a skin bracing
blend of mints; slightly tingly and very refreshing. Clean and white with flecks
of green in a traditional shave round. Olive Oil provides a gentle emollient
base, while Aloe Vera Juice adds a vibrant lather + extra conditioning. White
Kaolin adds “slip” for easy razor glide. The results are a clean, aromatic
shaving experience.
Clove- Warm and spicy
clove, what more can I say. While Clove is an essential oil that should be used
judiciously, a little is all you need to get that lovely spicy hint of Clove.
This soap boasts the same fine conditioning base as all the shave soaps, Olive
Oil, Castor, Coconut and Aloe Vera Juice create bountiful lather that makes
shaving a pleasure.
Vanilla Patchouli-Release
your inner hippie; experience a blend of dark sultry Indonesian Patchouli
warmed with a lashing of rich warm vanilla creating a delectably earthy unisex
scent. I’ll let this customer’s feedback speak for itself.
“I love your soaps. Every time my husband
showers with the Vanilla-Patchouli in the morning, it makes me smile. I loooove
the gentle smell of the patchouli. Very gentle and warm instead of
overpowering. "
