A Great Shaving Kit and Razor Will Keep Your Hair Under Control
A great shaving kit can make the difference between merely shaving and making your entire look exactly as you want it. Plus, if you’ve never had a truly good shave, the feeling is sublime: the razor gliding gently over your face or body, no pulling, no grabbing, no scraping. Afterward, your skin feels alive and, dare we say it, almost glows.
The right shaving kit can get you there. If you want to put your own together, be our guest. However, if you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re buying for someone else, we’ve got your back. While there are some things that are optional when it comes to a great shaving kit, there are a few essential items you (or the person you’re buying it for) are going to want in there.
Shaving Kit Essentials
What is typically included in a shaving kit, aside from the razor, can be broken down into three areas:
- Pre-Shave: what one does before the shave. It can be as simple as washing their face to preparing one’s stubble with different oils or treatments
- Shave: while the razor is important, what is used to create the lather on one’s face is equally so. Shaving creams, gels, soap, applying with a brush or not – the minute details can quickly become confusing if you’re new to the world of a fine shave.
- Post-Shave: post-shave treatments have one focus: to make one’s face as baby-smooth as possible. Bumps, razor burn and general irritation can all affect someone despite how careful they are when shaving. Post-shave treatments work to soothe the skin and moisturize the face.
Types of Razors
At first blush, thinking “a razor’s just a razor” isn’t out of line with the average person. In truth, there are five major types of devices people use to cut or trim the hair on their bodies.
- Straight Razor: this is the oldest, takes the most skill, can be the most dangerous and provides the closest shave. In the hands of a master or skilled artisan, it is widely regarded as the smoothest shave ever. Getting to that level of skill, however, can be a long road full of nicks and cuts.
- Electric Shavers: on the other end of the spectrum, electric shavers are often a young man’s first introduction to shaving because they’re not messy and they’re easy to use.
- Cartridge razors: these are the most common types of razors found today and generally have multiple blades in each disposable head (from two to five (and beyond)). While cuts are still possible, they are generally safer to use in the hands of the inexperienced. These are available for various parts of the body as well.
- Disposable Razors: easily found in packs of 5 or ten in most stores, they’ll do a serviceable job but often not great. More expensive ones with more blades will perform better, but they’re still something you’ll just eventually throw away.
- Double-edged safety razors: these are often the middle ground between straight razors and cartridge razors. Utilizing a single double-edged razor blade in a handle designed to provide as much safety as possible, there is still a learning curve to this razor as well. Expect it to take several shaves before you get away nick-free. This is a good option for people who often experience razor bumps.
Luxury Shaving Kits for Gifts
This can be a very nice gift for any shaver in your life. While most people have a preference for the type of razor they use, that actually isn’t terribly important when buying someone a luxury shaving kit. The most important part is the pre-shave items, what is used to create the lather and the post-shave treatment.
A lot of people will simply use what they’ve always used, even if that choice was made ten years ago or more. Times change, financial situations can improve and technology can definitely improve. Instead of being stuck in the same rut they've always been in, purchasing a luxury shaving kit for someone can help them break out of their routine and try something they might not have been willing to risk their own money on.
Best case they’ll be getting either a closer shave or their skin will feel better after they shave. Worst case, they’ve tried something that didn’t work out for them but are grateful to you for purchasing it for them. If you’re not sure what to buy for someone and you know they shave regularly – a luxury shaving kit can be an excellent starting point.
