Grooming Artist News Roundup: June 2017

If ever there were a barometer of the resurgence and boom of classic shaving, these past couple of weeks have been it. The Observer, Men’s Journal, and even women’s health site Organic Authority have published articles about the many benefits of wet shaving. Men get an ultra close face shave, while women are able to get smoother legs with more time in between shaves.

On the topic of body grooming, Fashionbeans offers advice on different methods of hair removal on the rest of your body. Whether you wax or shave, it’s important to look like you’ve put in some effort.

Jon Wogoman of The Bald Nation also stopped by this past month to teach readers how to do a complete head shave using a safety razor. If you’ve already mastered the face shave, this is a challenge that will take your skills to the next level.

And finally, we put together a comprehensive Father’s Day gift guide with items that are nowhere close to the fallback tie. Since every dad is different, we broke down the gift guide into personality types for that personal touch.

Enjoy!

Safety razors aren’t just for men. In this article, the writer makes an argument for women to use safety razors to shave legs. (Organic Authority)

A classic barber on the resurgence and benefits of wet shaving. (Observer)

Men’s Journal also makes a case for making the switch to wet shaving. (Men’s Journal)

It’s beach season. Fashionbeans offers a guide to tidying up the rest of your body. (Fashionbeans)

A short history of shaving mugs and their place in barbershop culture. (Berk History Center)

Jon Wogoman teaches you how to shave your head with a safety razor: Part 1 and Part 2. (Grooming Artist)

Our Father’s Day gift guide for dads of all personalities. (Grooming Artist)

Having a lull while on holiday? Catch these old Hollywood films, favorites of MR PORTER’s Style Council. (MR PORTER)

Tips for Wet Shaving While Traveling, Part 3: Strops, Mugs, and Razor Cases

muhle-travel-kit

Welcome to Part 3 of Tips for Wet Shaving While Traveling! Today we will be looking at the best solutions for strops, mugs, and general toiletries when you’re on the go. Just because space is limited in your suitcase doesn’t mean you have to halt your grooming ritual. Get a fantastic shave away from home with the tips below.

Remember to check out Part 1: Razors and Blades, and Part 2: Brushes, Shave Soaps, and Aftershaves.

Strops

Traveling with a straight razor and want to bring along a strop? How you pack it will depend on its size. Long, hanging strops belong in your checked bag (lie them flat to prevent creasing).

Paddle strops are sturdier and smaller, so they can fit safely in your carry-on. We have used the Bison Paddle Strop Razor Case to great success. Measuring only 9 inches in length, this two-in-one strop and razor case maximizes space.

Mugs

No matter how well you pack a mug, there’s always the possibility that it’ll break during your travels. Plus, mugs are rather bulky to fit into your dopp kit. Instead, borrow a handy contraption from the camping world: a collapsible mug.

The Sea to Summit X-Mug Collapsible Mug is made of durable silicone and features an accordion design that folds flat for easy storage. Lather the same way you do with your regular mug, then let it float in a sink of hot water to keep the lather warm.

Razor cases and dopp kits

If you’re an infrequent traveler, you can get away with simply rolling your razor in a towel for storage. But if you’re always jetting from place to place for business trips, invest in a razor case that’ll keep your razor secure for the long haul. The RoyalShave Nappa Leather Safety Razor Case by Dovo holds your razor with an internal elastic band, and even includes a blade storage compartment.

Frequent travelers will also benefit from a dedicated travel case or dopp kit. Made of supple vegetable-tanned leather, the Muhle Small Handmade Leather Travel Bag features a rigid body for safe storage of all your toiletries. Plus, the leather will develop a unique patina over time, reflective of your life and travels. A dopp kit is another valid option – make sure to purchase one that can withstand sharp razor blades and possible spills, like the Piccadilly Gladstone Leather Washbag.

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