Traditional Wet Shaving: A Guide
Plowden & Fallow’s 3 Piece Ludlow Shaving Set in Faux Horn
In a world dominated by high-speed razors and disposable blades, there's a timeless ritual that harks back to a bygone era of elegance, precision, and mastery: the gentleman's traditional wet shaving ritual. This refined practice not only delivers a close and luxurious shave but also offers a glimpse into a time when grooming was an art form and self-care was a cherished tradition.
Embracing shaving Tradition in a Modern World
The traditional wet shaving ritual is more than just a grooming routine; it's a connection to history and a celebration of craftsmanship. With roots tracing back to the early 19th century, this ritual was once an integral part of a gentleman's daily routine. The modern resurgence of interest in traditional wet shaving speaks to a collective yearning for authenticity and a departure from mass-produced, disposable products and the associated personal and environmental costs.
The Essentials of the Ritual
Preparation: The ritual begins with a hot towel or warm water splash to soften the facial hair and open up the pores.
Brush and Lather: The use of a high-quality shaving brush and traditional shaving soap or cream is at the heart of this ritual. The brush creates a rich and creamy lather that lifts the hair and provides a protective layer between the skin and the blade. Plowden & Fallow’s handmade British shaving brushes can be perused by CLICKING HERE.
Choosing the Razor: Traditional wet shaving often involves the use of a double-edge safety razor or a straight razor. These instruments require an element skill and precision, adding an element of mastery to the ritual. The weight and balance of these razors allow for controlled, smooth strokes. Plowden & Fallow’s handmade British razors can be perused by CLICKING HERE.
The Shave: With the lather applied, the gentleman begins the shaving process. The blade when used correctly should glide gently across the face, removing the hair while minimizing irritation. Multiple passes are common for a close shave, with careful attention paid to the grain of the hair and the contours of the face. Plowden & Fallow’s luxurious shaving creams can be perused by CLICKING HERE.
Post-Shave Care: After the shave, a cold water splash or an alum block is used to close the pores and soothe the skin. Applying a nourishing and hydrating aftershave balm or lotion completes the ritual, leaving the skin refreshed and revitalized. Plowden & Fallow’s luxurious aftershave balms can be perused by CLICKING HERE.
The Benefits Beyond the Shave
Beyond the endevoured impeccable grooming results, the gentleman's traditional wet shaving ritual offers a range of potential benefits:
Mindfulness and Self-Care: The ritual demands focus and attention to detail, fostering a mindful experience that allows the gentleman to start his day with intention.
Environmental Responsibility: By using reusable razors, or razors such as the safety razor, and avoiding disposable cartridges, traditional wet shaving aligns with eco-friendly practices avoiding the use of one use plastics.
Elevated Aesthetics: The luxurious materials and craftsmanship of traditional shaving tools contribute to an elevated aesthetic in the bathroom space.
Embracing the Ritual
In a world that often values speed and convenience, the gentleman's traditional wet shaving ritual is a reminder of the beauty of taking one's time and savouring each moment. It's a return to a time when grooming wasn't just a task to check off the list, but a cherished practice that elevated daily routines to an art form.
Plowden & Fallow is here to help you embrace this morning ritual with some of the essentials required. Our high quality traditional safety, or cartridge razors, and synthetic shaving brushes, made here in Britain, are your ideal shaving companions for years to come. Available in a variety of colours from black to faux horn, these classical shaving implements should introduce a touch of style into your bathroom environment providing reliable service and a great shaving experience. Our luxurious shaving creams produced in small batches, make razors glide leaving behind pleasant scents composed of natural essential oils. Lastly for the full Plowden & Fallow experience our aftershave lotions complete the ritual providing you with some moisturising post shave skin care.
By embracing this timeless tradition, aided by Plowden & Fallow, the modern gentlemen can infuse their lives with a touch of elegance, pay homage to the craftsmanship of the past, and cultivate a sense of mastery that comes from perfecting a skill. So why not slow down, savour the experience, and let the ritual of wet shaving transform your daily routine into a moment of refined indulgence?
Yours Faithfully,
Plowden & Fallow Customer Services.
