WET SHAVING, A PLOWDEN & FALLOW GUIDE
THE TRADITIONAL WET SHAVING METHOD: A REASON TO CHANGE
In an era where mass produced plastic disposable razors and pressurised shaving foams and gels are common, the majority of men had lost contact with the more traditional methods of shaving. In recent times droves of men around the world have been re-connecting with these more traditional forms of shaving, utilising the likes of safety razors and even straight style ‘cut throat’ razors. The number of men reverting back to this form of shaving we believe is something to celebrate for the following reasons:
Environmental considerations are rightfully becoming more important. Disposable razor use in the UK is still rampant! It is thought around 5.5 Million people utilise disposables for their everyday shaving needs, the plastic waste that is produced each each year amounts to thousands of tonnes, where as, with a safety razor, as an example, the only waste is the used metal blades which can often be recycled with ease. Plowden & Fallow shaving creams are also highly concentrated meaning a little goes a long way! with average use we would estimate up to 4 or 6 months of usage.
We at Plowden & Fallow believe that shaving should be enjoyable and too often it feels like a chore with the disposal razor and modern gels and foams. The satisfaction and enjoyment of drawing a hot sink of water and working up a rich shaving cream lather with a brush and bowl should be experienced, not only is the process more enjoyable, many men with more sensitive skin find by utilising the likes of a safety razor and some traditional shaving creams they are able to lessen problems such as razor burn.
WET SHAVING ACCORDING TO PLOWDEN & FALLOW
So now we’ve tried to convince you, allow us to explain how to best use a Plowden & Fallow Shaving Cream. The Key ingredients of this pleasant morning ritual are;
1. A razor, we prefer a safety razor or a cassette style razor as pictured above (Our razors can be found here);
2. A lathering bowl, although some people may use the palm of their hand (Our shaving bowls can be found here);
3. A synthetic or badger hair brush, depending on your preference and finally (Our shaving brushes can be found here);
4. A good quality shaving cream (Our shaving creams can be found here).
HOW TO USE SHAVING CREAM
Our shaving creams are of a ‘wet style’, this means they should be brought to a rich creamy lather and applied to the skin with the use of a shaving brush, prior to shaving with a razor occurring.
A lather can be created via two methods:
A brush and shaving bowl- with this method a thumb nail sized amount of cream is placed onto a damp, warm shaving brush, then the user should commence circular motions, clockwise and anti-clockwise, with the brush, varying the speed. The speed should become faster as the cream begins to turn in consistency. With some minimal practice the user will be able to bring the cream to a rich creamy lather, at this stage it can applied to the area to be shaved.
Directly on the skin- Due to our easy lather formulation our shaving cream may also be brought to a lather directly on the skin by following the same process above, utilising the same wet shaving brush, but creating circular motions directly onto the skin instead of in a bowl.
PLOWDEN & FALLOW’S TOP TIPS FOR A USING SHAVING CREAM
With the above in mind, we would suggest a couple of top tips for those utilising our shaving creams:
Warmth- Begin the shaving process by placing the shaving brush (and bowl if utilising) in the sink with warm water for a minute or two. Warm water brings out the best in our shaving creams, the heat helping to create a luxurious lather, as well as releasing the fragrant essential oils contained within the creams.
A little water- After soaking the shaving brush, the excess water should be flicked off, so the brush remains damp. Too much water in the lather will create a thin foamy cream which will not provide the best of shaves. With a little practise users should perfect the technique in no time. The consistency of the lather can also be adapted with the addition of a few drops of water if so required.
Make use of a quality shaving brush- shaving brushes can be purchased online for as little as a few £’s. During the lathering process the consensus should be to ‘load’ the brush with the cream which is then applied to the skin. Plowden & Fallow shaving brushes are produced with synthetic fibres which we like to believe are the ultimate shaving tool, whilst remaining cost effective.
PLOWDEN & FALLOW SHAVING PRODUCTS; CRAFTED FOR THE DISCERNING GENTLEMAN
The Plowden & Fallow shaving ranges have been carefully constructed and we believe the quality of the raw ingredients, the easy lathering nature, and the mantra of a little going far, means we have produced one of the very finest British shaving creams. If you are feeling curious, we welcome you to browse our shaving products, click here and we will take you there. Please do reach out to our customer services and let us know how you get on, we’d love to hear from you.
Yours faithfully,
Plowden & Fallow Customer Services.
