The Most Important Shaving Accessories You Never Knew You Needed
Wet shaving has come back into fashion in a big way. Realising the personal and environmental benefits of traditional shaving products over disposable razors and cheap foams, many men have started investing in traditional double edge safety razors and shaving brushes. But those are not the only tools you need to enjoy a barbershop-style shave at home. To take your traditional shave to the next level, there is a host of wet shaving accessories worth investing in. Take a look at our expert guide below to transform your morning shave into a time-honoured ritual that leaves your face looking smooth and feeling supple.
Pre-Shave Lotion
Any guide to traditional shaving will tell you to take a shower or wash your face beforehand to soften and prepare your skin, but there is only so much warm water can do. If you find you are still experiencing discomfort while shaving, Hydrating Pre-Shave Lotion is just the thing you need. This luscious formulation is designed to prepare and protect the skin for a more comfortable and refreshing shave. Just a small amount rubbed gently into the face assists with razor glide, reduces razor burn and creates a protective barrier between your skin and the blade. Made with natural plant extracts and free from parabens, it is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. Start your morning shave with pre-shave lotion to finish it with a silky, glowing complexion.
What our customers say: “I have always used a pre-shave product, anyone who has will know how the quality of a shave is enhanced by them. It’s hard to find a decent pre-shave in the UK though, mainly oils that clog the razor and shorten blade life. Finally, I’ve found a really decent pre-shave balm from EJ. Creamy not greasy, smooth not sticky, the eucalyptus was subtle and an excellent shave. Initially I thought it was a little pricey but managed over 30 shaves from 75ml.....10p per shave? It’s so worth it!”
Shaving Bowl
If you are familiar with traditional shaving, you probably have a favourite shaving cream or shaving soap already, but do you know the best way to work it into a rich, creamy lather? A quality shaving bowl offers the perfect place for you to work your brush into your cream or soap as well as store your soap between shaves. Shaving bowls are made of either stainless steel or traditional porcelain, with both materials providing exceptional benefits. Stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to soap residue, meaning your bowl will last you a lifetime of morning shaves. Porcelain is a great insulator, retaining the heat from the warm water to give your lather the perfect texture and consistency. This will help soften your beard, lift the individual hairs and create exceptional cushion and glide for the razor blade, transforming your morning shave into a luxurious experience. Some of our bowls even come with handles, giving you extra support as you work up that lather.
What our customers say: “What a difference this makes! Put the soap in, plenty of room to get your brush in to make a really good lather to aid the shaving experience.”
Razor Stand
Leaving your razor blade on the side of the sink after shaving puts it at risk of being accidentally damaged and does not allow the blades dry hygienically, leading to an inferior shave next time. There are several razor stand designs available, allowing you to pick the style that best suits your razor and shaving den aesthetic. Our chrome stands are flawlessly designed to hold your razor, letting you show it off in all its glory while keeping it protected from accidental damage. If you have a Gillette® cartridge razor, our traditional cone razor stands are the perfect storage solution for you. Designed to neatly stand your razor upside down, it keeps the blade well-protected so there is no risk of you cutting yourself between shaves. Razor stands are the perfect combination of style and functionality, bringing a sophisticated touch to your shaving collection while serving an important purpose.
What our customers say: “Good quality stand that looks good and holds the razor well so that it can dry out.”
Drip Stand
Just like a razor, your shaving brush will also benefit from being stored in a stylish and practical stand. Although traditional shaving brushes are susceptible to wear and tear over time, drying your brush properly after use mitigates this, keeping your brush in pristine condition for longer. Drip stands are a convenient and hygienic way to dry, store and display your shaving brush, allowing the last remnants of soapy water to drip away rather than clog up the knot. Drip stands are very reasonably priced, saving you money in the long run as you will not need to replace your shaving brush as often. We have several sizes and designs available so you can find the drip stand that perfectly matches your trusty shaving brush. If you are ever unsure which stand will fit your favourite brush, our customer service team are always on hand to give you advice. We also have double wire stands for both razors and shaving brushes so you can conveniently store all your shaving tools with one simple investment.
What our customers say: “When you buy a good-quality shaving brush, this simple stand is ideal for keeping the brush dry. Simple but effective.”
Blade Bank
The great thing about traditional shaving is the only disposable component is the razor blade. Rather than dangerously leaving the used blades on the side or throwing them straight into the bin, every wet shaver should invest in a practical and sustainable blade bank. This Feather Blade Disposal Case can store up to 100 blades and can then be recycled, making your traditional wet shave even more environmentally friendly. Although it is designed by Feather, it can be used to store any standard double edge safety blade, such as Wilkinson Sword or Dovo. No matter your budget, all wet shavers can enjoy the benefits of a blade bank.
What our customers say: “Good little tin to store used blades. The blades may be too blunt to use for shaving but are still sharp enough to cut you, children or the hand of refuse workers. Tin is small enough to keep on side in bathroom but large enough to hold 100 odd blades easily. You can then pop in the recycling.”
Alum Block
Traditional shaving is a learning curve and cutting yourself here and there is inevitable when you first start using a safety razor. An alum block is an essential bit of kit for all newbie shavers to help you easily heal those little nicks and cuts. Alum has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, giving it the ability to reduce redness, stem bleeding and accelerate healing. Simply wet the block and then rub onto any sore areas to disinfect any cuts and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. As an alternative, you can also treat individual cuts and sores to a styptic pencil, which delicately soothes the skin and arrests any bleeding after your shave.
What our customers say: “As a newbie this has been really helpful, provides you with an idea of what went well and what went 'not so well' in terms of feedback (slight 'tingle')! Sorts out any small nicks and in a handy size.”
We hope you have found this guide on our best wet shaving accessories useful. If you have questions about any of the products, you can contact our dedicated customer support team who will be happy to answer all queries via telephone or email.