From the Barber's Mouth

Let's face it, we all sometimes suffer from the dreaded razor burn or razor rash. But a good shaving routine with time for preparation and then soothing the skin afterwards will help no end. Read our advice from Troy Argones, Master Barber at Hawkins & Brimble.

Step 1: Prep

A smooth shave is always about the prep! Give your face a warm face wash. This opens up the pores and helps soften the skin. The softer the skin the smoother the blade moves on the skin. So washing with a rich face wash will help you get a closer, more consistent shave. Occasionally you could use a face scrub, or if you are running tight on time a face scrub is helpful.

Step 2: Foam

With warm water mix up your shaving cream until it becomes a rich foam. If it’s not foamy the shaving cream will dry up too quickly. The Hawkins and Brimble shave cream is great for sensitive skin because it is packed full of natural ingredients and it has a nice consistency when mixed with warm water. The trick is to keep the foam warm and don’t be afraid to re-foam if it dries out. 

Stage 3: Shave

If you are using a cut throat razor (or straight razor), always move the razor along the skin at a 45° angle.

For disposable razors, always start by shaving with the grain of your hair. If you have sensitive skin, the second shave can be in a side-on movement. For normal skin, you can shave against the grain of the hair. 

Stage 4: Post-shave

Clean off the residue shaving cream with warm water and then apply a good amount of after-shave balm. This reduces the risk of irritation. And there you have it, the recipe for a perfect shave. From the Barber’s mouth.

Meet our Master Barber, Troy Argones

@troyargones

Troy completed his training at London School of Barbering in 2012 and built up an outstanding portfolio of barber work in a short space of time.

After he graduated, he secured a role at Champs Barbers in London. This unique boxing themed barbershop is one of the most diverse barber brands in London. Troy’s experience involves working at The Great British Barber Bash (Manchester, London, Glasgow and Amsterdam), Irish Barber Expo (Mullingar, Ireland), World Beard Day/ Swedish Barber Expo (Stockholm), Barberlife Expo (Brighton and London) and Barber Connect Russia (Moscow).

He has also done some guest barber work at barbershops internationally. One of his biggest experiences to date; has been the work he did on the Justin Bieber’s Purpose Tour, hired as a private barber for Justin’s dancers, band and security.

Other notable visitors to Troy’s chair have been the BBC’s Mistajam and Jeremy Vine, TV Presenter Ortis Deley (The Gadget Show), Former Boxing Heavyweight Champion Shannon Briggs & Hollywood Star Omar Benson Miller (Ballers and The Tennis Channel).