Of Mens Grooming

I’m not a particularly hirsute chap. I just thought I’d put that fact out there. As such I never really had to pay a lot of attention to personal grooming.Well. That’s not entirely true. I am very concerned about my personal hygiene and get bothered if I detect a certain ‘whiffiness’ on my person. I do put a bit of effort and money into hair because there was a turning-point day, only a few years ago, where I looked at the photo on my Drivers Licence and thought... “Uh oh”.

Believe it or not, the Licence image was an improvement on where I spent most of my teens and twenties. Concerned and well-meaning friends introduced me to a stylist who was able to take me from Mr Shaggy to where I am today.

Guy Roberts from Vada is a magician!!OK - back to the topic at hand.My shaving habits were borne more out of necessity: “I suppose it’s time for a shave”, than any sort of morning ritual or routine. I simply had a Gillette Mach3 razor and whatever soap, gel or foam was close to hand. I didn’t put a lot of thought into it.I’m convinced that a moustache on me is a terrible idea. When I combine a mo’ with my favourite yellow raincoat, children cry and mothers shake their fists at me.I can’t do hipster stubble. Too many odd-looking gaps appear. So I’m pretty much resigned to having to be clean-shaven.Late last year, I noticed one chap online talking up a particular brand of traditional razor. (see, Tweeting about products and services is effective!). Since I am on a journey of trying things out, I decided to take the plunge. I purchased the recommended product, a brush and quality soap and give it a good trial.Welcome to my home Mr Goodfella.I mentioned my purchase to a number of people, and the consensus was that I’d end up looking a bit like this:I can happily say, that I never did.In terms of shave quality, it was good. I learned to relax and now enjoy taking a little bit of time shaving and not rushing things.Here’s the kicker. A month ago I dusted off the Gillette Mach3. And honestly? For me, it gave me a superior shave. I do think the now-established habit of preparing for the shave with brush and soap is absolutely the key, but the actual shaving itself is better served by technology. I will use the Goodfella again as it is excellent for refining technique, but I think I’m moving back to the Gillette.So that is it for my manly face and hair grooming discussion.I am now toying with opening the discussion about man-scaping. Apparently it is now desirable to pay a lot of attention to such things. Chest hair or no? (a little moot in my case however). Level of depilation on a man expected, enjoyed or desired by women? Accepted methods of removal? How best to ease razor-burn? So many areas to explore!- Simon