Styptic Pencil
A styptic pencil is a short medicated stick generally made of powdered crystal from an alum block and a waxy binder which is pressed into a pencil shape. It is generally used to seal small cuts and nicks, especially from razors.
Before the days of the safety razor the styptic pencil was a necessary part of a man's shaving kit and was used to seal cuts caused by improper shaving, although many people still continue to use safety razors and styptic pencils.
Styptic pencils are great if you ever cut yourself shaving. They will stop the bleeding immediately and work well on minor abrasions as well as shaving cuts.
Acne Explained
Acne itself is caused by an abnormal response to the hormone Testosterone. Both men and women have Testosterone in their blood stream and this can sometimes have a profound effect on the skin causing acne. The symptons of acne predominantly start in early puberty and last until hormone activity settles down in the late teens or early twenties. However more severe cases of acne can continue well into adulthood leaving both physical and emotional scars on the unfortunate sufferer.
Acne pimples form when the skins sebacous glands are overreactive and produce too much of the protective skin oil, sebum. A spot then forms when a pore thorugh which a hair emerges is blocked by dead skin cells and the sebacous glands begin to produce too much oil. Skin cells normally shed themselves naturally about every 28 days, however in acned skin these cells shed a great deal faster and so increase the risk of pore blockages phenomonly.
This usually protective oil gets trapped in the hair channel itself, also known as 'keratinisation', and begins to solidify forming a 'blackhead'. Over time the sebum here gradually builds up around the hair folicle and its root and becomes especially vunerable to bacteria. The presence of such bacteria then produces puss which turns these 'blackheads' into 'whiteheads'. In turn the bacteria then begins to form and break down the sebum into very irritating chemicals which in turn cause:
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Puss build up, and
- Inflamation
In some severe cases cysts and painful swellings can then develop. These cysts can then rupture and cause deep scars and pitting of the skin.
Dr Shaves Top 10 Tips On How To Fight Acne
1. Identify the cause
Examine your lifestyle to identify any changes that occurred when the acne started.
2. Keep clean
Because acne is an infection caused by the skins pores getting clogged with excessive oil, washing with hot water and soap should prevent the infection from spreading and annihilate the problem altogether. However only wash twice a day, once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.
3. Don't pick at it
Almost all Dermatologists will agree picking, squeezing, and popping will aggravate the acne, spread the bacteria and worsen the scarring. Trying to squeeze the puss out on your own might send it to deeper layers of your skin creating a larger, more serious infection.
4. Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week
Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.
5. Keep your hair off your face
If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts.
6. Take a potent multi-vitamin
Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria.
7. Avoid wearing makeup
Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.
8. Wash your pillow case every other day
Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.
9. Drink 8 glasses of water a day
Drinking water is essential for clean skin and your overall health. Water is essential for carrying waste material out of your body.
10. Include chromium in your diet
Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.
And remember folks, take good care of your skin and it'll take good care of YOU!
Dr Shave
Traditional Fragrances
No Wet Shave is complete without the aromatic fragrance of an Aftershave.
Many Shaving Creams and Shaving Soaps complement each other with a Aftershave of the same fragrance.
Some Traditional Fragrances are:
- Sandalwood
- Extract of Limes
- Rose
Did You Know?
Aftershave-like substances were used in ancient Egyptian times to clean and deodorize a dead body before it was soaked in natron and wrapped in linen bandages.
Medicinal uses
Aloe vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation by virtue of the mucopolysaccharides present in the inner gel of the leaf.
Aloe vera sap and other derivatives are added in the manufacture of makeup, moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions, though the effectiveness of Aloe vera in these produces remains unknown.
It is supposed to be beneficial for dry, sensitive skin and eczema.
Shaving gel with Aloe vera can be an alternative to shaving soap. When rubbed into the skin the gel becomes thicker, raising the stubble ready for the shave.
It not only soothes the skin but acts as a lubricant which helps make the razor glide smoothly over the skin.
Did You Know?
Aftershave-like substances were used in ancient Egyptian times to clean and deodorize a dead body before it was soaked in natron and wrapped in linen bandages.
History
The alum block is the original antiseptic aftershave which contains mineral salts that were originally used by the Egyptians more than four thousand years ago for their healing and antiseptic properties.
How does it work?
The Alum block salts stop bleeding by constricting blood vessels and tightening pores.
Storing the Alum Block
After use clean the alum block thoroughly with water, dry it and store in a dry place such as a box. If you allow the block to remain moist or exposed to moisture it will simply dissolve
Tips
If you have dry or sensitive skin then we do not recommend using alum blocks as the minerals used are astringent which means that they draw moisture out of the skin.
For a superior electric shave, dampen and apply before shaving to condition and ready skin. This actions tightens the beard and raises the whiskers ready for the shave.
Dampened and smoothed across the face after shaving, it has a styptic effect, closing the pores and leaving skin silky soft.
Never use the alum block before a shave, only after.
History of Arran Aromatics
Arran Aromatics have been making specialist body care products on the Isle of Arran, just off the west coast of Scotland, since 1988.
Founded by the Russell family, the premises at The Home Farm were purchased in January 1989. The first Arran Aromatics products were made on site a few months later and consisted of just one range of toiletries and associated products.
Today, Arran Aromatics produce some 250 items across 6 distinct ranges, including triple milled vegetable soaps, foam bath, bath grains, shower gel, body wash, bath oil, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm. One of these ranges is the Bay Citrus For Men collection. Arran Aromatics’ vision is simple; ‘to make the best products we possibly can in order to enrich the lives of the people who use them’. In order to achieve this, all the toiletries in their ranges are made on the island, using the finest, most natural ingredients available.
The Bay Citrus Fragrance
The Bay Citrus For Men fragrance by Arran Aromatics comes from a sophisticated blend of woody patchouli, bay and nutmeg, softened by delicate lavandin, cedar, vetiver and lemon. The natural strength of the island.
Arran Aromatics Bay Citrus Shaving Products
Shaving Soap and Rosewood Bowl:
The palm based Bay Citrus shave soap has been specially formulated to produce a rich lather, is very slick and leaves the face feeling moisturised after a smooth shave. This luxury shaving soap is packaged in a stylish rosewood shave bowl made from sustainable sources which will give many years of service.
This luxury aftershave balm is a light lotion containing aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturise and soothe even the most sensitive of skins, leaving a lingering scent of Bay Citrus.
The Bay Citrus post shave balm is remarkable value for money as the bottles contains 300mls!
A bold, unforgettable fragrance. Herbaceous notes of lavandin merge with woody spice heart of patchouli, bay and nutmeg, enhanced with soft notes of vetiver and plant extracts of bay, lemon and peppermint. Presented in a quality heavy oval 100ml bottle.
Ideal for the man who wet shaves, the Bay Citrus gift set makes shaving an absolute pleasure. The set contains:
Arran Aromatics Bay Citrus Toiletries
Leave your senses and skin refreshed; with vitamin E, this deluxe bath and shower gel. Presented in a new style plastic 300ml bottle, which is perfect for use in the shower.
Scrub up and get your skin tingling with this pure vegetable soap enriched with plant extracts of bay and peppermint to tone, and glycerine to sooth and nourish. Added oatmeal and bran provides natural exfoliation to leave skin fresh, smooth and glowing all over. 200g Bar
Arran Aromatics Bay Citrus Gift and Travel Sets
Bay Citrus Essential Gift Box For Men:
This beautifully packaged bottle gift set for men contains the following luxury items which are blessed with the scent of Arran Aromatic's 'Bay Citrus'. This ‘simply glorious’ set contains:
- Post Shave Balm 150ml
- Bath & Shower Gel 150ml
- Cologne Body Splash 150ml
- Conditioning Shampoo 150ml.
Bay Citrus Luxury Mini Travel Essentials and Wash Bag:
Bay Citrus Essential Travel Wash Bag: This practical and very stylish set comes in a handy, lightweight, mesh travel bag and is packed with luxury Arran Aromatics men's toiletries - all blessed with the scent of Arran Aromatic's 'Bay Citrus'. The set contains:
Grooming your Beard
Comb your hair in the direction that it grows so that the hairs are at their maximum height and facing in the same direction. Then decide how you want your beard to look when you're finished trimming.
Shave as you regularly do, including the exposed parts of cheeks and neck. Wash off the shaving cream and wet your beard slightly. Then determine how much hair you want to cut and position the hair length selector accordingly. Remember, until you are familiar with using the trimmer, it’s always better to select a longer hair setting initially in order not to trim too much hair.
Trim Beard Hair Length
Put trimmer guard attachment on and turn the trimmer so the front of the cutting unit is facing away from you. Start trimming under your chin and, following your jawbone line, work toward your ear and upper beard line using an upward motion. Allow the trimmer guard attachment to follow the contours of your face. You may trim either against or with the direction of beard growth, whichever you prefer.
Define the Beard Line
Remove trimmer guard attachment and hold the trimmer vertically with trimmer cutting blades facing you. Start with the edge of your beard line, and with the cutting blades resting lightly against your skin, use motions toward the edge of beard line to trim the beard line to desired location.
Thin and Taper the Beard
Remove trimmer guard attachment and use the unit’s styling comb or another small comb and hold the beard hairs in place while trimming. Holding the trimmer horizontally with the cutting unit facing away from you, move the trimmer along the length of the comb.
Creating the “Stubble Look”
Make sure that the trimmer guard attachment is on and set to position 1(1.5 mm) or 2 (2.5 mm). Hold the trimmer horizontally with the cutting unit facing either up down. Trim hairs using an upward or downward motion, against or with the direction of hair growth, whichever you prefer. For an even closer “stubble look,” remove the trimmer guard attachment and repeat the previous two steps. Be careful not to remove too much hair, creating a “blotchy” look.
Tips
- Beard trimmers are easier to use than scissors, as you can adjust trimmer settings to cut hair at various lengths.
- Set your beard trimmer to a longer hair length if you're new to using one - you don't want to cut too much at first.
- Wet hair is longer than dry hair, so trim a little at a time.
Products for Beard Trimming
Our Range of Beard Trimming Tools
Types Of Bikini Waxing
Bikini waxing can be primarily classified into three types all have differing levels of hair removal and styles, these are:
- French Bikini Wax
This method of bikini waxing leaves a vertical strip of pubic hair two to three finger widths in length just above the woman’s vulva. With this method of bikini waxing it is also common for the woman to remove hair from the anal area and labia. - American Bikini Wax
This style of bikini waxing is perhaps the most basic of those available. It involves removal of hair from the top of the thighs and just under the navel to prevent the bikini line being seen whilst wearing a bathing suit. - Brazilian Bikini Wax
This is predominantly the most popular form of bikini waxing that is done within this country by woman of all ages. This form of bikini waxing refers to the removal of all hair from the front and back except for a thin strip of hair on the pubis. Commonly viewed as an extreme form of bikini waxing, this method also involves removal of all hair from the buttocks and that adjacent to the vulva, anus and perineum
Items Needed For The Perfect Bikini Wax
As with much of everything in life the key to bikini waxing and alternatively leg waxing is in the preparation. More often than not, many women rush into bikini waxing for the first time without taking the time to ensure they have all the correct high quality products to achieve maximum results with minimum pain.
Before you begin, it is essential that you source high quality products and most importantly you invest in the correct after wax care products too. Here is a recommended list of products you’ll need to achieve the ultimate bikini wax, they are:
The use of a suitable pre wax lotion will remove all traces of oil, perspiration and bacteria whilst cleansing the bikini line area leaving it perfectly prepared for effective bikini waxing
These come in a range of guises, from wooden spatulas to plastic rods, this are essential to ensure the bikini line area is completely and evenly covered with wax.
These are necessary to ensure hygiene and to reduce mess.
These can be in either paper or fabric form waxing strips depending on your own personal preference and are needed to remove the wax after it has been applied to the bikini line area.
Wax heaters differ in shape, style and price but all have the same essential function: to heat up your wax so that it can be applied.
This is especially important when bikini waxing as a suitable after wax lotion is needed to protect and soothe the skin after bikini waxing.
Having tweezers handy for after waxing to help you remove any stubborn hairs that could not be removed by bikini waxing alone.
Waxes come in many different forms these range from hot film wax, warm wax, soft wax all the way through to paraffin wax pellets. Due to the coarseness and thickness of the pubic hair region it is recommended that a hot film wax be used. Hot film wax will have greater adhesion qualities for waxing dense and stubborn hair as opposed to other types of wax.
Steps For Home Bikini Waxing
Since different styles of bikini wax treatments have emerged in response to society’s changes in lifestyles and fashion trends, home bikini waxing is one the increase. Bikini waxing is the best procedure to remove hair from the bikini line as it gives a clean smooth surface with long lasting results. Below are the tips we recommend to help you achieve the ultimate bikini wax with maximum results and minimum effort.
- Firstly cleanse the area with an antiseptic cleaner or pre wax lotion and pat it dry.
- Next dust the air lightly with a sprinkle of talcum powder.
- Once this has been done and you have already heated your wax up, make sure you test the wax to ensure that it is not too hot so it does not burn the delicate skin of the bikini line region.
- Using a wax applicator or spatula, take a small amount of wax and spread a thin and even layer over the area to be waxed. Ensure that you apply the wax with the edge of the waxing spatula in the opposite direction of the hair growth and then pass back over the area in the opposite direction.
- Next place the waxing strip over the area and allow it to attach. Where the hair is stronger in certain areas you must make sure that you pull in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
- After removing the wax and hair gently dab the area with a suitable antiseptic after wax lotion to cleanse and soothe the skin.
Dr Shaves Bikini Waxing Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks that may help you with your whole bikini waxing experience, many of these tips have been recommended by waxing specialists to help make your bikini waxing experience a relatively smooth one.
-
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
- Hold your skin taunt and tight with one hand whilst the other removes the wax and waxing strip in one swift direction and movement.
- You’ll need to ensure you don’t have too much hair or too little hair around the bikini line while bikini waxing. Most beauticians recommending shaving the area to be waxed at least 3 weeks before attempting a bikini wax to ensure hair in the bikini line area is at least 1 cm long for waxing.
- Use hair growth retardant lotions or regular exfoliating treatments to increase the amount of time you’ll have between needing a repeat bikini wax.
- After waxing and for a few days after it is recommended that loose fitting underwear is worn to prevent rubbing or irritation to the area that has been waxed.
- Don’t under any circumstances use products on the area after bikini waxing that have chemicals in them. As this will react with the delicate skin pores of the area causing inflammation
Dr Shave
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
Miss Chloe Recommends
There are many wax kits and waxing systems in the market that can be used specifically for performing a bikini wax. These waxing kits will have been created to be versatile and precise allowing manoeuvrability to get into those delicate and sensitive areas. Currently there are two wax systems on the market that are particularly perfect for Brazilian and bikini waxing, these are:
1) BaByliss Pro Simply Smooth Wax Kit
2) Hive Of Beauty Hand Held Roller Waxing Kit
Tips
- Beard trimmers are easier to use than scissors, as you can adjust trimmer settings to cut hair at various lengths.
- Set your beard trimmer to a longer hair length if you're new to using one - you don't want to cut too much at first.
- Wet hair is longer than dry hair, so trim a little at a time.
Products for Beard Trimming
Our Range of Beard Trimming Tools
Castle Forbes Shaving Cream
Castle Forbes Shaving Cream
The Castle Forbes Collection - Essential Oil Shaving Cream - 200ml
Castle Forbes offer a refreshing range of essential oil shaving creams in various natural fragrances for the discerning gentleman
Manufactured in The Castle Forbes Perfumery as part of the Castle Forbes Collection of fine fragrances and gifts for gentlemen. Elegantly packaged in Scotland.
Options Available:
Castle Forbes Aftershave Balm
Castle Forbes Aftershave Balm
The Castle Forbes Collection - Lavender Essential Oil Aftershave Balm - 125ml
Castle Forbes offer a refreshing range of alcohol free aftershave balms for the discerning gentleman, including the famous Lavender essential oil aftershave balm.
The Castle Forbes Collection of fine fragrances and gifts for gentlemen is created in the perfumery at Castle Forbes in Scotland , elegantly packaged in the Forbes clan tartan and carrying the family crest and logo.
Options Available:
- 1445 Aftershave Balm
- Lavender Essential Oil Aftershave Balm
- Lime Essential Oil Aftershave Balm
- Pre-Shave Balm (water soluble)
Castle Forbes Colognes
Limited Edition Forbes Neroli Cologne
The Castle Forbes Collection - Gentlemen's Cologne - 125mls
Castle Forbes offer a refreshing range of eaux de toilette - natural spray for the discerning gentleman.
The Castle Forbes Collection - Limited Edition Forbes Neroli Cologne
This new prestigious Neroli Eau de Parfum is available in a limited edition of 500 bottles.
Each is individually numbered and elegantly packaged.
The exquisite neroli blossom of the bitter orange tree imparts a pure, clean fresh note used in the world's most expensive "fresh character" fragrances. Castle Forbes limited edition Neroli harnesses the three precious treasures from the bitter orange tree
The Castle Forbes Collection - Gentlemen's Cologne
The Gentlemen's Cologne evokes the bracing stimulation of the Highland air. A citrus complex introduces oakmoss, lavender and a green heart of ferns on a base of precious woods.
The Castle Forbes Collection - 1445 Cologne
1445 celebrates the date the Clan Chief was honoured as the First Lord of Scotland. A light, fresh accord of ferns and grasses is supported on a base of precious resins giving this timeless fragrance a modern twist. (Also available in after shave balm)
The Castle Forbes Collection - Forbes of Forbes Cologne
Forbes of Forbes is based on accords of green herbal and pine notes supported on a soft amber base. This is a distinguished aristocratic scent
The Castle Forbes Collection - Keig Cologne
Keig is an invigorating and zesty blend of lemon, lime and bergamot oils on a heart of sandalwood and cedarwood.
The Castle Forbes Collection - Lonach Cologne
A truly original men's fragrance, this daring, smokey oriental provokes dramatic reactions. Herbal top notes givie way to a long dry down of complex woods, creating great elan elegance and mystery.
Dr Shaves Bikini Waxing Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks that may help you with your whole bikini waxing experience, many of these tips have been recommended by waxing specialists to help make your bikini waxing experience a relatively smooth one.
-
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
- Hold your skin taunt and tight with one hand whilst the other removes the wax and waxing strip in one swift direction and movement.
- You’ll need to ensure you don’t have too much hair or too little hair around the bikini line while bikini waxing. Most beauticians recommending shaving the area to be waxed at least 3 weeks before attempting a bikini wax to ensure hair in the bikini line area is at least 1 cm long for waxing.
- Use hair growth retardant lotions or regular exfoliating treatments to increase the amount of time you’ll have between needing a repeat bikini wax.
- After waxing and for a few days after it is recommended that loose fitting underwear is worn to prevent rubbing or irritation to the area that has been waxed.
- Don’t under any circumstances use products on the area after bikini waxing that have chemicals in them. As this will react with the delicate skin pores of the area causing inflammation
Dr Shave
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
Miss Chloe Recommends
There are many wax kits and waxing systems in the market that can be used specifically for performing a bikini wax. These waxing kits will have been created to be versatile and precise allowing manoeuvrability to get into those delicate and sensitive areas. Currently there are two wax systems on the market that are particularly perfect for Brazilian and bikini waxing, these are:
1) BaByliss Pro Simply Smooth Wax Kit
2) Hive Of Beauty Hand Held Roller Waxing Kit
Tips
- Beard trimmers are easier to use than scissors, as you can adjust trimmer settings to cut hair at various lengths.
- Set your beard trimmer to a longer hair length if you're new to using one - you don't want to cut too much at first.
- Wet hair is longer than dry hair, so trim a little at a time.
Products for Beard Trimming
Our Range of Beard Trimming Tools
Ideal Properties Of A Shaving Mirror
This year alone you'll spend an average of 60 hours in front of your shaving mirror maintaining yourself, that’s the equivalent of 138 days over your average lifetime that you'll be looking into one. The range of shaving mirrors available can be quite confusing and many people are unsure of the different types that are available to them. With a premium quality shaving mirror being one of the most important instruments for shaving you'll need, it only make sense that a comprehensive guide is available to guide you through the murky assault course of shaving mirrors out there. A majority of mirrors will be perfectly adequate for all of your individual shaving needs although it is worth noting that there should be no real demand for a magnifying mirror as there should be no need to inspect your face in such close detail as this can lead to one of the worst shaving mistakes you can make: shaving too close.
The most practical mirror for shaving you can choose will be one that is well lit (either an illuminated mirror or positioned in a well lit room) and is preferably a fog free mirror to prevent the mirror steaming up thus preventing you from seeing your face clearly. It will also have to be large enough to allow you to view the entire shaving area of your face without the need to wince and bend your neck and face uncomfortably. Finally it is essential that your shaving mirror is either self standing (such as pedestal style mirrors) or can be wall mounted to ensure that you have both hands free during shaving, one for holding the razor, the other for holding the skin firm whilst the razor runs across it.
Asides from these important rules purchasing the correct shaving mirror really is up to personal preference, it can be in any style and design you desire.
Popular Types Of Shaving Mirrors
The most popular type of shaving mirror by far is the contemporary style shaving mirror, these fantastically constructed mirrors provide the same benefits and comforts that the traditional shaving mirror always has but adds a design that is both up-to-date with today’s modern society and that is practical regardless of where it is positioned. These contemporary mirrors represent the pinnacle of mirror technological innovation and design and are painstakingly crafted to ensure that they are both extremely stylish and incredibly functional and durable. These mirrors are most popular partly due to their large surface area but mostly due to the varying number of elegant and distinctive designs that a contemporary shaving mirror can be made into.
Castle Forbes Colognes
Limited Edition Forbes Neroli Cologne
The Castle Forbes Collection - Gentlemen's Cologne - 125mls
Castle Forbes offer a refreshing range of eaux de toilette - natural spray for the discerning gentleman.
The Castle Forbes Collection - Limited Edition Forbes Neroli Cologne
This new prestigious Neroli Eau de Parfum is available in a limited edition of 500 bottles.
Each is individually numbered and elegantly packaged.
The exquisite neroli blossom of the bitter orange tree imparts a pure, clean fresh note used in the world's most expensive "fresh character" fragrances. Castle Forbes limited edition Neroli harnesses the three precious treasures from the bitter orange tree
The Castle Forbes Collection - Gentlemen's Cologne
The Gentlemen's Cologne evokes the bracing stimulation of the Highland air. A citrus complex introduces oakmoss, lavender and a green heart of ferns on a base of precious woods.
The Castle Forbes Collection - 1445 Cologne
1445 celebrates the date the Clan Chief was honoured as the First Lord of Scotland. A light, fresh accord of ferns and grasses is supported on a base of precious resins giving this timeless fragrance a modern twist. (Also available in after shave balm)
The Castle Forbes Collection - Forbes of Forbes Cologne
Forbes of Forbes is based on accords of green herbal and pine notes supported on a soft amber base. This is a distinguished aristocratic scent
The Castle Forbes Collection - Keig Cologne
Keig is an invigorating and zesty blend of lemon, lime and bergamot oils on a heart of sandalwood and cedarwood.
The Castle Forbes Collection - Lonach Cologne
A truly original men's fragrance, this daring, smokey oriental provokes dramatic reactions. Herbal top notes givie way to a long dry down of complex woods, creating great elan elegance and mystery.
Dr Shaves Bikini Waxing Tips And Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks that may help you with your whole bikini waxing experience, many of these tips have been recommended by waxing specialists to help make your bikini waxing experience a relatively smooth one.
-
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
- Hold your skin taunt and tight with one hand whilst the other removes the wax and waxing strip in one swift direction and movement.
- You’ll need to ensure you don’t have too much hair or too little hair around the bikini line while bikini waxing. Most beauticians recommending shaving the area to be waxed at least 3 weeks before attempting a bikini wax to ensure hair in the bikini line area is at least 1 cm long for waxing.
- Use hair growth retardant lotions or regular exfoliating treatments to increase the amount of time you’ll have between needing a repeat bikini wax.
- After waxing and for a few days after it is recommended that loose fitting underwear is worn to prevent rubbing or irritation to the area that has been waxed.
- Don’t under any circumstances use products on the area after bikini waxing that have chemicals in them. As this will react with the delicate skin pores of the area causing inflammation
Dr Shave
- Try taking some painkillers at least an hour before waxing to make the experience of bikini waxing a less painful one.
Miss Chloe Recommends
There are many wax kits and waxing systems in the market that can be used specifically for performing a bikini wax. These waxing kits will have been created to be versatile and precise allowing manoeuvrability to get into those delicate and sensitive areas. Currently there are two wax systems on the market that are particularly perfect for Brazilian and bikini waxing, these are:
1) BaByliss Pro Simply Smooth Wax Kit
2) Hive Of Beauty Hand Held Roller Waxing Kit
Tips
- Beard trimmers are easier to use than scissors, as you can adjust trimmer settings to cut hair at various lengths.
- Set your beard trimmer to a longer hair length if you're new to using one - you don't want to cut too much at first.
- Wet hair is longer than dry hair, so trim a little at a time.
Products for Beard Trimming
Our Range of Beard Trimming Tools
Types of Curling Tongs
There are many different types of modern day curling tongs which can vary depending on the following factors:
- Curling Iron Diameter
- Handle Type
- Curling Barrel Shape
- Tong Material
These affect the results you can acheive with you hair curling tongs in a number of ways, these will be explained below.
Curling Tongs Diameter
The diameter of your curling tongs and irons play an important part when deciding which ones are perfect for you, as each diameter will allow you to create different effects. Ideally your hair should wrap around the barrel at least 1 - 2 times to ensure maximum heat distribution and effect.
Tong Barrel Sizes:
- 3/8 inch - This barrel size is ideal for soft, tight curls, bangs and even wisps.
- 3/4 inch - This iron size is perfect for short hair and for creating tendrils.
- 5/8 inch - This tong diameter is specifically designed to create smooth tight curls.
- 1 inch - This barrel size is good for short and medium length styles and is great at creating tendrills.
- 1-1/4 inch - These sized curling tongs are perfect for mid length and longer styled hair.
- 1-1/2 inch - Irons with this diameter are ideally suited for smoothing out waves and tipping ends under or out.
- 2 inch - These hair tongs are great for smoothing out waves and giving a slight bend to hair ends.
Handle Types
Once you've decided which hair style you want to create and have decided the perfect diameter for your curling tongs you'll need, you'll have to give some thought to which handle type will be ideally suited for you. There are a few options for hair iron mechanisms, each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Iron Handle Types:
- Spring Loaded Handle
This type of handle is most commonly found on domestic home use tongs. Here the clip is operated by the use of a simple spring loaded handle which is more user friendly than the other two handle types. The disadvantage of this handle type is that if the irons are set too tight, the clip will clamp down on the hair too hard, which could leave an unsightly visible mark where the hair was grasped. - Marcel Tong Handle
Named after the infamous Marcel Grateau, the inventor of the curling iron, this type of handle is preferred amongst professional hairstylists due to the results and control that can be achieved. Because there is no spring to aid clamping, more control and choice can be mastered allowing a greater variety of hairstyles. The disadvantage of these curling tongs is that the firmness and consistency of the curling is completely controlled by you and so results will depend on practice and experience. - Clipless Tongs Handle
More modern curling irons don't have a clip to hold the hair in place, instead they're simply a heated rod which has been designed into a specific shape which the hair is then wrapped around. These tongs take a lot of practice as they are held differently than traditional hair tongs and as such results can vary widely.
Materials Available
So you've found the barrel size you want and the handle you want to use with it, but what material curling tongs should you choose, hopefully our helpful guide will help.
1. Teflon Coated
This fantastic material ensures that the hair slides around the iron smoothly and gently preventing hair build up on the barrel.
2. Tourmaline Coated
Representing the pinnacle of hair iron innovation and design Tourmaline coated irons are made from this finely ground precious gem will aid the smoothing and de-frizzing of hair due to the negative ions they emit.
3. Titanium Coated
This incredibly strong and lightweight material is perfect for stylists who want a durable long lasting pair of curling tongs with the light weight manoeuvrability of Teflon coated tongs.
4. Ceramic Coated
Ceramic coated curling tongs are unmatched when it comes to perfect and even heat distribution. This coating will help to minimize dryness and breakage from heat styling making a pair essential.
5. Aluminium Coated
This type of material is used due to its heat retention and conductive properties which allow it to heat up and stay hot for longer than many other types of curling tongs.
Barrel Shape and Design
Finally your search is almost over, but there's just one more thing you'll need to consider before you decide which curling tongs you want. Barrel shapes and designs differ on a curling irons and each will allow you to style differently. Predominantly there are 6 types of tong barrel:
• Cylinder - This design is the most common and typically a simple spiral curl which will allow general hair curling.
• Conical - This design is wider near the scalp and tighter towards the end allowing for more precise styling.
• Reverse Cone - The opposite to the conical design, this barrel is tighter near the scalp and wider toward the end.
• Brush Attachments - Curling tongs with brush attachments allow the creation of soft waves.
• Double Barrel - This design will allow the creation of wider waves.
• Triple Barrel - Triple barrel tongs allow the creation of a repetitive wave pattern.
Recommended Curling Tongs
Here's a list of curling tongs that we currently have in our beauty range that I would particluarly recommend after trialling them:
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