While the full beard has had its iconic moments in the world of fashion, men’s grooming experts believe full facial hair is a dying trend. If you’re tired of the lumberjack look, it’s time to reach for the razor. Follow a clean shave with all-natural organic aftershave and other men’s grooming essentials! Learn more here.
In the last decade, the hipster beard trend exploded. Men’s facial hair has had its transformations since the early history of the beard, no doubt, but by 2007-2013, the big beard trend was booming and became widespread among working class, college educated and professional men. According to men’s grooming experts, however, full beards are on their way out, and by the end of 2017, they expect men will be trading in their beard oil for a sharp razor and after shave.
As men search for the latest grooming trends, it’s clear we may be seeing more neatly trimmed beards and completely clean-shaven looks in the near future.
Follow this guide for a perfect clean shave using men’s grooming products that value natural ingredients.
Steps to a Closer Shave
1. Soften the skin. Before shaving, take a shower to wet the beard or use a pre-shave oil to lubricate the face.
2. Lather. Apply a quality, natural shaving cream to the face in upward circular motions using a shaving brush. This lifts the hair up and away from the face, supporting a closer cut.
3. First and second pass. Use a sharp, quality razor blade. Change blades after 3-5 uses before it gets dull. This will help minimize cuts and skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
Shave in short strokes in the same direction of the hair growth. For stubborn hair, lather the face again and shave again, this time gently and across the grain. Note that chin hair typically grows in a different direction. Never shave against the grain, and don’t over shave.
4. Rinse. Splash the face with warm water. Rinse the blade, and shake off any excess water.
5. Clean. Use a natural facial wash containing tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic. Or, if you have acne, try an oil-free face polish containing tea tree oil and witch hazel, for its natural astringent properties. Rinse the face with cold water and pat the face dry with a clean towel.
6. Finish. Apply a natural aftershave lotion, oil or balm (outlined below) to moisturize and soothe the skin.
Natural Aftershave Options
There are many natural and organic aftershave options from which to choose, so we’ve rounded up some amazing products for every man to enjoy!
Badger’s Man Care After Shave Face Oil is a natural and organic facial oil in the light scent of bergamot that soothes and moisturizes skin after shaving. It contains nourishing sunflower oil, baobab oil, and rosehip extract, as well as menthol for cooling refreshment. It can also be used as a daily moisturizer.
Man Care After Shave Face Tonic, also from Badger, is an aftershave designed to cool skin with hints of menthol, invigorate skin with the scent of bergamot, tighten skin with witch hazel, and hydrate skin with aloe after shaving.
North Woods After Shave from Aubrey Organics is a vegan, 100% natural aftershave for men in a classic pine scent made with witch hazel to tighten pores and organic aloe to soothe skin after shaving.
City Rhythms After Shave Balm Men’s Stock, also by Aubrey Organics, is a vegan, 100% natural and organic aftershave balm in a clear, lightweight gel made with flaxseed lignan extract to calm irritated skin, witch hazel and menthol to cool and tighten pores, and oat protein and organic aloe to soothe and hydrate skin. The formula has a pleasant scent of cedar, sandalwood and bergamot.
Also protect and nourish sensitive skin from razor burn with After Shave Balm from Miessence. The formula includes certified organic ingredients, such as witch hazel, chamomile, St. John’s Wort, lavender, aloe and other essential ingredients to calm and hydrate skin after a close shave.
If He’s Beard-Loyal
Not every man wants a clean shave, and there’s research to back up his reasoning. According to researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia, women surveyed about male facial hair said the sexiest men were those with some stubble instead of full beards. However, when it came to long-term relationships, they said men with full beards seemed more attractive, indicating that long beard hair meant men were better able compete for resources.
The research also concluded that both sexes judge men with beards as older, masculine, industrious and self-confident. However, beards were also attributed to some antisocial traits, including aggression and social dominance, according to Barnaby Dixson, a human behavioral ecologist at the University of Queensland.
Even though the consensus says clean-shaven is the new trend, there are still many popular styles of beards for men this year, depending on the length of hair.
Is he growing out his beard? No problem! Beard Balm from Badger’s Man Care line will help him maintain a beard that looks and feels healthy. Also try Badger’s Mustache Wax! The all-natural, organic wax provides shine and a medium hold for a flexible style and a healthy-looking finish.
Don’t forget: Father’s Day is June 18. Shop Natural Healthy Concepts’ wide selection of men’s grooming products, and give him the gift of a the perfect shave every time! Also read about specific summer grooming essentials for men in our previous blog!
Does he prefer a clean shave, a bit of stubble or a full beard? Share your opinion in the comments below!
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Leslie Benson writes regularly about nutrition and healthy living for Natural Healthy Concepts. Visit NHC.com today to browse a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.
