The Essential Steps of Traditional Barbering

If like me your morning ritual includes shaving on daily basis, you’ll be well aware that using the right products is vital to combat razor burn and have healthy looking post-shave skin. Recently I started using the new L’HOMME range by Roger & Gallet – a complete range of perfumes, shaving and fragrant care for men with two 100ml Eau de Toilettes, a shaving foam, an after-shave balm and a hair & body shower gel. L’Homme is inspired by the masters of traditional barbering so let’s take a look at the basics to ensure your morning shave goes as smooth as possible.

The Essential Steps of Traditional Barbering

1. Cleanse and Prepare the skin – It is always recommended to shave after showering, as the vapour and heat help to dilate pores. The barber gently cleanses skin to prepare for shaving. He applies foam with gentle circulatory movements, or a shaving cream, which he emulsifies with or without a brush. This will help uplift facial hair and make shaving easier.

2. Shave – The traditional shaving of barbers takes place in 2 steps: First, he shaves in the direction of the hair growth (top down) from the sideburns, past the cheeks to the chin. Secondly, for a closer shaving, he will shave in the opposite direction of hair growth (bottom up) from the neck upwards to the chin. Once the shaving is done, he will splash face with cold water in order to clean off product, close pores and avoid bleeding.

3. Soothe – The barber finishes up the shaving process with a gentle massage of the face using an aftershave balm, without alcohol, which helps soothe the burning sensation after shaving.

4. Hairdressing – Traditionally, the barber completes his ritual with a hair cut and/or hairdressing.

5. Perfume – The ultimate gesture of a traditional barber is perfuming. He will spray a little perfume in spots where there is good blood circulation; the warmth will help diffuse the fragrance over time. These pulsation points are, for example, behind the ear lobe, the base of the neck, and the wrist.

L’HOMME Shaving Foam 150ml RRP €13 and Aftershave Balm 75ml RRP €15. Available from selected pharmacies nationwide