Sign in
Don't have an account?Create account
Shaving Terms You Need To Know
Shaving Terms You Need To Know
GLOSSARY TO ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
When it comes to shaving, there is no shortage of shaving terminology to know that you may not be familiar with. Likewise, some words that you think you know may mean different things within the realm of shaving.
Here are some terms to get you started:
1. Aftershave:
View aftershaves
A scented lotion that may include an antiseptic agent that is applied to the skin to reduce itching and swelling after shaving.
2. Badger hair shaving brush:
View shaving brushes
Used for many years as a popular method to lather the face, because it retains warm water and creates a frothy lather.
3. Barbicide®:
A solution typically used in barbershops or salons to disinfect common grooming products, such as razors, combs and scissors.
4. Beard acne:
Pimples that form in the skin under the beard that can be prevented and improved with regular care, including exfoliating, washing and conditioning.
5. Beard balm:
A leave-in conditioner that helps soften beard hair, as well as moisturize, condition and style the beard.
6. Beard brush/comb:
Keeps facial hair healthy and looking good. Often includes natural or synthetic bristles set in a handle for easy implementation.
7. Beard oil:
View beard oils
Provides moisturizer to both facial hair and skin and mimics the qualities of sebum, a natural oil, to create softer, shinier facial hair.
8. Beard wax:
Used to style facial hair and hold the beard in place and may also protect facial hair from wind, rain and other weather conditions.
9. Beardruff:
Dandruff found in the beard due to a buildup of dead skin cells. Just like dandruff you might find on your scalp, beardruff may occur when cells shed at a faster than normal rate. There are many products that can help treat beardruff as well as regular habits, such as using a beard conditioner.
10. Carbon steel:
A straight razor uses a single-edge, carbon steel blade. Carbon steel is a more pliable metal than the hard, rigid nature of stainless steel. This means it can be re-sharpened as needed over time to refresh the blade edge.
Carbon steel must be kept dry during storage. Make sure to fully dry the blade and scales. If storing for a longer period of time, use a blade oil to protect the blade from moisture in your bathroom.
11. Close, comfortable shave (CCS):
A close, comfortable shave is your ultimate goal when shaving. Finding the right razor and products to suit your face is just as important as your preparation and technique.
12. Cut throat:
A term used in some places to describe a straight razor. Other related terms include cut-throat razor or open razor.
13. Double-edge razor:
View safety razors
A safety razor that provides the user a way to use both sides of the razor to shave. Includes a handle, head, and double-edged blade.
14. Dry shaving
Using a razor on the skin with no lubricant, such as shaving cream or water, applied to the skin. Dry shaving can lead to many problems, including in-grown hairs and razor burn.
15. Exfoliate:
The process of manually scrubbing the surface of the body in order to loosen up dead skin cells and improve circulation. Exfoliating before you shave is a great way to make sure you have a close, comfortable shave and that your skin is prepared for the process of shaving.
16. Goatee:
A facial hair style where the beard is grown out at the front of the face and around the mouth, but not on the sides of the face, along the cheeks, or jawline.
17. Grain:
Used in phrases, such as “shaving with the grain” or “shaving against the grain,” which deals with the direction your hair grows. If you shave against the grain, you shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth, whereas shaving with the grain describes shaving in the direction of the hair growth.
18. Jimps:
Grooves placed into the bottom of the tang (metal area between blade and scale) that helps with grip and control during your shave.
19. Mustache:
Facial hair grown between the upper lip and nose.
20. Razor bumps:
Small, irritated bumps on the skin that form ingrown hairs.
21. Razor burn:
Skin irritation caused by aggressive shaving, using dull blades, or dry shaving.
22. Scales:
Another term for the handle of the straight razor. These can be made from different materials such as wood, stainless steel, or natural horn.
23. Shave balm:
View after shave balms
Also called aftershave balm. Soothes skin and moisturizes after shaving.
24. Shave gel:
Similar in design to shaving cream, shaving gel provides more lubrication for a closer shave no matter where you use it on your body.
25. Shave oil:
View shaving oils
Lubricates and moisturizes skin, resulting in a CCS and lower likelihood of razor burn, rashes, or dry skin.
26. Shavette:
A razor similar to a straight razor but includes the ability to change out the blades.
27. Shaving cream:
View shaving creams
Provides a layer of protection between the razor blade and skin to reduce irritation and redness, as well as nicks and cuts.
28. Shaving soap:
View shaving soaps
Thicker than traditional soap, shaving soap works similarly to shaving cream to provide protection from the razor blade and provide a comfortable shaving experience.
29. Straight-edge razor:
View straight razors
Classic style of razor with one sharpened edge and a handle with scales that cover the blade when not in use that is also attached to the blade with a pin for easy use.
30. Strop:
Shaving with water instead of dry shaving. Rather than quickly shaving with no moisturizer, wet shaving allows for a more comfortable, close shaving experience.
31. Wet shaving:
Shaving with water instead of dry shaving. Rather than quickly shaving with no moisturizer, wet shaving allows for a more comfortable, close shaving experience.