GQ_Australia_-_February_2017

FEBRUARY 2017GQ.COM.AU 75

G

JAMESBASSO,FROMSYDNEY’STHEBARBERHOOD,

PRESENTSHISGO-TOPRODUCTSANDTIPS,NO

MATTER HOW YOU PREFER TO FLEECE THE FUZZ.

A BARBERSHOP

SHAVE AT HOME

ELECTRIC
SHAVER
PREP IS VITAL
Despitethe growth
of shower-friendly
shavers, Basso’s
adamant you’ll enjoy
a better experience
with an electric model
whenthefaceisdry.
“Washing the face
then drying with
atowelisideal,as
you’re removing all
the natural oils.”
WHAT’S
YOUR ANGLE?
Holdit 90 degrees
betweenrazorandface.
“With the free hand,”
says Basso, “stretch
theskintautasyou
shave, making the
hairs stand upright.”
ELIMINATE REDNESS
“Sensitive skin can be
an issue for some,”
says Basso. “To avoid
irritation, use the
electric shaver in areas
youknowaresensitive
first, as this allows
these zones extra
time to calm down.”
Also,it’sworth
applyingacalming
moisturiser afterwards.
LUBE IT UP
“Like many mechanical
objects, electric shavers
work better when

CARTRIDGE

BLADE

DON’TBE CHEAP

“Purchase quality razors

from a reputable brand to

avoid nicks,” says Basso.

GQ’s picks include Schick,

Gillette and Oscar Razor.

TURNUP THE HEAT

“If you’ve neither the time

northe inclination to

mimic the hot towel

treatment, prepare with a

warm shower or splash hot

wateronyourfacebefore

shaving. You can use a

mildexfoliatetoremove

anydeadordryskin.”

BRUSHNOT HANDS

“A shaving brush will give

muchbetterresults–use

circular motions when

applying shaving cream.”

TWO DIRECTIONS

Beforeshaving, lean into

themirrortoevaluatethe

direction of your stubble

growth.You’lllikelyhave

different zones over your

face.“Shavewiththe

direction of your hair

to avoid razor burn and

damaged follicles,” says

Basso, who advises

following up with a

soothing balm, too.

THE KIT

(4) Speick‘Men Active’

aftershave balsam, $29.95

(100ml),helioshealth.com.

au;(5) Schick‘Hydro 5’,

$17.99,schick.com.au;

Dermalogica‘Daily Clean’

Scrub, $39 (120ml),

dermalogica.com.au;(6)

OneThousand&Ninety

Twoshave brush, $79,

mensbiz.com.au

CUTTHROAT

RAZOR

GET ALESSON

“It’s important to know

what you’re doing before

youpickupacutthroat

razor. Have a tutorial with

a skilled barber, or watch

YouTube videos before

you attempt to take an

openbladetoyourface.”

STEEL YOURSELF

“SourceGerman steel for

your cutthroat blade – it’s

thebestforqualityand

durability.”

OIL AND SUNDRY

“A pre-shave oil is vital,”

says Basso. “This will

make the razor slide

easily over the skin

to avoid nasty cuts.”

DANGERZONES

Afteryou’veapplied

shaving cream, Basso

advises marking out any

blemishes, scars and

ingrown hairs with the

handle of your razor.

“Thiswillremindyouto

take special care in these

zones when shaving with

an open blade.” His final

piece of advice? “Invest in

a strop to keep the blade

in prime condition.”

THE KIT

(2) Dovo Solingenrazor

set, $495,barberhood.

com.au;Deciem‘ABCrew

Pre-Shave’oil, $45

(60ml),deciem.com;

(3) Buck Grooming

shaving cream, $35 (75g),

buckgrooming.com

they’reregularly oiled,

preferably once before

use. Also be sure to use

the cleaning brush

provided to remove

anywhiskerdust.But

be gentle because it

can be fragile. These

stepswillkeepthe

blades sharper for

that little bit longer.”

THE KIT

( 1 )Remington‘Smart

Edge Advanced Foil’

shaver, $99,harvey

norman.com.au;

Clinique‘Post Shave’

soother, $40 (75ml),

clinique.com.au

2

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