The WAHL Peanut may not look like much, but it packs a whole lot of power in it’s tiny frame. Picture the strength of professional barber trimmers at half the size. It comes with 4 comb guards for easy trimming, oil and a small brush. The blade design allows for a variety of choices ranging from a close shave to hard line detailing. And the best part, it takes up very little room when traveling or storing at home.

The WAHL Peanut w/ cord performed the best for me, and it will last you forever!

Rating: ★★★★★ 

Thanks to the influence of athletes, actors and musicians, the beard trends varying from short to long will definitely be here for a while. So with that being said, if you are one of those guys that wears a little face protection from time to time, it’s best that you upgrade your equipment.

The WAHL Peanut may not look like much, but it packs a whole lot of power in it’s tiny frame. Picture the strength of professional barber trimmers at half the size. It comes with 4 comb guards for easy trimming, oil and a small brush. The blade design allows for a variety of choices ranging from a close shave to hard line detailing. And the best part, it takes up very little room when traveling or storing at home.

The WAHL Peanut w/ cord performed the best for me, and it will last you forever!

Rating: ★★★★★ 

For the month of September, I chose the CruZer 6 Beard & Head as my P.O.T.M. The primary reason this particular model stood out is because it is geared towards achieving and maintaining the “scruffy” beard (See Post: How to Wear a Scruffy Beard) style, which is a big trend right now. The CruZer 6 is an essential tool for preserving the perfect amount of scruff day after day.

This CruZer allows for an easier way to achieve the desired length of beard by adjusting the settings on the shaver itself, eliminating the sometimes frustrating process of using comb guards, as found on a standard trimmer.

If you want more flexibility in your beard styles, and you are looking for a trimmer that can also give you the “clean look”, rest assured… the CruZer 6 can handle that request, too! Another neat aspect of this shaver is that the trimmer slides out so it can be used for detailing, or on those harder to reach areas of the face. Not to mention, it’s multi-purpose and perfect for a quick clean-up for your hair as well!

All in all it’s a great addition for home, work, gym and definitely travel. Give it a try!

Rating: ★★★★¼ 

For many men electric shaving is the most suitable irritation-free option.

Kyoku for Men’s – Electric Pre-Shave Optimizer, provides an excellent mixture of ingredients to create a smooth surface not only for a closer shave, but it’s formulated to protect your face from the heat of the shaver. And you know what? It works!

The concept of the spray is also a neat idea because it promotes less waste. Good job!

Rating: ★★★★¾ 

Now, ideally this step works best after the shower, however if you’re a shave-1st-then-shower kind of guy, the results can be close to the same depending on how long it takes for you to shave.

I call this step the “Big Chill”, and this it how it works!.

(1) Prior to getting into the shower, wet a hand towel under cold water, roll it up and wring it out, so it is moist (not soaked). Then while it’s still rolled, toss it into the freezer just before you jump into the shower.

(2) After the shower, shave (see my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips), then get the towel from the freezer. The towel will be hard and slightly frozen on the outside, so unroll the towel, to expose a moist but very cool center.

(3) Apply that portion of the towel to your freshly shaven face, and hold it for 10+ seconds.

Feel good? Well, it should!

Since an after-shave works best when the pores are completely closed, this step seals the deal at not only doing just that but also cooling the shaved area quicker than a splash of cold water. Your newly cool and dry face will be ready for the application of your favorite after shave.

Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you!

Smart shaving is the only way to shave. So here’s a great rule of thumb!

We’ve all seen the the shaving commercials, whether it is for wet-shaving (Gillette) or dry-shaving (Braun).  They are all promoting the same thing… a smooth, close shave.  Nothing wrong with that!  After all, I think we all can appreciate a  close shave, including myself!

Hair above the skinline

But what about those guys that suffer with irritated skin after such a close shave?  No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Because when it comes to shaving there is always an answer…

If you want a close shave without the irritation, keep the hair “above“the skin-line.  Try a pair of trimmers (Andis – T Outliner, my favorite!), this gives your face the appearance of a very close shave but the hair is slightly above the skin.  The only downfall to this practice is that in order to keep this look, a daily trim is required.  However, in my opinion, shaving like this keeps the face looking smooth without the annoying appearance of discolored and frustrating ingrown hairs.

Side Note: After shaving… DO NOT use rubbing alcohol to cool the skin. Instead, rinse the face with cool water and apply an aftershave balm (try The Store to get a few ideas!)

Have you ever noticed

Well, if you have, here’s why…

The aggressive nature of shaving, whether it’s with a razor or an electric shaver, can cause skin discoloration. The rubbing or scraping action of the blades can cause minor cuts to the skin, causing “hyperpigmentation“, which is the skin’s way of replacing color to the damaged area.

So, how do you avoid unnecessary darkening of these shaved areas?

1. Prep well –  Whether it’s a wet-shave or an electric shave, make sure you follow the necessary steps to prepare the skin for shaving. This will reduce any nicks that may result. (See: Electric Shaving con’t…(tricks for a better electric shave) or my Quick & Classic Shaving Tips).
2. Avoid shaving against the grain - This practice can not only cause irritation, but in some cases nicks to the skin, which result in the hair being pulled and snagged instead of cut.
3. Avoid rubbing alcohol or aftershave products that contain alcohol – Alcohol can dry, harden and even darken the skin. Stick with aftershave balms that do not contain the ingredient alcohol.

1. I understand the advantages of a professional shave. Is there a number of times a man should get a pro shave each month among day-to-day shaving?

There really isn’t a recommended number, since so many faces react differently to a very close shave. How I try to guarantee my best work is to suggest a visit to the shop with 2 to 3 days beard growth, which in many cases minimizes any potential irritation.

2. What is the best way to learn how to shave? Have someone teach you?

Have someone teach you will always be the best recommendation. 30 minutes of education from a barber will save you years of shaving frustration.

3. I shave electric and apply aftershave when finished and then shower after depending on if I cut my own hair at that time. Does my shower remove the after shave? And should I reapply the aftershave again when I’m done showering?

Great question! Upon application, the skin will begin to absorb the the healing and moisturizing components of the aftershave.  Unfortunately, showering will remove the remaining portion not yet absorbed.  So it is strongly recommended to reapply after showering.

How does a man determine which shaving tool to use, razor or electric? – Michael F.

The best way to choose the right shaving tool, is to see how your skin reacts to their use. The curlier the beard, the more aware one needs to be with how close the hairs are cut. Ingrown hairs are more common with wet shaving because of how close the hair is cut. In contrast, razor burn is most common with electric shaving due to repeatedly going over the same areas.

Not to worry however, because with correct preparation, potential for ingrown hairs and all signs of irritation can be reduced.  After experimenting with both, the method which yields you the most satisfactory results will be the best choice for you.

Preparation links, click below:

• Wet Shaving Preparation
• Electric Shaving  Preparation

Hair above the skinline

But what about those guys that suffer with irritated skin after such a close shave?  No worries, I’ve got you covered!

Because when it comes to shaving there is always an answer…

If you want a close shave without the irritation, keep the hair “above“the skin-line.  Try a pair of trimmers (Andis – T Outliner, my favorite!), this gives your face the appearance of a very close shave but the hair is slightly above the skin.  The only downfall to this practice is that in order to keep this look, a daily trim is required.  However, in my opinion, shaving like this keeps the face looking smooth without the annoying appearance of discolored and frustrating ingrown hairs.

Side Note: After shaving… DO NOT use rubbing alcohol to cool the skin. Instead, rinse the face with cool water and apply an aftershave balm.