Most of my posts are geared toward women, but I’ve gotten several requests on Facebook for natural skincare and shaving options for men, since shaving is one of the biggest parts of skin care for most men.
While I obviously have no firsthand experience with this, I interviewed by husband and did some research on The Art of Manliness about the best shaving options for men.
I’ve been making my husband’s shave soap, after shave, and facial rinse for years because he has such thick hair that regular products didn’t work and just irritated his skin. He also switched to an old fashioned razor and a brush shaving set a few years ago and he loves it.
Ladies, if you’ve been looking for a unique and usable gift for your husband, boyfriend, or dad, a real shaving kit with some homemade products is a great option!
A Real Shaving Kit
My husband’s opinion and the general consensus on the Art of Manliness forums is that to get a real shave (if you are going to shave, which was a controversial topic over there) a man must use an old fashioned safety razor or straight razor and preferably a brush and mug soap rather than conventional shaving cream.
There are even brush and mug sets like this one or nicer brush sets with stainless steel brush handle and safety razor. Fortunately, these “old-fashioned” shaving options actually save money in the long run (no disposable or expensive razor heads to buy) and are MUCH better for the skin when used with natural shaving cream.
The Shave Soap
If your man is open to natural shaving, there are several great recipes for homemade shaving soap you can make at home that are 100% natural and organic. Not up for DIY shave soap? There are actually some decent store-bought options, including this shaving soap from Badger.
The Aftershave
Alcohol-based aftershaves can be problematic for the same reason you aren’t supposed to use rubbing alcohol on new piercings: it slows healing. Instead, use an alcohol-free, nourishing option like my homemade herbal aftershave for men.
Follow up with a homemade lotion bar with ingredients like:
- Rosemary Oil – naturally antibacterial and has a great woodsy scent
- Shea Butter – an excellent after-shave lotion and has a manly scent
- Coconut oil – will discourage breakouts from shaving (is there anything it won’t do?!)
- Apple Cider Vinegar – works great by itself or infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and bay leaves (if you can handle the smell)
What do you (or your man) use for shaving? New razor or old-fashioned? Shaving cream or soap? Aftershave or no? Share below!
Leave a Reply