4 Reasons Why Men Should Want a Shaving Kit
In many ways, a shaving kit is like a toolbox. It’s a single box that contains everything you need to complete a task. It’s fully equipped and ready to use.
Rather than attempting to buy and try a bunch of different versions of shaving products to see which ones work best together, a shaving kit might be the ultimate solution for your shaving needs.
1. It’s Easy to Start a New Method of Shaving
You should ditch your cartridge razor and your canned shaving foam. It doesn’t matter what kind of skin you have or the way you prefer to shave. Neither of these things are doing you any favors. That canned foam has sodium lauryl sulfate, a known skin irritant, combined with propane and butane as a propellant. It’s not doing anything to moisturize or condition your skin. It’s only slightly better than shaving dry.
Your cartridge razor decides the way you should shave. The amount of blades in the razor head is the amount of passes you get. If the first blade gets all the hair, every blade after that is scraping against the skin. That’s why barbers use single bladed razors, like straight razors. They want to avoid that unnecessary damage.
If you’re ready to get rid of your cans and cartridges, buying a shaving kit will make it easier to switch. Many companies that make excellent safety razors, straight razors, and shavettes have introductory kits. These kits contain the razor body and blade refills, as well as the accessories you need for a smooth, close shave.
Changing your routine may involve adding new products and accessories, like a shaving brush and a pre-shave oil. If you’re completely new to a different style of shaving, you might not have known that you needed these things. The kit already has it all figured out for you. You won’t forget anything, and you’ll never have to compromise on the quality of your shave again.
2. It’s Convenient and Affordable
Kits are more convenient, whether or not you initially purchase a kit with a special razor. If you buy everything you need all bundled together, you’re off to a great start. When you start to run out of your oils, creams, balms, and blades, all you need to do is pick up a supplementary kit.
Most companies that make shaving kits also make kits that contain just the additional products, without the razor. If you’re using everything up evenly, all you need to do is reorder another kit. You won’t need to find and purchase each product individually.
Another great thing about this convenience is the value. Companies typically price their kit refills at a lower rate than their individual products. If you were to purchase everything separately, you’d probably be spending more. Bundling almost always helps you save a few bucks.
Even if you aren’t completely out of something like your pre-shave oil or aftershave balm, you’re still spending less overall than you would if you purchased everything individually as you completely ran out.
3. It Keeps Your Bathroom Organized
Some of the fancier kits come in boxes, bags, or tins. They’re all nice and organized, and the presentation is immaculate. You can keep everything that way, too. If you love the look of the packaging, you can keep the whole bag or box out on your counter. If it’s bulky or you prefer to keep your counter bare, you can stick it in a drawer, in your linen closet, or under the sink.
Kits are often a great space saving solution. Small bathrooms or shared bathrooms benefit from tidily packed toiletry kits. If you have roommates and you want to keep your stuff separate from theirs, you don’t even need to keep it in your bathroom. You can grab your kit from your room and be ready to shave in just a minute or two.
Kits also help men with families. You don’t want your small child reaching for your sharp razor or playing in your shaving cream. A kit will help to keep these things concealed and out of the way. You don’t have to worry about where you’re going to put everything.
When it’s time to shave, all you need to do is reach for your kit. Everything’s neatly stored away and ready for you.
4. They’re Easy to Travel With
If you travel a lot, the convenience of a kit cannot be beat, especially if you buy a kit that comes in a shaving bag. When it’s time to hit the road, all you need to do is grab your shaving kit and toss it in your luggage. It can’t get any easier than that.
If you’re going to be flying with your kit, make sure you choose a kit with products that come in TSA approved sizes and containers. You might want to grab two kits -- one full sized kit and one travel sized kit. If you do most of your travelling by car, you’re already set.
How to Choose a Shaving Kit
Shaving kits come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Choosing an all inclusive kit with products that are going to work for you specifically should be the goal. If you have sensitive skin, look for a kit with products that are suitable for your sensitive skin type. If you have dry skin, choose a kit with more moisturizing products.
Look for kits where the products come in tubes or tubs, rather than metal aerosol cans. Aerosol products don’t even begin to compare to products like real shaving cream. The propellants keep them thin, and many of these products are loaded with drying ingredients like alcohol and artificial fragrances.
If your shaving kit comes with a brush, look into the quality of that brush. Synthetic bristles on plastic handles won’t last very long. You want a solid wood handle and a natural bristle brush. This will withstand many uses, and it won’t crack or warp like plastic can when exposed to hot water or warm temperatures.
If you have a beard that you want to keep, your shaving kit might look a little different. Look for shaving kits with combs, brushes, and beard washes. These kits are typically bigger than the average shaving kit, and they may be a little more expensive due to the addition of the grooming products.
Keep in mind that a great beard brush is a one time investment. When you need to replenish the toiletries from the kit, you won’t get hit with that cost again.
Conclusion
A shaving kit is one of the best solutions for a high quality shave at an affordable price, especially if you’re looking to change up your old routine. Kits come in many configurations and sizes. The only problem you might run into is determining which one will work best for you.
When in doubt, grab something comprehensive. You’ll be able to try new products you haven’t tried before and decide whether or not they’re going to work for you. From there, you can narrow it down. On your second go around, you’ll have a better idea of what you actually need.
Sources:
https://www.sciencealert.com/this-common-soap-and-toothpaste-chemical-can-be-a-skin-irritant
https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-shave-with-a-straight-razor
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/g810/small-bathroom-storage/