3 SHAVING TIPS FOR TRAVELLING
When you're travelling, shaving needs to be quick and easy and not take up too much space. Here are some tips that can make life on the go a little more convenient, so you don't have to compromise on your shaving routine.
ACCESSORIES AND TRAVEL SIZE PRODUCTS
Just because you're parked in your hotel room with your life stuffed into your hand luggage doesn't mean you can't shave like you do at home. If you're a Gillette user and want to keep your gadgets to a minimum, Proraso's small travel-sized cans of shaving foam are the perfect choice. Not only is the format convenient, it's also a foam that's noticeably creamier and thicker than the regular shaving foam you find in the shops. This way you get optimal protection and yet it's quick and easy, just spray out the can as usual.
On the other hand, if you're used to the more traditional rituals of shaving cream, brushes, etc. and think all this is too messy and takes up too much space, you should invest in Proraso's practical Shave Travel Kit, with everything you need in a handy travel size. The box contains a small tube of shaving cream, a mini version of their durable boar hair shaving brush, a small bottle of after shave balm and a mini jar of pre shave cream - all in a format that allows you to easily throw them loose in your toiletry bag without taking up unnecessary space. With this kit, you can enjoy exactly the same shaving routine as at home in front of the bathroom mirror. Perfect for those who use a safety razor and razor, but also recommended for those who use a multi-blade razor and want to get more out of their shave.
TRAVEL-SIZED RAZORS AND BRUSHES
This brings us to shaving tools. If you want to take a more advanced shaving brush with you, there are excellent travelling brushes from Truefitt & Hill with attachable handles and synthetic hair, which dries faster than badger. There are also practical, elegant versions of planes that are ideal for the toiletry bag (and the planes are often the most space-consuming). For fans of multi-blade planes, the Sailor's Mach3 backup plane is a must-try, packaged in a neat little brown leather case that also protects the blades and with a small chrome handle that, despite its small size, actually feels heavier and more stable than the normal planes.
For those who use the classic safety razor, German company Merkur has produced nice collapsible mini planes in a leather case, a really compact three-piece version packed in a small black leather case and a slightly larger one with room for a whole pack of blades. Screw the pieces together and you have a handy little safety plane in chrome and steel. The razor is also available in a combination package, the Travel Kit Small, together with Prosaso's aforementioned travel size box of shaving accessories at a favourable price.
CASES AND STORAGE
If you still want to take your regular safety razor or straight razor from home, there are stylish leather cases for both. Benjamin Barber's leather case for safety razor is an affordable and stylish accessory that prevents moisture from the razor from spreading in the toiletry bag and protects the head and blade. Or why not make it as simple as possible and try Sailor's neat buffalo leather cover for the planer's head. As for razors or shavettes, Dovo's or Giesen & Forsthoff's leather cases are both stylish and indispensable when travelling to store your shaving tools.
Things to consider: it's obviously up to you how much time you want to spend on shaving while travelling, but what should be included in your arsenal are the basic three steps of shaving cream, shaving tools and a moisturising after shave balm. That will take you a long way. And hey - don't forget the alum stick in case of an accident; it takes up no space and comes in a handy portable plastic tube.