Taylor of Old Bond Street Telephone : +44(020)7930 5544
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Click on the links below to take you to specific hints & tips.

The Taylor Shaving Techniques
How to shave with a Classic Straight Razor
Care of your Shaving Brush
The Taylor Fragrance Range

All the products mentioned are available online at the Taylor of Old Bond Street catalogue.

The Taylor Shaving Techniques
  1. Always use hot water before shaving to soften the beard, open the pores and cleanse the skin.
  2. A pre shave oil or gel is a great help when preparing to shave as it makes the shave easier and protects the skin.
  3. Use Taylor's moisturising shaving cream and lather for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Ideally, use a shaving brush to lift the beard from the face and soften the hair.
  5. Use a quality razor blade with a handle that offers a good weight and balance. (Taylor's will always advise you).
  6. Always shave in the direction of the hair growth as shaving against the grain can cause razor burns and in-growing hairs. If the hairs towards the base of the throat are growing in the opposite direction to the rest of the face, i.e. upwards, you must shave upwards in that area.
  7. Do not apply heavy pressure to your razor as this can cause razor burn and skin irritation. Glide the razor gently over the face.
  8. Rinse the face with cold water after shaving to assist pore closure.
  9. In the event of nicks and cuts, use a moistened Alum Block to stop the bleeding.
  10. Use an After Shave lotion to refresh and tone the skin after shaving. Men with sensitive skin should consider using alcohol free After Shave Balm. This contains Aloe Vera, mildly antiseptic Witch Hazel and a light fragrance.
  11. Finally, rinse your brush well, shake out the excess moisture and always hang on a stand with the hairs facing downwards.
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How to shave with a Classic Straight Razor
  1. Wash face thoroughly leaving the face damp before you commence lathering.
  2. Lather face with a pure badger shaving brush and Taylor's shaving soap or Taylor's shaving cream (The cream will give maximum moisturising of the skin) producing a fine creamy lather which softens the beard.
  3. Hang the leather strop on a secure hook or towel rail and pull taut. Use the leather side of the strop first. Apply the razor with the blade side facing downwards and push upwards using firm pressure towards the top end of the strop. Rotate the blade with the sharp side now facing upwards and pull down towards the end of the strop. Always keep the blade flat. Repeat action for approximately 10 times and repeat using the reverse side of the strop.

    The Taylor Shaving Techniques


  4. Place the blade on the face very flat and pull the skin taut at the side of the neck, slide razor down face without pressure: repeat this action on all areas of face. Firstly, in the same direction as the hair grows and then against the direction of the beard growth.
  5. Rinse face with cool water, if you should nick your skin use an Alum Block.
  6. Towel dry your face and apply an after-shave cream or gel, these Taylor products have a very soothing effect.
  7. Dry your razor thoroughly using a towel on the back of the blade to avoid cutting yourself. Lubrication of the blade and between the handle and blade areas will prolong the life of the razor and help to prevent any rust forming.
  8. Rinse out your badger shaving brush shake well and place upside down on a stand.
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Care of your Shaving Brush
  1. The brush is sterilised - it should not be boiled.
  2. Lather lightly without pressure.
  3. After use rinse thoroughly and remove excess moisture.
  4. Leave in open to dry out.
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The Taylor Fragrance Range
  1. Eton College Collection
    Inspired by the tradition of Eton, England's premier college of royalty and the aristocracy, and especially formulated for its Gentlemen, this collection possesses a fresh invigorating fragrance combining sparkling citrus oils with rich woody undertones to enchant the senses of the young and the young at heart.
  2. Mr Taylor Collection
    For generations, discriminating gentlemen have selected this crisp and spicy fragrance in which Tarragon, Lavender and Incense combine with hints of Green Galbanum and Citrus for an elegant manly scent and a warm, woody drydown with traces of Cedar, Sandal, Patchouli and Musk.
  3. Sandalwood Collection
    From the mystic east, we take a complex rich woody blend of exotic sweet scented Sandalwood and Cedar, add Lavender and Rosemary with subtle floralcy and Jasmine and Rose, for a vivacious, enticing, confidently masculine bouquet.
  4. St. James's Collection
    A masculine, fougere with citrus ozonic top notes of Bergamot and Mandarin combined with crisp herbs. Heart notes utilise florals, fruits and spices on a base of Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli and Musk.
  5. Shaving Shop Collection (Maroon Range)
    Revitalising fresh Citrus traces blend vigorously with the sophistication and ruggedness of precious Cedar and Oak woods. Add virile undertones of musks over a floor of Sage, Rosemary and Petitgrain for an alluring composition that stimulates the senses and excites the emotions.
  6. Lavender
    To the truly discerning gentleman, nothing surpasses the superior floral perfume of English Lavender, freshly picked at its peak from Norfolk Lavender, England's Lavender Farm, or the relaxing and soothing effect it imparts.
  7. No.74 Original
    A floral cologne fragrance with top notes of orange, bergamot and lemon with a background of lilac, jasmine, rose and sweet musk.
  8. No.74 Victorian Lime
    Citrus, lime, woody, fuschia
  9. Jermyn Street Collection for Sensitive Skin
    A modern fresh fougere fragrance with bergamot, lemon, lime and lavender supported by a heart of geranium, neroli and amber resting on a substantive base of musk, patchouli and vanilla.
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