Spliiting Hairs by: Justin Miles, Explorer
Hello!
My life seems to be getting more and more ‘weird’ as time goes on. Can you believe that at the grand old age of 36 (I’m desperately holding on to that number for at least another few days!) I’ve just had my first ever shaving lesson?
John and I were sat one evening debating the pros and cons of shaving on an expedition (I know, we talk about such important issues!) when our attention turned to discussing the most efficient way to shave. A quick search on ‘google’ turned up the ‘Shave Doctor’ Mark Sproston and a call seeking advice was made (I know, I can’t believe I did it either). Quite surprisingly Mark answered the call, we had a quick chat, then he offered me the chance to hook up with him for a shaving lesson. A shaving lesson? I thought for a close shave you just press the blade against your skin and scrape hard!
When I turned up at Label Mens Grooming Salon in Stoke-on-Trent (if you ever get the chance to call in, you won’t regret it) I had no idea that there was so much science involved with shaving! Mark talked me through the history of shaving; the barbers pole ‘blood and bandages’ to signify the presence of a guy who would cut you open, pull out teeth, cut hair and give you a shave; the fact that Gillette set the standard for the angle of the cutting blade at 30 degrees around 109 years ago and LOADS more fascinating facts. Next I learnt all about skin types, growth, the theory behind the perfect shave, then we got to work on a very nervous but somewhat trusting model called Rob.
Rob laid back in the chair and prepared himself for the worst. First I applied a facial scrub, then a hot towel, next was oil, then the shave crème (applied with a brush), then Mark handed me the razor – an mischievous looking cut throat! I wasn’t nervous at all as I approached Robs face with the blade, but his face in the newspaper photographs says it all! Check out http://tinyurl.com/yetfgyl John’s up next... if I can catch him!
By the end of the day I’d shaved a few people with not one mistake. It was a different story when I tried it on myself in the mirror though – lets just say that plastic surgery isn’t my forte! All of the superb shaving products were supplied by Mark through his company http://shavedoctor.co.uk/ and are available to buy on line (did that sound like my first ever sales pitch or what?!). We thank Justin for his kind contribution to our weekly Blog..we hope it wasn't too painful after training...
