Shaving Accessories Guide - Stands, Mugs, Etc. (2024)

After having written extensively aboutshaving creams, soaps, razors and brushes it is time to takea closer look at secondary, but nonetheless,essential shaving accessories that help you achieve to the perfect shave.Shaving mirrors, mugs, and stands. As always, you will find a list of recommended products at the end of the article.

Shaving Mirror

For some men, a shaving mirror is the ultimate object of vanity; for others, it’s a tool to get the job done. In either case, a mirror is an absolute necessity to understandthe different angles of the hair on your face, monitor your strokes while shaving, and last but not least to pay attention to detail.

There are 2 shaving mirroroptions: fogless and non-fogless (or standard) mirrors, each with varying degrees of quality and price.Since a lot of men prefer to shave in the shower, mirrors that won’t fog up are popular. They usually come with a suction-cup attachment that adheres to tile, though they are not always 100% reliable, which may cause the mirror to break – so choose wisely. Technically, fogless mirrors are not mirrors at all because unlike real mirrors, which are made from glass and metal, fogless ones are made from bent plastic, and so they tend to scratch more easily and the quality is inferior. Hence you may have to replace your fogless mirror on occasion.

If you don’t shave in the shower, use a standard mirror made with glass. You can choose from two basic styles:

1. Standard wall or medicine cabinet mounted

2. A separate stand or wall mounted mirror

Stand-up mirrors come with different magnification powers. A 3x magnification will show just enough detail without getting too small. If your mirror fogs up, the best way to get rid of it is to use a hot air dryer. Also, make sure that the humidity level in the bathroom is low and you should have no problems with your mirror fogging up. Some people even, lather up some bath soap in their hands and apply the lather to the face of the mirror. After about five seconds, they splash hot water on the glass to remove all the soap (do not use your hands or towel). The mirror will stay fogless for about ten minutes, which should be more than enough time for a shave. Always remember to secure your mirror and in a safe place to avoid the chance of its falling and shattering, because it’s a mess to clean up.

You can usually purchase a simple handheld or freestanding shaving mirror with fogless features for about $20. On the other hand, ordinary installable shaving mirrors with extra features should cost $50 and up. The ones offered for less are usually of poor quality. Please see our list below for recommended mirrors.

Shaving Mugs

For the purpose of whipping up lather, you can take a mug or bowl from the kitchen, or you can buy one of the old-fashioned shaving mugs – they are a lot of fun. If you have some time on your hands, a good place to buy one is on eBay or in vintageshops. Prices range from next to nothing for aplain functional bowl to a small fortune for the collectible ones that are hundreds of years old. If you prefer a new one my personal favorites are Truefitt & Hill, Edwin Jagger and Mühle Shaving mugs. The prices range from about$ 20 up to $60.

Using a shaving mugis easy. First, you have to heat itup. The best way to do sois by filling it with hot water for a few minutes. Once the mug is warm enough for you, empty it and add an almond size amount of shaving cream and a few drops of hot water and start lathering with a shaving brush until you are satisfied with the consistency of the lather. For detailed instructions, visit the shaving cream and shaving brush guide. If you use soap you have to load the brush first with soap and then start the lathering process in the mug or bowl, for details clickhere. Be cautious by adding water to the latherbecause you can always add more but not remove it once it’s added.

The old-fashioned type of shaving mug (like the one from Truefitt & Hill) has a lower part where the hot water can be kept during the whole shaving procedure. The large open spout is for dipping your brush in. You put the cream or soap in the top part, which normally has a couple of holes in it to let the excess water drain off, then whip up the lather.

Sometimes, the size of the shaving soap does not fit the mug, but if you are set on the mug, you can always change the size of the soap by carefully melting it in a saucepan or microwave and introducing it in a different container. Personally, I would just get a mug that fits my soap but each to his own.

Alum Block

If you get some nicks and cuts during while shaving, you should treat the wound as quickly as possible so it stops the bleeding before you apply any aftershave. An alum block helps to stop bleeding of smaller cuts, nicks and razor burn by constricting blood vessels and tightening pores. An alum block is a naturally occurring substance that was originally a part of every barber´s toolkit. Once it gets wet, it serves as an antiseptic for your skin. A block of alum while last you forever, and it contains mineral salts that were used by the Egyptians more than four thousand years ago for their healing and antiseptic properties. However bear in mind the minerals are astringent, meaning that they pull moisture out of your skin, so men with dry or sensitive skin should avoid using them.

An alum block can also be applied to the underarms and used as a natural non-scented antiperspirant. It has been used as such for centuries in particular in the Far and Middle East.

The French brand Bloc Osma is one of the most renowned producers of alum blocks and offers affordable prices for less than $ 10 mostly through specialized brick & mortar or online shops. Other shaving suppliers like Omega, Edwin Jagger and Shavex offer good quality alum blocks in all kind of shapes and sizes priced between $ 5 and $ 20. The German brand Mühle even has an alum stone with a rope that makes it very convenient to use and dry.

Styptic Pencil

Unlike the alum block, the styptic pencil is specially used for one-offcuts and nicks. It´s derived from the alum block crystal, and it is powdered form is concentrated into a stick. Simply moisten the tip of the pencil with water and apply it directly to the nick or cut for a few seconds. It serves as an antiseptic and helps stop the bleeding. The styptic pencil´s protective cap and packaging are very convenient for traveling. You can get styptic pencils for less than $ 5 from brands like Osma, Col. Conk and Pinaud Clubman. A single-use, hygienic alternative to the styptic pencil are alum matchsticks. They come in a little handy book, perfect for tearing off to apply to any minor nicks on the face and chin.

Shaving Stand

In addition to the mirror, mug, alum block and styptic pencil you must not forget about the shaving stand. Most men ignore a stand in the beginning, especially if they are on a tight budget but a stand is really important.

You need a shaving stand to hold yourbrush and razor. If you have a brush that you want to keep dry and in a nice shape, this is an ideal way to do it. On top of that, these stands look nice and provide a sophisticated touch to most bathrooms. The stand is meant to hold the brush upside down on the handle, and thus it is not uncommon for men to buy a stand directly from theirbrush manufacturer. At the same time, if you find a stand that fits, all is good.

What to Buy?

Here is a list of shaving accessories that have performed well.

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