How Long Have Men Shaved Their Necks? - History Of Mens Shaving

Mens shaving has a long history that dates back all the way to 18,000 BC. It is believed that the first men to shave used clam shells and rocks as a way to make what we know as a razor today.

Alexander the Great, renowned as one of the best generals of all time, ordered his men to shave their beards so that they could not be grabbed by their beards in the midst of battle. This proved to be a successful endeavor and the battle was won. In hand to hand combat, it was necessary for troops not to have anything that the enemy could use to his advantage. The beards were the first to go.

Shaving became a western habit as time progressed, with most men preferring to shave their beards. While moustaches and beards have, at one time or another, been popular with the public, it is preferred that they look neat and groomed. Interestingly, throughout history there have been taxes and even jail sentences for men who did not shave or for those who wore beards too long. Russia went a step further and to encourage men to shave off their beards, there was actually a tax imposed depending on the length of a mans beard.

Straight Razors
Before the concept of safety razors was introduced to the public in the early part of the 20th century, shaving was done with straight razors. Men opened up their pores with the use of hot water, used a cream or foam to make the razor glide across the skin evenly and then used a straight razor to remove their beards. This often caused cuts as the instrument was difficult to handle. It was repeatedly sharpened on a razor strap.

Many men went to a barber for the luxury of a shave, which usually cost about 25 cents. The straight razor shave from the barber was considered to be the most effective way to remove the hair, gave a smooth shave, and lasted longer than a home shave.

Safety Razors
Safety razors were made by putting a blade in a razor holder and were considered to be safer than the straight razors. The blade did not have to be handled directly and there was less cutting. The safety razor was invented in the 1920s and was given to soldiers during WWII to avoid them wounding themselves while shaving. The first Schick safety razor was invented in 1921, although the company came out with a razor that was safe enough for dry shaving in 1927.

Electric Razors
Electric razors were introduced to the public as early as the 1920s and are still in use today. Many men like the convenience of the electric razors as they can be used anywhere and do not require hot water, lather or closing the pores. However, men report that they do not get as good a shave from an electric razor as they do from a regular razor.

Multiple Blades and Other Shaving Innovations
Since 1971, it has been fashionable to use multiple blade razors that have two or more parallel blades working together. In the 1970s, disposable razors were also introduced to the public and are still widely used today. The latest innovation in mens shaving is the four blade mens shaving razor by Schick.

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