The Grooming Bible
This blog post is presented in the form of a glossary of the most commonly used grooming terms and terminologies. These are listed in alphabetical order. If ever a term or any terminology give you problem or is even untraceable in this list, feel free to let us know in comments.
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Acne
Acne is also called rosacea or dermatitis. Acne is a chronic skin disease caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands or sebaceous follicles on the trunk, neck and/or face. Acne is often characterized by pimples also called blackheads or whiteheads, nodules, papules or pustules.
Adjustable razor
The single or double-edged interchangeable blade safety razors are often adjustable. That said, the handle of these adjustable razors can normally be screwed or unscrewed to adjust the height of the cutting head. So, this adjustment allows modifying the blade zone which will be in contact with the hair on your face.
Aftershave
The term aftershave is used to describe the operation to perform straight after any shaving. This treatment can be done in various forms. However, aftershaves, regardless of their nature, are often made with antiseptics that help to prevent infections and aid to healing cuts caused by shaving and are often fragrant.
Aftershave balm
The aftershave balms are soothing lotions for your face to apply after a shaving. Generally, after-shave balms are beneficial for the health of your facial hairs since they contain moisturizers and vitamins.
Alum stone
An alum stone is used to treat cuts and abrasions caused by shaving given to his antiseptic properties. Generally, an alum block is wetted with cold water and is then lightly rubbed on the shaved areas. Rubbing your skin with an alum stone after shaving not only helps you to treat cuts (disinfect and stop the hemorrhage) but also helps to kill any bacteria on the surface of your skin, in addition, to offer you a refreshing sensation.
B
Back
The back term refers to the back of the blade of a straight razor. In other words, the back of a straight razor is the opposite side of the sharp side of the blade.
Badger
The badger is a wild animal with rather short legs and has a very bad ass aggressive attitude. The badger is recognized as the cousin of the otters, polecats, weasels and wolverines. The badger sub-varieties are numerous and are spread over the four corners of the globe. Normally badgers are hunted for their fur but rest assured, they are normally caught, put asleep, shaved and then released to be possibly recaptured. The badger hairs are known for their harshness and are generally used in the production of various quality shaving brushes.
Bald
The bald term can be replaced by alopecia or baldness. In dermatology, being bald refers to the fact of having no hair on his head or on his face. Generally, when we say that a person is bald, it means that he has no hair. Alopecia is often related to your genetics, to a fungal infection or to chemotherapy, for example. Some people even decide to be bald voluntarily.
Balm
The balms or ointments are semi-solid substances dedicated to being applied on the skin and hairs of your face. These are generally similar to lotions except that they are less viscous. Balms or ointments are applied on your face to soothe your skin of frictions or burns caused by shaving, in addition, to moisturize and nourish the hairs on your face with essential vitamins which promote a healthy growth.
Barber
The barber is a professional specializes to cut and stylize man hairs and beard. A real man should always use the service of a barber who is specialized with gentlemen instead of using the services of a hairdresser who has none specialization.
Barbicide
The barbicide is a fairly clear blue solution commonly used in hair salons and by barbers. This liquid solution is used to disinfect tools such as combs, scissors or razors. This quaternary ammonium compound was invented by king Gillette in 1947. It is now approved by the USEPA as a hospital disinfectant.
Beard
The beard, since immemorial time, is assigned to various virtues such as wisdom and virility. By definition, the beard is all the hairs that cover the chin, cheeks, jaw and neck of men and even of some animals.
Beard grooming kit
Beard grooming kit are usualy composed of beard oil, beard balm, moustache wax, beard comb, beard brush and beard wash.
Beard oil
Beard oils are usually made with natural plant oils based that are beneficial for the health and growth of hairs on your face. Beard oils are usually applied on your beard and mustache as a rejuvenating treatment and help to give to your beard and mustache a neat & row look as desired.
Blackhead
By definition, blackheads, also called open comedones, are caused by excessive accumulation of sebum secreted by an intradermal gland, the sebaceous gland. Sometimes these blackheads that fill the pores of your skin on your face (especially at the nose level) may be invaded by bacteria that can be responsible for acne. Nevertheless, the accumulation of these open comedones can be limited by cleaning your face on a daily basis with appropriate products. Finally, blackheads can be removed manually by a simple pressure.
Blemish
The blemish term refers to the areas of your skin that are discolored. Generally, this skin discoloration is due to various causes such as acne, scars, age spots, skin diseases, and birthmarks. Several types of blemishes can make suffering your skin. It is, therefore, important to determine the right type of blemish that is on your skin to provide the right care and treatment. The imperfections on your skin or face can be of 6 types. Whiteheads, blackheads, acne, pustules, papules and cysts or nodules.
Boar bristles brush
The boar bristles shaving brushes are personal hygiene and styling tools. Although these are called boar bristle brush, they are usually made with necks hairs of distinct porcine species. The hairs of these porcine animals are known to be gentle on the face and for their hygienic properties (attracts and removes dirt residues). The qualities and prices of boar bristle shaving brushes are varied but keep in mind that a good high-quality brush usually last lifelong.
Bristle
The bristles are a filiform production of the epidermis, and partially or fully cover the skin. For men, the bristles that are found on top of their head are called the hairs while the ones on their chin and on their face are called the beard. Several shaving tools are also made with bristles.
Brush
The brushes are bristle tools used for various purposes such as cleaning, makeup, shaving, painting, grooming etc. They are normally made of a wooden handle or any other component and of a concentrated group of hairs or bristles.
Brush stand
The brush stands can maintain a shaving badger or a shaving brush in a position where the bristles are pointing down. So, this type of support helps to dry correctly the hairs of your brush(es).
Butterfly style razor
The adjustable butterfly style razors are recognized by their head which can be opened in two hinges. The handle of these razors is screwable or unscrewable to open or close the cutting head to then effect the blade changing.
C
Cheeks lines
Your cheeks lines define the upper end of your beard. These should follow the lines of your cheeks. Normally these lines are done with a straight razor, an electric shaver or with an interchangeable SE (single-edged) or DE (double-edged) razor. Generally, the lines of your cheeks should be perpendicular to the tips of your mustache.
Classic shaving
The classic shaving term refers to the action of shaving with a straight razor or with a safety razor rather than shave with a multiple blade razor or with an electric razor.
Cream
By definition, a cream is a liquid or semi-solid cosmetic emulsion more or less thick sometimes fragrant and is intended for the care of your skin. The cream can be found in different variations and can have various functions.
Cologne
The cologne is a type of perfume containing 4 to 6% of essences. This type of perfume was created in Cologne by the Italian Johann Maria Farina in 1708.
Comb
By definition, combs are made to tame hair or whiskers.
D
DE or SE safety razor
This type of razor is consists of a single or double-edged interchangeable blade. Generally, these razors are made in 3 pieces but there are safety razors variants done in 1 or 2 pieces. Butterfly style razors are even considered as safety razors. The safety razors blade is attached to the cutting head and is held in place by tightening the razor handle. A blade of a safety razor is normally good for 3 to 7 shaves before being discarded and replaced.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a health professional specializes in the skin, hair, scalp and nails treatment. If you have skin problems, you should see a dermatologist before applying any product on your face.
E
Emulsion
The emulsion is the action of mixing two or more liquids that are generally not made to be mixed together. By definition, the emulsion is a mixture of two or more liquids, macroscopically homogeneous but microscopically heterogeneous such as milk, mayonnaise, oil, and water. Many shaving creams require an emulsion with water, for example, to be well foamed.
Epidermis
The epidermis is by definition the external and superficial layer of the human skin and covering the dermis and hypodermis (deepest tissues of your skin). The skin is usually covered with dead cells also called dander. This last skin layer is covered with sebum, which acts as a protector.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a specific type of tree or flowering shrub. This type of tree usually grows in Australia. The oil collected in the eucalyptus leaf is often used to create natural insecticides, antiseptics, and deodorants.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation should be part of your daily skin treatment. Exfoliation is a chemical treatment that removes the dead cell layer (necrotic) located on the surface of your skin.
F
Foam
The foam is a substance formed through a meeting between a liquid or solid substance and a gas pocket. The foam can be in various forms. It can be created with your shaving soap or may even be on top of your beer.
Follicle
The follicle is an organ whose his anatomical structure has a bag-shaped finish. Naturally there are 3 types of follicles. The ovarian follicles, the lymph follicles and the hair follicles. Since we are specialized in beard grooming, it is here more question of hair follicles. Hair follicles are creating small pockets all through your skin, dermis and hypodermis and, at the center of these pockets, there is a hair or a bristle.
Front
The front term refers to the front part of your beard that is on the front of your chin below your lower lip.
G
Gel
The gels have a semi-solid form and have the property of being more or less soft or hard. Generally, they are liquid based but still behave as solids due their three-dimensional entanglements. These tangles allow gels to have a ''jelly'' texture (hardness) and allow them to offer some adhesion when they are applied.
Grain
The grain is the natural direction in which the hair of your beard or bristle grows. In other words, when we say shave against the direction of the grain, it means shave against the hair growth direction.
H
Hairs
The hairs are integral elements of men's hairiness. They are extended more or less on the top, on the sides and on the back of the head. The hairs are filamentous biomaterials primarily composed of keratin that grow from follicles of your skin.
Handlebar style mustache
The handlebar mustache also called spaghetti mustache due to his Italian origins, is characterized by long points bent upwards which go beyond the corners of your mouth. This mustache style can take many variations. For example, a short version of this mustache is named the small handlebar. The handlebar mustache requires mustache wax application so that it can keep the desired shape. Important fact: The hairs of a handlebar mustache grow from the center to the ends. That said, your handlebar mustache should never be cut but rather combed from the center to the tips. Although the hairs will not stay in place on the first try but this practice will help the grain of your hair to want to push in a new direction (the desired one).
Hard water
The water hardness, more commonly called "the total hardness'' is a water mineralization indicator. Hard water is normally characterized by a high mineral content. Generally, this phenomenon is due to a relatively high level of calcium and magnesium ions. The total hardness values range varies from 0 to 40 (TH (° f)) and allows us to determine the water mineralization level. To make it simple, a water that is quoted from 0 to 7 (TH (° f)) is considered as very soft whereas a water that is quoted 40 (TH (° f)) is meanwhile considered as very hard.
Hemostatic pencil
The hemostatic pencils have antiseptic property and help to stop bleeding caused by cuts or scratches made with a straight or safety razor. Hemostatic pencils even allow to disinfecting cuts or scratches. These pens should be used after a shaving.
Hydration
Hydration by definition is the action to hydrate a body or any other substance with water. In other words, it is the action to provide and maintain water in sufficient quantity in an or in his body. A person or an organism that is not enough hydrated may suffer from dehydration while a person or a body with a too much high water concentration level could instead be suffering from overhydration. The moisturizers, such as we know them today, are used to rebuild the thin protective layer of your skin that is called hydrolipid and which disintegrates when you are taking a shower (due to soap application), Finally moisturizers are also used to prevent dehydration.
Hydrothermal
The hydrothermal term in the lexicon of bearded generally refers to a hot water circulation. However, by definition, it can also be referring to a thermal water source or to a groundwater hot fluid circulation fairly rich in water.
I
Ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs are the result of a cutaneous manifestation more commonly known as beard folliculitis. Usually, this skin manifestation is caused by an incarnation of one or many bristles of hair follicles. In other words, when a hair does not successfully emerge from the orifice of his hair follicle, it naturally tends to be incarnated in the skin. This phenomenon of ingrown hair often causes inflammation, red blisters, itching and may even lead to pimples. Typically, the ingrown hairs resist to first passes of a shave. However, you can successfully remove these by shaving against their grain direction.
J
Jimps
The jimps term refers to the narrow grooves that are on either side of the tang of a straight razor. These jimps allow to a straight razor to be easier to use and assure that it is comfortable in the hand. The tang of a straight razor is the part that you hold when you shave (region of a straight razor where your thumb is placed).
K
Knurled
The knurled is a term commonly used in metalworking. This term refers to any texture or design pressed into a metal for a decorative or practical purpose (for better grip for example).
M
Multi-blade
A multi-blade, also called cartridge, is a type of disposable blade. Generally, the multi-blade incorporates 3 to 5 blades. This type of blade has gained popularity with the Gillette giant. However, although at first glance, a set of a disposable razor (razor and disposable multi-blade) is less expensive than buying a safety razor and a badger brush, disposable razor kits have a lifespan considerably smaller and require the purchase of cartridges on a regular basis. So, on a long-term view, you'll get more bang for your bucks if you opt for safety razors.
Mustache
The mustache is all the facial hairs located between your upper lip and your nose. Mustache styles are varied and continue to impress us. Generally, a stylized mustache requires a mustache wax application on a daily basis.
N
Neckline
Your neckline defines the lower end of your beard. This one should follow the line of your jaw. Normally, this line is created with a straight razor, a shaving trimmer or with a safety single or double-edged razor.
O
Omega
Omega is a painting & shaving brushes leading manufacturer based in Italy. This brand is recognized through all around the world and continues to gain popularity. Omega products are of an excellent quality. All the brushes manufactured by this company are made with real badger hairs or with the higher quality synthetic fibers.
P
Perfume
By definition, a perfume is one or more odors naturally produced by a living organism (plants, animals, fungi or environments). A fragrance can also be created with different aromas, fixatives, and solvents. In other words, a perfume is often made with vegetable oils but there are also fragrances made with synthetic molecules. Anyway, today, many cosmetics and grooming products contain natural or synthetic fragrances and are fragrant as pre-shaving cream, shaving creams, aftershave creams, beard oils, mustache waxes etc. Virtually all grooming products contain any perfume.
Platinum coated
Some razor blades are coated with a small platinum layer. The platinum has the natural property of being non-corrosive. So, for manufacturers, it proves to be a good choice of material to cover their razor blades. If you are looking for a quality razor blade with considerably durable life, opt for a platinum coated blade.
Pores
The pores are very small orifices of the sweat and sebaceous glands on the surface of the skin (epidermis) responsible of perspiration (sweating) and sebum secretions.
Pre-shave oil
A pre-shave oil should normally be applied in your beard before shaving. This type of product aims to prepare your beard for shaving . After that, other products such as cream or balm and shaving cream or shaving balm should then be used after shaving.
Purification and cleaning
Purification and cleaning are actions to be done on a daily basis. These two actions will help you to cleanse and purify your skin from his dead skin residues or any other wastes or bodily dirt.
R
Razor
A razor, by definition, is a tool with a blade and is used to shave the unwanted hairs that are on your head, on your face or elsewhere on your body. Several types of razors exist and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. You can find a wide range of straight razor, safety single or double edged razor, electric razor, disposable razors, etc.
Razor blade
A razor blade is typically a cutting tool made of metal and may be coated with platinum. Generally, a razor blade is flat and quite narrow. Razor blades can be simple (straight razor or safety razor blade) or multiples (disposable razor) and are attached to a handle.
Razor bumps and razor burn
Cuts or scratches made with a razor often lead to irritation and itching (razor burn) and can even cause pimples. These cuts are often due to a lack of lubrication of your face, to a badly sharpened blade or simply due to a worn blade or a too aggressive shave.
S
Scale
The scale is the protective finish that covers the handle on each side of a straight razor. This straight razor part aims to conceal and protect the blade when it is held in a sandwich. The materials that make up the scale of a straight razor vary and affect the price of thereof.
Sharpening
The sharpening or honing is a process that consists of giving to a metal blade the required edged. To do so, you have to use sharpening stones, strop and / or other abrasive tools. This process maximizes the life of a blade and should be performed regularly. An incorrectly sharpened blade does not usually cut and often cause cuts and scrapes. Scissors, knives, cutting tools and blades are all subject to requiring sharpening on a regular basis.
Shaving
Shaving is the action of removing unwanted hairs on your face, on your chest, on your pubis, under your armpits or on your head with a razor. Two types of razor are available to you. On one side, you have the mechanical razors. These are the razors with one or multi-blades such as straight razors, single and double edged razors and disposable razors. On the other side, you have the electric shavers.
Shaving cream
Shaving cream is used as a lubricant. It should be applied on your face when shaving to reduce friction between the razor blade and your skin. In addition, shaving cream allows the blade of a razor to slide well against your skin and so, to cut well. Those who shave without shaving cream are subject to suffer from razor bumps and/or razor burn.
Shaving kit
A shaving kit is a set of tools and products essential for shaving. Generally, a complete shaving kit has a razor, a hairs brush, a shaving brush stand and some grooming products such as a pre-shaving cream, a shaving cream, and an aftershave cream.
Shaving method
This term refers to the different techniques and methods of shaving. Indeed, whether you use a straight razor or a safety single or double edged razor, a variety of shaving method is available to you. Usually, the most popular shaving method is the wet shaving.
Shaving soap
The shaving soaps have the property to protect the skin of your face while shaving. Before using it, you should rinse your face with warm water. Once your face is rinsed, you should use a slightly damp hair shaving brush and a small amount of shaving soap with a circular motion in a soap bowl until the soap has a frothy texture. When shaving soap is lathered well, use your slightly damp hair brush with a small circular motion to extend the shaving soap on the parts of your face you want to shave. When shaving is finished, you should always properly rinse your hairs brush and your soap shaving bowl with cold water to remove the excess foam residues. Those using shaving soap get close shaves and this, with unrivaled comfort.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree in West Africa. Shea butter is especially known for his moisturizing and softening properties. So, a lot of grooming and cosmetic products are made with shea butter. This whitish texture can be very healthy for your skin.
Sides
This term refers to the facial hairs that growing on your cheeks and that connects your mustache to your sideburns.
Sideburns
The sideburns term refers to the hairs that grow along each side of your face (from the middle of your ears to the beginning of your jaw). Many men shave their sideburns while others used them in their beard style.
Silver tip
Some shaving brush made with badger hairs are of better quality. The brushes with silver or gray badger hairs are recognized as best quality as they absorb water more easily.
Skin
By definition, the skin is the first barrier of your organism and aims to protect your body. It is recognized as the largest organ of the human body. The skin is composed of several layers of tissue that are: the epidermis (outer layer visible to the naked eye), the dermis (second layer of tissue beneath the epidermis) and the hypodermis (the deepest layer of tissue).
Skin Type
As you know, from one person to another, the skin type can vary. The different skin types refer to their sensitivity and sebum secretions level. Of course, it is essential to know his own type of skin before applying any cosmetic or grooming product on it. A skin can be normal, dry, oily, sensitive or dehydrated. If you have trouble to determine your skin type, it is strongly recommended to meet a dermatologist who will enlighten you. In other words, any cosmetic or grooming product must be purchased by taking good care to consider your skin type.
Straight Razor support
A straight razor stand is specially designed to keep your straight razor in a suitable position. A straight razor well installed on a support is well supported and protected. Moreover, this type of support allows the water residues and remaining cream on your straight razor to drain down. Finally, a straight razor stand protects your razor from the dirt and bacteria accumulation.
Straight razor
Straight razors, also called cut cabbage or saber, are consist of one fixed blade. Although the straight razor models vary by their alloy, shape etc., a wide range of straight razor is available to you. This type of razor is probably the oldest one. Thereof, it is used for wet shaving.
Strop
Strop are long pieces of leather or linen essential in the sharpening process of a straight razor blade. Strop allow you to work and do the finishing when you sharpening your straight razor blade. A straight razor blade should be passed on a strop before each use. This technique can correct any imperfections that may be on the blade of your straight razor while maximizing his lifespan.
Strop paste
Strop pastes are made of abrasives. These must be applied to your leather or linen strop before your use it. Strop pastes greatly affect the quality of your strop session.
Stubble
The stubble term refers to those who have a relatively short beard. Stubble beard may be small (about 2 to 3 days of growth), medium (about 4 to 6 days of growth) or long (about 8 to 10 days of growth). The person wishing to have a stubble beard style should trim it regularly with a beard trimmer with a jig.
V
Van Dyke
The Van Dyke beard style combines mustache and goatee. The name of this facial hair comes from a famous painter named Anthony van Dyck. Those sporting a Van Dyke beard style have a small goatee and a small mustache. Everything else is shaved. In order to have a well-defined look, the goatee must follow as much as possible the lines of your face (chin).
W
Wet shaving
Wet shaving is a shaving method that requires water and lubricants such as pre-shaving cream, shaving cream, after-shave cream, beard soap, shaving lotion, shaving gel, etc. This shaving method is certainly one of the most popular to date.
Whitehead
By definition, whiteheads also called closed comedones, are caused by an excessive accumulation of sebum secreted by an intradermal gland, the sebaceous gland. Sometimes these whiteheads that fill the pores of your skin on your face may be invaded by bacteria that can be responsible for acne. Nevertheless, the accumulation of these closed comedones can be limited by a cleaning your face on a daily basis with appropriate products. Finally, the whiteheads can be extracted manually by simply pressing it. Then you should apply a healing cream specially designed for closed comedones.
