This manly ritual's historical significance cannot be understated – according to Alexander the Great, 'dangerous beard-grabbing' was a serious concern for soldiers on the battlefield and so his army was required to shave. And while today the focus of men's lives has shifted to less medieval matters, the importance of shaving – and shaving well – remains paramount.

At Aesop's shaving master classes, the facially hirsute and clean-shaven alike enjoyed food and wine as they took in a professional barber's demonstration, learning how he and Aesop believe a real man should shave.

Each gentleman in attendance took home a special Aesop gift to encourage shrewd grooming.

Advice On The Perfect Shave

Shaving is a grooming ritual performed by millions across the globe every day. A traumatic experience for the skin, we have some words of advice for the daily shaver.

1. We recommend showering before shaving to warm skin, soften hair and open follicles.
2. Cleanse with preferred Aesop face cleanser (exfoliate twice weekly with an Aesop exfoliant to avoid ingrown hairs and allow for a closer shave).
3. Shave with the direction of hair growth using a new, clean razor.
4. Rinse blade in hot water after each stroke.
5. Use additional serum if required and never shave dry skin.
6. Tone to complete the cleansing process and to better prepare the skin for subsequent hydration. We recommend B & Tea Balancing Toner for its supreme anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Hydrate by massaging Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion across the whole face, not just the beard area.

'Any idiot can face a crisis; it is this day-to-day living that wears you out.' Anton Chekhov

Aesop Shaving Master Class
July 2011