Going Back to Barbasol
A shaving life comes full circle
When I was a kid, I remember watching my dad shave. A blue and green can of Barbasol and a yellow, plastic Bic razor with two blades. I’d marvel at the fact he rarely cut himself.
He’d often pick me up after his morning shower/shave and I’d revel in the clean, aloe scent his warm face exuded.
When it was my turn to start shaving, my dad showed me how — Barbasol, Bic, and patience. Hot water for shaving, a cold splash to finish, and then some aftershave for soothing and a more pronounced scent.
I loved the routine of it. Loved the transformation. Plus, as a teen, my facial hair was pretty suspect. I liked being neat, and shaving made that happen.
On my 18th birthday, I went to the mailbox to find a gift box from Gillette. The best a man can get, they say. Inside, was a nice razor with a triple-bladed head.
I used it with the Barbasol, and it was the best shave ever. Of course, this product gift caused me to explore the Gillette line of shaving products — soon, shave gel and aftershave from Gillette graced the bathroom alongside my dad’s trusty Barbasol and Bic.
I continued in this fashion through college and into my early career.
