Christmas Gift Guide: tips from Antica Barbieria Colla

Christmas is just around the corner and you still haven’t found the perfect gifts to put underneath the tree? Antica Barbieria Colla has some tips for all those who are short of ideas, to choose an exclusive, original and personalised gift.

Whether the recipient of the “Christmas gift” is a close friend, a brother, a colleague or even your own husband or father, relying on products and treatments for shaving, hair care or beard care is always a winning choice.

You can also find the perfect gift by creating unique combinations, either by visiting the shop in Via Gerolamo Morone 3 in Milan or by exploring the extensive online shop:

if you want to receive your gift by Christmas, however, you must place your order by 16 december.

Capsicum & Menthol Lotion, one of Antica Barbieria Colla’s bestsellers

Capsicum & Menthol Lotion is one of Antica Barbieria Colla’s bestselling products, designed to strengthen hair and promote hair growth in a natural way. It is characterised by an unmistakable fragrance and a formula that stimulates blood circulation, developed by Franco Bompieri after a trip to Sicily.

Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner

Especially appreciated for its strong emollient properties, Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner is rich in important vitamins and precious minerals such as zinc. It provides adequate nourishment for beard hair, making it soft and shiny. It is the perfect gift for those who love to take care of their beard, which will be renewed after the first application.

Almond Oil Aftershave Milk

Harnessing the soothing, moisturising and flaming properties of almonds, Almond Oil Aftershave Milk is applied after shaving to reduce irritation and refresh the skin. It is characterised by a lingering aroma and an emollient effect that makes all the difference.

Cologne 9

Renewed as of June 2022, Cologne 9 is a real must-have for all those who love intense, velvety fragrances: it is a perfect mix of the soft notes of sandalwood, accents of lily of the valley, geranium, musk and vanilla.

Your ABC Choice: give the personalised gift box

Would you like to discover the best of our hair, beard and shaving line? Antica Barbieria Colla proposes the elegant Your ABC Choice box set, proposed at an exclusive price and containing four samples of the iconic 1 9 0 4 colognes in the 1.2 ml format, as well as 7 products in the practical 30 ml mini-format to choose from. An unmissable opportunity to give the gift of a special pampering.

Give a Treatment to Whom You Wish

An original and certainly appreciated Christmas gift is Gift a Treatment, at the Antica Barbieria Colla shop in Via Gerolamo Morone 3. You can choose between different types of treatments, dedicated to shaving, beard trimming or barber service, simply indicating the email address of the recipient who will receive all the instructions to ‘unwrap’ his gift and benefit from the treatment within a year.

Sign up for our newsletter, if you haven’t already done so, to keep up to date with Antica Barbieria Colla’s offers and news.

Antica Barbieria Colla at the Hannover Trunk Show

A great appointment will see Antica Barbieria Colla as a protagonist: the Trunk Show in Hannover is back, the event dedicated to men’s style at 360 degrees, from high fashion to beauty care. And the shop will be present with an unmissable initiative: two days dedicated to shaving and beard care, with our quality barbers.

The 2022 edition of the Trunkshow des Jahres is organised by Michael Jondral, a long-standing partner of Antica Barbieria Colla and a reference point for impeccable men’s style, from made-to-measure tailoring to accessories and personal care. With his refined eye for men’s fashion in constant evolution, Jondral is able to identify the best the market has to offer, guaranteeing an unparalleled shopping and makeover experience.

On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, our barber Maurizio Prota will join the Micheal Jondral dealer and, for selected customers, he will allow them to try out the great experience and quality that Antica Barbieria Colla has always accorded in its barbershop. Two services are planned:

The scissor beard cut;
Shaving.

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Un post condiviso da Michael Jondral (@jondralmichael)

The service will be made possible also thanks to Takara Belmont, an iconic barbershop furniture company, which will provide one of its comfortable chairs. But that’s not all: together with Antica Barbieria Colla there will be other brands that have always been dedicated to great masculine style, such as Francesco Maglia with his very elegant umbrellas and the splendid Thomas Riemer Gloves, the latter being a symbol of the great Austrian craftsmanship tradition.

The Antica Barbieria Colla staff is therefore looking forward to meeting some of its most passionate German customers live. Images and other curiosities from the event will also be shared on our social channels.

Black Friday Days: your favourite products at a special price

Black Friday is just around the corner and Antica Barbieria Colla has decided to launch its most advantageous promotion ever, for all newsletter subscribers:

from Nov. 14 and until Cyber Monday on Monday 28, it is possible to buy products from the hair, beard and shaving lines at a 30 percent discount.

Two weeks of convenience starting long before “Black Friday”, a day that this year falls on November 24, extending until the following Monday: a unique opportunity to buy your favorite products and explore the wide range of handcrafted and Made in Italy solutions offered by Antica Barbieria Colla.

Hair routine for healthy and strong hair

The combination consisting of shampoo and conditioner is always beneficial for healthy and strong hair. To set up an effective daily routine, it’s important to choose a product that responds optimally to your hair type:

Mallow Shampoo, suitable for daily use to give shine and relief to a scalp irritated by weathering;
Algae Shampoo, suitable for hair with dandruff and containing spirulina, which is very rich in vitamins and minerals useful for restoring hydrolipid balance and regulating the activity of the sebaceous glands;
Herbal Conditioner, a valuable ally for strengthening the hair, thanks to the combined action of mallow, fenugreek and nettle, which stimulate growth and blood circulation;
Capsicum & Menthol Lotion, to be applied in drops directly to the scalp to bring about a refreshing effect simply by massaging with your fingers.

How to achieve a perfect shave

Taking care of the skin on the face in the phase before and after the actual shave: here is the solution to get the most out of the passage of the blade, taking care to use specific products that will suit even the most sensitive skin:

Almond Oil & Aloe Pre-Shave Cream, excellent for preventing irritation and protecting the skin from the aggression of the razor, thanks to its remarkable emollient and nourishing properties;
Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap, to be used with the brush by making gentle circular movements, rich in unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can ensure a moisturizing and emollient effect;
Almond Oil Aftershave Milk, which completes the routine by tightening pores and calming irritation.

Soft and groomed beard: must-have products

Setting a beard routine based on the use of quality products is the secret to having a soft and groomed beard. Antica Barbieria Colla has created a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for facial hair:

Darkwood Beard Shampoo, rich in magnesium, cleanses the beard and mustache while helping to reduce irritation and stimulating blood circulation so that skin elasticity is improved;
Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner, based on vitamin E but also precious minerals such as zinc, promotes beard growth and protects the skin by stimulating its regeneration.

Gift ideas for every occasion

The promotion dedicated to Antica Barbieria Colla newsletter subscribers is the perfect opportunity to stock up on favorite products but also to get ahead with Christmas gifts for loved ones, even creating original combinations.

Packing together a Shampoo, Herbal Conditioner and Capsicum & Menthol Lotion from the hair line, for example, can turn into a sure-fire gift.

An always welcome kit consists of one or more products from the shaving line paired with the Shaving Bowl and the Natural Bristle Shaving Brush, handcrafted from high-quality and extremely durable materials.

Gifting Shampoo and Beard Conditioner also allows the recipient to ensure a complete and effective treatment.

Your ABC Choice Box Set

Don’t know what to choose but would like to let a friend or family member experience all the benefits of Antica Barbieria Colla’s products? Here is a solution designed just for those who want to discover the best of the hair, beard and shaving line:

Your ABC Choice is the elegant box containing four samplers of the iconic 1 9 0 4 Colognes in the 1.2 ml format and 7 products in the practical 30 ml mini-format to choose from, offered at an exclusive price.

All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter (if you haven’t already done so) and explore our online shop to put your favourite products in your cart!

Your ABC Choice: discover our line with a personalized box-set

Have you always wanted to try Antica Barbieria Colla products, but you don’t know which one to choose? Here is a new opportunity designed especially for those who want to discover the hair, beard and shaving line and experience all the benefits.

Your ABC Choice is the elegant box set that you can compose by choosing from a wide range of products, a convenient and unmissable opportunity to indulge in a moment of relaxation and special pampering, but also to surprise a loved one with a gift that will be sure appreciated.

How to compose the box set? How much does it cost and what products can be included? Here is everything you need to know.

What the Your ABC Choice box set contains

Antica Barbieria Colla gives you the opportunity to create a box set with exclusive packaging at a price of 35 euros, consisting of:

four samples of the iconic Colognes 1 9 0 4, in the 1.2 ml format;
7 of Antica Barbieria Colla’s most representative products in the handy 30 ml mini-format to choose from.

Green Tobacco Aftershave Milk and Almond Oil Aftershave Milk, for example, are perfect for reducing irritation at the end of a shave while moisturizing and refreshing the skin. Apricot Hull Aftershave, on the other hand, soothes, tones and refreshes the face, adapting to even the most sensitive skin.

Capsicum & Menthol Lotion boasts an ancient formula to strengthen hair and stimulate hair growth, while the creamy texture of Herbal Conditioner is a true concentrate of active ingredients that reduces excess sebum by restoring the scalp’s natural pH.

The Black Fig Hair Gel provides long-lasting natural fixing, while the rich selection of Shampoos meets the most diverse needs thanks to the properties of its many natural components-Mallow, Almond, Walnut, Egg and Rum.

Completing the selection are some bestselling beard care products, such as Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner and Bitter Orange Beard Dry Oil.

How to compose the box set in a few steps

To compose Your ABC Choice and create your personalized box set, simply follow a few simple steps:

explore the selection of products proposed by Antica Barbieria Colla;
click on the “+” icon to add a single product to the cart (you can enter a maximum of two identical products);
reach the number of products allowed by the promotion, eventually clicking on the “-” icon to remove an item from the cart;
click on the “add to cart” button, which will be active as soon as the grand total of 7 products is reached.

At this point, in the shopping cart you’ll see the list of chosen products and their quantities, then you’ll just have to proceed with the order and payment, after indicating the preference regarding shipping or pickup directly in the store.

Why Your ABC Choice is a great gift idea

Refined, sophisticated and affordable, the Your ABC Choice box set can prove to be a winning gift idea on numerous occasions. What better opportunity to get ahead with Christmas gifts by putting a unique and original gift under the tree?

Treat yourself to your favourite products in September

September is the ideal month to devote some extra attention to hair, beard and skin care before, during and after shaving.

The new promotion launched by Antica Barbieria Colla is precisely the perfect opportunity to prepare for the autumn season that is just around the corner, stocking up on all the indispensable products for a great start after the summer:

from 14 September to 03 October 2022, by purchasing three products from the official Antica Barbieria Colla website, you will be able to receive the less expensive one free of charge!

The month of September marks for everyone the resumption of the usual daily routine, characterized by inevitable commitments but also by new challenges to be faced in the professional and private spheres. Taking care of your appearance, repairing any damage caused by the sea, the sun and the summer relaxation period, is an effective strategy to focus on your goals and feel confident in any situation.

The new Antica Barbieria Colla promotion is designed precisely to usher in the autumn in the best possible way, focusing on beauty and well-being: by putting three products of your choice from those available in the catalogue into your cart, you will receive the least expensive one as a gift.

Not sure which combination to choose? Here are some suggestions to take care of yourself at three hundred and sixty degrees.

Healthy, moisturized and shiny hair

The sun and the sea are a panacea for your health, yet by the end of summer your hair may have lost its softness and shine. Antica Barbieria Colla provides specific products to restore the natural beauty of the hair, including strengthening and stimulating growth:

Almond Shampoo: perfect for thoroughly nourishing dry hair without weighing it down thanks to its fatty acids and high vitamin E content, it gives both hair and scalp a sense of well-being;
Herbal Conditioner: the combined action of mallow, fenugreek and nettle strengthens the hair, balances the scalp and sebum production, stimulates growth and blood circulation;
Capsicum & Menthol Lotion: one of Antica Barbieria Colla’s best-loved products and characterized by an unmistakable fragrance. The lotion, created by Franco Bompieri after a trip to Sicily, boasts a refreshing action that brings relief to the scalp and stimulates hair growth.

Perfect shave in 3 steps

In order to achieve a perfect shave, it is essential to care for the skin of the face both before and after the blade passes, using specific products that are suitable for even the most delicate and sensitive skin:

Almond Oil & Aloe Pre-Shave Cream: gives the face a pleasant massage and prevents skin irritation, defending the skin against razor aggression. Based on almond oil and aloe, it has remarkable emollient and nourishing properties, giving a lasting sensation of freshness;
Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap e Red Sandalwood Hard Shaving Soap: handcrafted, the soaps contain unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have a moisturising and emollient effect, also mitigating the aggressive action of the razor;
Apricot Hull Aftershave: rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, it helps to tone and refresh the face after shaving. It also has a calming action that prevents possible irritation..

Beard: how to have it always groomed

How to regain a well-groomed beard, soft and pleasant to caress even after the summer? Setting up an effective beard routine is the first step to take, relying on the valuable contribution of Antica Barbieria Colla products created specifically to achieve this goal:

Darkwood Beard Shampoo: rich in magnesium, it cleanses the beard and moustache gently and helps soothe irritation, stimulating blood circulation and improving skin elasticity;
Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner: rich in vitamin E but also in valuable minerals such as zinc, it protects the skin by stimulating its regeneration and promoting beard growth;
Polishing & Protective Beard Wax: based on natural ingredients, it keeps the beard soft and shiny and provides excellent protection against wind and cold, while also proving useful in preventing chapped and reddened skin.

Your Summer Routine: tips from Antica Barbieria Colla

Holidays have finally begun for many, and it’s time to indulge in a few days of relaxation, away from daily worries and work commitments. Yet, we should never forget that taking care of our appearance never goes on vacation: especially in summer, skin, hair and beard need specific attention. But how to do it? Just follow the advice of Antica Barbieria Colla, for a Summer Routine that will allow you to keep your beauty and charm intact.

Hair and frequent washing: what to do?

In summer, it’s more than normal to wash hair frequently: heat, sun exposure and saltiness also prompt us to take several showers throughout the day. But what to do to prevent the hair from losing volume, shine and vigor, perhaps due to the use of products that are too aggressive? Simply use these solutions:

Mallow Shampoo: thanks to its emollient, moisturizing and soothing properties, this shampoo gives shine and volume to hair, leaving it soft and light. Its gentle formula is also perfect for daily use;
https://www.anticabarbieriacolla.com/en/products/capsicum-menthol-lotion/: created by Franco Bompieri after a trip to Sicily, the lotion combines the regenerating action of capsicum with the refreshing action of menthol. A perfect solution for summer because, in addition to strengthening the hair and making the scalp healthier, it gives a feeling of freshness;
Black Fig Hair Gel: For those who like to sculpt their hair, this solution is ideal during the warm season because it is ultra-lightweight and water-based. And it provides natural and long-lasting fixing.

Shaving in summer: let’s avoid irritation

For those who love to flaunt a smooth and always perfectly shaved appearance, summer represents a difficult time. In fact, the action of heat, the sun’s rays and the razor can irritate the skin, with annoying redness. All it takes, however, is to choose the right products:

After Shaving Sun Cream SPF30 : sun protection is essential during the summer, but we often forget the need to simultaneously moisturize the skin. This sun solution from Antica Barbieria Colla was created precisely to provide both high protection and offer maximum skin hydration, all with a deliberately non-waterproof formulation so that it remains light on the skin;
Almond Oil & Aloe Pre-Shave Cream: when getting ready to shave, however, it is necessary to prepare the skin properly. This product softens and defends the skin from the action of the razor, thanks to the emollient properties of aloe and almonds, thus reducing the risk of irritation;
Apricot Hull Asftershave: thanks to its essential plant fats and vitamins from the apricot hull, it protects the skin, reduces irritation and refreshes the face after shaving. Its calming action also helps reduce redness from daily exposure to the elements.

Beard protected even at the seaside: all the tips

More and more men are deciding to sport a long, sculpted beard, but how to manage it in the summer, perhaps during a day at the beach? Again, Antica Barbieria Colla offers unique solutions:

Polishing and Protective Hair Wax: it gives nourishment to the beard, keeping it soft and shiny and protected from weathering. It’s therefore ideal for the beach, when we expose ourselves to sun, sand and saltiness;
Darkwood Beard Shampoo: thanks to the presence of magnesium, this shampoo thoroughly cleanses the beard, reduces skin irritation and prevents itching. And it can also be used daily, given its gentle action;
Jojoba Oil Beard Conditioner: rich in zinc and vitamin E, it has a chemical composition similar to human sebum. It nourishes the beard and makes it easier to manage, thanks to a softening action on the hair.

Hair and saltiness, let’s pay attention

When relaxing at the beach, hair is unfortunately weakened by the constant action of the saltiness. They can therefore appear dull and less voluminous, even brittle. But simply follow Antica Barbieria Colla’s advice to regain your usual vigor:

Walnut Shampoo: with a formula made following the traditional recipe from 1924, this shampoo deeply cleanses the hair, removing all traces of saltiness. It also improves the well-being of the skin due to its astringent and sebum-balancing properties;
Herbal Conditioner: thanks to mallow, fenugreek and nettle, it rehydrates the hair, calms irritation, nourishes and invigorates the skin. The ideal solution to regenerate the hair after a day in the sun, sand and salt water;
Capsicum & Menthol Lotion: finally, a touch of freshness with a lotion that, by combining the regenerating properties of capsicum with the refreshing properties of menthol, helps restore freshness and gives vitality to the hair.

Perfect hair even in the evening

After the afternoon spent at the beach, it’s the evening that brings the vacations to life. Between dinners a few steps from the sea, and moments of fun on the dance floor, how to keep your hair always perfect? Again, Antica Barbieria Colla offers many useful products:

Almond Shampoo: it nourishes hair thoroughly without weighing it down and, most importantly, reduces the dry effect typical of summer sun exposure. Thanks to the fatty acids and vitamin E of almonds, which are capable of invigorating the hair from roots to ends;
Herbal Conditioner: thanks to mallow, fenugreek and nettle, softens the hair, nourishes it thoroughly, calms irritation and prepares the hair for styling;
Extra-Strong Fixing Hair Wax: based on aloe juice prepared in wax, shapes hair without weighing it down or damaging it. The consistency of the gel is non-greasy, which not only prevents the hair from becoming heavy, but also allows it to take advantage of a natural wet look without greasiness.

Shaving and summer heat: daily tips

Finally, a look at daily shaving not only for those going to the beach, but also for those who are planning different holidays. Again, preparation and skin care remains key:

Almond Oil & Aloe Pre-Shave Cream: it’s very important to soften the skin and hair before shaving to avoid skin irritation from the razor’s passage. This product is rich in emollient properties, thanks to the essential acids and vitamins naturally contained in aloe and almonds;
Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap: prepared according to the traditional recipe from 1945, it softens beard hair, limits the action of the razor and leaves the skin moisturized. It’s great in summer because it’s easy to use and also very light on the skin;;
Almond Oil Aftershave Milk: indispensable at the end of the shaving process to reduce irritation, it tighten pores and moisturize the skin. All while providing a pleasant feeling of softness.

Salon of Excellence/ Pitti Uomo 102

The Salon of Excellence is an event linked to Pitti Uomo held at the Aria Art Gallery in Florence. Now in its second edition dedicated to the Artisans as Contemporary Artists concept, it also saw the participation of Antica Barbieria Colla which was able to show the care and dedication with which it creates its products starting from a long artisan tradition.

FuoriSalone, come by for your Milano By Night look

Salone and FuoriSalone week has finally arrived, one of Milan’s most eagerly awaited appointments and symbol of a city that is back in turmoil, after two years of pandemic. And Antica Barbieria Colla wants to celebrate this event in a special way: come and visit us for your “Milano By Night” look, beard or shaving service is free for you!

That’s right, the expert barbers of our shop will be at your disposal for an extraordinary opening, today 8 June, until 10 p.m. An opportunity to experience a moment of relaxation and wellbeing, ready to show off an impeccable look for the many happenings of this week. But, beware: book through our usual channels, as seats are limited.

Scintilla, via G.Morone for Milano Design Week

The special evening that Antica Barbieria Colla has organized for all its customers is part of a broader event, involving the shops of the iconic Via Gerolamo Morone: “Scintilla“.

On the occasion of Milano Design Week, architect Sonja Vizzini and gallery Mirco Cattai designed a special cabinet covered with no less than 130,000 Swaroski crystals. A true jewel of craftsmanship, inspired by a beautiful prayer rug, also available at the Mirco Cattai Gallery.

The shops on this iconic Milan street, including Antica Barbieria Colla, will display 30 Scintilla’s pieces studded with Swarovski, which can be admired by customers until 12 June.

Image Credits: Vito Corvasce

Renew your look with Antica Barbieria Colla offers

February can represent the right opportunity to renew your look in view of the ever closer spring, taking advantage of Antica Barbieria Colla products. In fact, the new promotion is active in these days: it allows you to buy some iconic products of our line at a reduced price by the 28th of the month. But which ones to choose? And most importantly, how can you use them to improve your appearance?

New life to hair

There is nothing better than a new haircut to renew your appearance, thanks also to the skill of Antica Barbieria Colla barbers. But how to keep your hair healthy and vital even at home? Here is a series of products on offer not to be missed:

Extra-fixing Hair Wax: it allows to shape the hair, protecting it at the same time, thanks to a formulation based on aloe juice that offers a wet yet not greasy effect;
Almond Shampoo: almond oil has been used for over 4,000 years for skin and hair care, thanks to its essential fat acids and vitamin E. This shampoo is therefore ideal for nourishing the hair, keeping it healthy and reducing the dry effect without weighing it down;
Black Fig Hair Gel: a fixing but ultra-light hair gel, for a soft and non-static effect on the hair. It is perfect for any occasion, thanks also to its delicate fragrance;

The pleasure of shaving

Shaving is an important daily moment for every man, a moment to be lived in complete relaxation, to dedicate to oneself. For an artful shave, however, it is useful to have the right tools and products, both to facilitate the operation and to avoid irritation. For this reason we recommend the following products:

Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap: one of the most popular Antica Barbieria Colla products , it helps to soften skin and beard hairs thanks to the emollient action of almond oil. It creates the ideal conditions for shaving, thus avoiding irritation even in case of particularly sensitive skin;
Shaving Bowl: to better manage the soap and get a perfect “saponata“, it is necessary to use a real barber bowl . Made of polished stainless steel to resist oxidation, it is perfect both for mixing soap and for using the brush;
After Shaving Sun Cream SPF30: even in winter it is necessary to protect yourself from the harmful action of the sun’s rays, especially on the delicate skin of the face after shaving or, again, on the head for those who prefer a completely shaved look. Thanks to aloe, wheat germ and almond oil it offers a calming effect on the skin, while ensuring a long-lasting protection from the sun.

Always perfect beard and mustache

With Antica Barbieria Colla it is easy to take care of beard and mustache, so that they are always in order, soft, shiny and healthy. From a small regrowth of a few days, to a long and thick beard cared for over the years, there are several products not to be missed:

Polishing and Protective Beard Wax: the perfect solution to shape the beard and, at the same time, keep it nourished, soft and shiny;
Extra-Firm Moustache Wax: the ideal product for those who love to sculpt their mustache, without sacrificing their health, beauty and softness. In addition to high-profile fixing elements, this wax contains emollient substances that do not dry the hairs.

A fragrance for everyone

And finally, why not taking advantage of the February promotion to marry a new fragrance? All the colonies of Antica Barbieria Colla are in fact on offer:

Cologne 1: a sophisticated composition, which opens on the notes of bergamot and citrus fruits, and then merges into a bouquet of flowers such as jasmine, ozonica and gardenia;
Cologne 9: from the notes of sandalwood to the accents of lily of the valley and geranium, up to a heart of musk and vanilla. A real crescendo of emotions;
Cologne 0: a debut of birch and bergamot, to reach more intense sensations of juniper wood and mugwort, united by the intensity of vetiver, cedar wood and oak moss;
Cologne 4: a luminous, sunny fragrance, with a combination of lemon, rosemary and lavender opening to a heart of carnation, orange, neroli and jasmine.

Irritated skin after shaving: why it happens and what products to use

Shaving is a daily appointment that many men cannot give up. Those who prefer a face that is always smooth and tidy, in fact, find themselves having to tinker with razors, shaving creams, aftershaves and other products every day. And if the shaving is not done artfully, the skin can suffer. Redness, irritation, cuts and micro wounds: all conditions which, in addition to making one’s appearance less perfect, can also be very annoying.

Yet why does the skin become irritated after shaving and, above all, what products to use to prevent this from happening? Just follow the advice of Antica Barbieria Colla.

Why the skin gets irritated

Daily shaving is not only a moment of pleasure that many men give themselves, but also a necessity that requires attention and delicacy. It is still a practice that involves a certain stress on the skin, for example due to the friction of the razor blades, and consequently a careless technique can cause annoying irritation. So much so that at a dermatological level there is also a specific disorder, called “razor irritation” or “shaving irritation“: it is a condition where the most superficial layers of the skin are continuously damaged due to strong mechanical stress.

But what are the most common causes of red and sore skin?

Dry shaving: many men, perhaps to fix the mild regrowth of a single day, proceed with dry shaving in the belief to save time. And this is perhaps the case: the procedure is faster, but the irritations multiply;
Low quality razor: a low quality razor, perhaps with irregular or excessively worn blades, makes
the possibility of running into cuts and redness more likely;
Too much pressure: it’s time to dispel the false belief that you press the blade hard on your face for a perfect shave, especially in areas where the beard is thickest. It is a major cause of razor irritation;
Poor preparation: the face must be prepared before shaving. First of all with hot water – preferably with compresses with a warm towel – to facilitate the opening of the pores. After that, you need a correct use of the shaving soap, which will have to be massaged for a long time to stimulate circulation, lift the hairs and soften the skin.

What products to use against beard irritation?

Luckily, even the less experienced hands will be able to greatly limit the hassles of shaving, by resorting to some essential products. Among the most popular proposals of Antica Barbieria Colla, we recommend:

- Almond Oil & Aloe Pre-Shave Cream: designed to massage the face before shaving, it favors the sliding of the blade and protects the skin from irritation. Thanks to almond oil and aloe, two remedies known not only for their softening features, but also to calm the skin;
- Apricot Hull Aftershave: rich in vitamins and essential fat acids, it relaxes, tones and calms the skin after shaving. And it not only protects from the action of the razor, but also from the aggressiveness of daily atmospheric agents;
- After Shaving Sun Cream SPF 30: face skin must be cared for and protected not only during the shaving phase, but throughout the day. This is why it is useful to use a sunscreen with SPF30, since the action of UV rays dries and flakes the skin, as well as causing long-term damage. The proposal of Antica Barbieria Colla, thanks to the action of almond oil, aloe and wheat germ, also has a calming and moisturizing, as well as protective effect.

Why to choose an apricot hull aftershave

Why to choose an apricot hull aftershave? This is the question that, in all likelihood, many Antica Barbieria Colla customers will have asked themselves when they noticed this very important ingredient in one of our most beloved products. On the other hand, the beneficial and cosmetic properties of apricot have been known since ancient times, but not everyone is fully aware of the use of its hull and the incredible benefits it can guarantee to skin care.

Choosing the right aftershave is essential to minimize skin irritation due to shaving, nourish the skin thoroughly and limit the aging process. Below, all the useful information.

Apricot hull: which properties

It may seem like a trivial question, but many have wondered what apricot hull is. Yet the answer is not so obvious, as the hull is often mistakenly confused with the stone of a fruit.

In reality, it is the outer shell of the stone itself, that thin layer that separates it from the pulp. It is an element rich in tannins, vitamins and mineral salts and, for this reason, it is an indispensable ally for the well-being of the skin.

In detail, the apricot hull is known to be rich in:

Tannins and essential acids: these include polyphenols and fats of which many vegetables are rich in. They are recognized for their antioxidant properties, in particular for their sebum-regulating action on the skin;
Vitamin E: it is the most effective vitamin to fight the action of free radicals and, consequently, to slow down the cellular aging processes;
Vitamin A: known antioxidant, it acts above all at the skin level, strengthening it and stimulating the production of collagen, at the same time revitalizing the skin, hair and nails.

In other words, apricot hull is a real ally for the face: it lessens inflammation, regulates sebum production, reduces skin dryness and prevents the formation of wrinkles, spots and other imperfections.

Apricot Hull Afterhsave: why to choose it

As already mentioned, the hull of this extraordinary fruit is the protagonist of one of the most loved products of Antica Barbieria Colla: the homonymous Apricot Hull Aftershave. Why to choose it and, above all, use it consistently after the daily shaving routine?

First of all, it is an alcohol-free product and, for this reason, it strongly reduces skin irritations. But that’s not all, as this aftershave also offers other important benefits:

it reduces irritation, deeply nourishing the skin;
it tones and refreshes the face after shaving, thanks to the action of vitamins and essential acids;
it protects the skin, especially from the action of atmospheric agents and pollution.

Last but not least, the non-greasy consistency facilitates its absorption and its formulation makes the aftershave ideal even for particularly sensitive skin. In short, a real ally not to be missed for a skin that is always healthy, soft and nourished, even after frequent shaving.

Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap: how to use it best?

The Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap is one of Antica Barbieria Colla most loved products. Its incredible scent transforms the moment of shaving into a pleasure break to dedicate to yourself, while the soft and compact texture guarantees a perfect result even at home, without irritating the skin. But how to use it best?

Perhaps not everyone knows that, to take advantage of the maximum benefits of our soap, it is useful to follow a specific ritual. In fact, it is not enough to dip the shaving brush in the cream of the soap: for a barber-proof shave, you need to put a few simple tips into practice.

First, let’s have a look at what you need. To make the most of all the potential of the Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap, it is recommended to get:

A brush with resistant bristles, like that of Antica Barbieria Colla, made entirely of natural bleached pig bristles;
A metal or ceramic bowl to hold the soap;
A smaller bowl to whip up the soap itself, for example our polished stainless steel Shaving Bowl.

Once you have everything you need, you can proceed with the so-called “saponata” – this is how we define the action of whipping the soap – following two different ways: let’s see them together.

Saponata if you have a bowl to hold the soap

For those who already have a bowl to hold the soap, the saponata will be very easy to make at home. We start by wetting the brush with hot water, so that the bristles soften and it is easier to collect the soap.

At this point, the brush is positioned on the side of the Almond Oil Hard Shaving Soap and, with a slight push of the hand, you rotate the bowl. This will allow you to collect the right amount of soap on the brush for the shave.

Then, using the shaving bowl, the collected soap is whipped up to obtain a soft and compact consistency.

Saponata if you don’t have a bowl to hold the soap

You should not despair if you do not have a bowl available to hold the soap. Also in this case it will be possible to obtain an artful saponata, with a procedure very similar to that seen previously.

Just take a fairly abundant flake of soap and place it in the shaving bowl and, after thoroughly wetting the brush, proceed with the saponata.

Let’s not forget about the face

To get the maximum comfort and the highest precision in shaving, it is not enough to mount the soap inside its bowl. It is above all useful to distribute it evenly on the face, performing a real saponata while applying it.

With the help of the brush, the soap is applied by massaging for a long time on the area to be treated, with circular movements that allow the product to become more and more creamy and soft. This action, in addition to preparing and lifting the hairs for shaving, helps to open the pores thanks to the action of heat and to significantly reduce irritation due to the razor.