The Colonel’s Journal
Shaving, beards, and the occasional digression into Edwardian speed records.
Latest
BATNA: Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
BATNA Explained in 30 Seconds BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” – essentially, it’s your best fallback option if this negotiation fails.
Will Shaving Make Hair Thicker? Debunking the Myth
Will shaving make hair thicker? The short answer is no. Shaving does not affect the thickness, color, or growth rate of your hair.
What Does Beard Oil Do? Benefits and Tips for a Healthier Beard
Wondering what beard oil does? Simply put, it moisturises your beard and the skin underneath, preventing dryness and itchiness.
Grooming & Guides
How to shave, what to shave with, and what to do when it goes wrong.
Should Men Shave Their Legs? A Complete Guide to Male Leg Grooming
The question of whether men should shave their legs has evolved from a whispered locker room debate to a mainstream grooming...
Shaving Bumps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
This guide is for anyone who experiences irritation or bumps after shaving, regardless of skin type.
Can Women Use Men’s Razors? 4 Key Points To Consider Before Buying Your Razor
Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a dazzling display of razors, tempted by the sleek designs and vibrant colors?
5 Shaving Traditions Across Cultures: A Fascinating Exploration
Shaving traditions around the world vary greatly, but there are some commonalities.
How often should you shave?
Everybody’s facial hair grows at a different rate, which means that each person’s shaving routine is different and...
Should you exfoliate before or after shaving?
Why is exfoliating important? You may get a flawless shave by using new blades and moisturising your face with lotions, however...
How often should you change your razor?
Knowing how often to replace your razor blades boils down to using your common sense to identify when your razor feels dull or...
Why shouldn’t you shave against the grain?
More hotly contested than blue/black or gold/white dresses, the question of whether or not you should shave with the grain or...
4 Reasons Shaving Brushes Are Amazing!
A Shaving Brush You Say? 1. Lifts and suspends hairs The number one reason to use a shaving brush is that it gives you a better...
Shave Your Head like a Boss!
Men shave their heads for different reasons: going bald, wanting to look more dominant, or simply cannot be bothered with...
7 ways to avoid shaving rash on legs and bikini area
We’re a man’s shaving company, so how would we know about avoiding shaving burn/bumps/rash on legs and bikini area?
The Pink Tax: Women Also Pay More Than Men
The pink tax is not a literal tax on pink things, the reality may be worse.
What women should know about a man’s shave
Ladies, I want you to know what a good shave means to a man. It may not seem of particular importance, but given that most men do...
Homemade Barbershop Hot Towel Shave
There are a lot of great things about the experience of getting shaved at a barbershop.
Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors
More and more women are ditching their pink razors and using men’s razors to shave their legs. Why?
Electric Shaver Vs. Wet Shave
Can’t decide what kind of shaving tool to use? There are a lot of differences people don’t always consider; here is...
How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash
You would be surprised how many people shave poorly, a lot of them not realizing, and others switching to electric because they...
Is There An Alternative To Gillette Fusion Blades?
Why are razors so expensive? The Gillette Fusion Blades cartridges made by the well-known brands generally cost about 5p-10p to...
Beards and facial hair
Growing it, keeping it, and where the traditions came from.
The Barber Pole: History, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance
Key Takeaways Walking down any main street, the sight of a spinning barber pole immediately signals where to find professional...
British Army Beards: Embracing Facial Hair After a Century-Long Ban
Can British soldiers have beards now? Yes, as of March 2024, the British Army permits beards after lifting a century-old ban on...
How to Become a Barber: Top Courses and Training Options
Wondering how to become a barber? This guide covers the training options, courses, and apprenticeships that will prepare you for...
The Complete Guide to the Stages of Beard Growth and How to Optimize Them
Want to know the stages of beard growth and what you can expect at each step?
Why Do Men Have Beards? A Look at Evolution and Psychology
A man’s beard exists mainly due to evolution, biology, and social reasons.
Sideburns: The Definitive Trim & Style Guide
Sideburns, the overlooked component in many men’s grooming routine, are a potent tool to craft a signature look.
21 Best Moustache Styles For Men In 2025
Moustaches have long been a symbol of masculinity and style, and they continue to be a popular choice among men today.
World Beard Day: Easy Morning Routine
Greetings on World Beard Day! We have compiled a few simple measures to help you enhance your morning beard routine and increase...
28 Beard Styles For Men & Trends For 2026
Have you stared in the mirror and wondered how to style your beard? Are you bored of your ordinary beard hair?
Keeping Your Beard Stylish With Minimal Effort
So you’ve decided to grow a beard, great! Should be pretty easy, chuck your razor in the bin, wait a couple weeks, then enjoy...
Hair and skin
Above the neck, everything that is not the beard.
Buzz Cut Styles for Men: Trendy Looks for 2025
Wondering if a buzz cut is right for you? A buzz cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle made with clippers, where the hair is...
Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin Care
If you have sensitive skin, you might be wondering if essential oils sensitive skin are safe for you.
Taper Fade: Top Styles for Every Hair Type and Texture
It’s official! The Taper Fade remains as one of the most popular styles for men’s haircuts around the world.
Sea Salt Spray For Hair: What Does It Do & Is It Good For Your Hair?
Sea salt spray has become a popular hair product among enthusiasts and professionals alike, heralded for its ability to transform...
Different Hair Types For Men: The Ultimate Guide
Understanding the differences in hair types is not just about aesthetics for men; it’s about embracing and managing your natural...
How Fast Does Hair Grow? (and How To Make It Grow Faster)
Understanding how to achieve faster hair growth and the various factors that contribute to hair growth rate is essential for...
Top 5 Essential Oils for Radiant Skin
Essential oils have been used for centuries in skincare. They are believed to have healing properties that can help to improve...
The Ins and Outs of a Healthy Face and Scalp
Face and scalp health are crucial to giving you the complexion and hair growth you need to look your best.
54 Men’s Hairstyles To Keep You Sharp in 2025
No offense, but we bet you can’t tell more than 10 hairstyles for men… We knew it! Feel free to scroll down and find...
How To Get Thicker Hair
Relax. You’re not alone. Most adult men of a certain age have experienced The Moment.
Botox for men: Should I get ‘Brotox’?
Botox For Men: Brotox – the facts Here we’re going to discuss whether there’s a place for Botox® in the grooming regime of the...
How To Pick The Perfect Pair Of Glasses
It can be a bit of an ego hit when a friend has a great pair of shades, but then you find that you just can’t pull them off.
Sharp thinking
Persuasion, habits, and the occasional strong opinion.
Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success
Want to achieve your goals effectively? SMART goals offer a clear framework.
Planned Obsolescence: Impact and Solutions for Consumers
Planned obsolescence is the deliberate design of products with a limited lifespan, forcing consumers to buy replacements sooner...
How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
Want to know how to build confidence? This guide offers practical advice on developing self-assurance and facing life’s...
What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained
Occam’s Razor, a scientific and philosophical principle, has a long and storied history.
Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings
Body language is a powerful tool that can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions without the need for words.
Cold Shower Benefits: Why They Are Great For You
Cold showers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! There are many benefits to taking cold...
7 Essential books Every Man Needs to Read
You are what you read… Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate links to Amazon, The Bearded Colonel may earn a commission...
10 Ways to Be Your Most Miserable Self
So you woke up today wanting to be miserable… There’s nothing like a dash of misery in the morning to start off the day on...
5 Rules of Expert Negotiators
Here’s a potentially uncomfortable truth: nearly every interaction you have with someone is a negotiation of some...
How to tell the room you’re a strong leader
Whether you’re a C-suite executive or not, there are going to be times when you want to have the aura of leadership about you.
Be Interesting: The Art of Storytelling
We’ve talked about how to increase your personal magnetism and given you topics to endear others to you.
Live Free: Old Habits Die Hard
Whether you realize it or not, your daily life is largely comprised of countless habits.
Topics to Endear Others And Keep A Conversation Going
It’s one of the most dreaded moments in a conversation – the awkward silence.
Flexible Dieting: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
When thinking of “dieting” most men think of small portions and bland food.
5 Tips From A Con Man On How To Handle Being In Over Your Head
We’ve all been there: you talked a big game and now it’s time to walk the walk, but you have no idea what you’re doing.
Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success
John D. Rockefeller: American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and billionaire.
5 Ways To Increase Your Personal Magnetism
Some men seem to be imbued with charm and charisma. People follow them and label them natural leaders.
Sticking To Your Resolution: Getting In Shape!
Right, it’s not the first time we’ve found ourselves here; new year and an old resolution – get in shape...
Clothes and kit
What to wear, what to carry, and what to give.
Business Casual Attire: A Complete Guide for 2025
What is Business Casual and Why It Matters Business casual dress code bridges the gap between formal business suits and casual...
Best Subscription Boxes For Men
We can’t stress enough how lifesaving subscription boxes can be.
The Interchangeable Wardrobe
An interchangeable wardrobe is a smart wardrobe. Have a think about your wardrobe; likely you have several outfits that are...
How To Dress Smart In The Summer Heat.
It’s not easy for men to look smart during the summer. Smart fashion for men is generally designed for colder weather.
A Great Gift For Men
Still searching for good gifts for a man in your life? Most men don’t do anything special or nice in their morning shaving...
Top 5 Subscriptions For Father’s Day
Yup, it is right around the corner and you haven’t found anything yet.
Curiosities
History, disasters and unlikely feats. The journal's other habit.
How To Make Yourself Burp: 8 Methods To Try
Congratulations! In coming here, you’ve taken your first step towards mastering the ancient art of belching on command.
Future predictions from the early 1900s
“Experts” trying to predict what marvels the future will hold is nothing new as these cards from just over 100 years...
A 1952 jet-boat on Loch Ness breaks the speed record, at high cost
The British motorist John Cobb spent the 1930s and 1940s breaking land speed records.
NASA intentionally crashed a Boeing 720 and it still went badly
In December 1984, NASA and the FAA intentionally crashed a Boeing 720 passenger jet.
Weather proverbs that are actually true
You’ve likely heard “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning sailor take warning”.
Operation Dynamo: The Manmade Miracle
The fleet set sail on May 26th, 1940, crossing the English Channel towards the French town of Dunkirk.
No Joke, You Can Build A Warp Drive
Space is a really big place, even our own cosmic neighborhood is huge; with current technology, it takes 2 years to get to...
13 Tips For Great Holiday Pictures
Despite the fact that your smartphone may be boasting 20 or 30 megapixels, that little camera is severely limited due to its tiny...
The 1908 New York To Paris Auto Race
Yup, auto race. From New York City to Paris. In 1908. Also, it was winter.
Murder Mystery Onboard A Burning Prohibition Ship
Between 1930 and 1934 the SS Morro Castle made lucrative trips between New York and Havana, Cuba.
How To Make Beef Stroganoff
With the cold winter months arriving, it’s time to start learning how to prepare some of your favourite winter meals.
The Soldier No One Told
“You are absolutely forbidden to die by your own hand. It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens...
Old Time Halloween Pictures
Back in the day, people used to make their Halloween costumes instead of buying them in shops.
Flying To The Roof Of The World: Mount Everest’s Peak
In April 1933, Sir Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, otherwise known as Lord Clydesdale, and Major Stewart Blacker prepared to fly...
How To Make The Perfect Burger
All men are expected to have a handful of dishes that they can expertly prepare.
Executing A Perfect Handbrake Turn
There are a lot of reasons why a man may need to use the handbrake turn, taking the lead in a race, shaking some pursuers with a...
Ernest Shackleton: Survival At The World’s End
In September of 1914, the antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton set sail with 27 men onboard the Endurance.
The Secret Strategies Of Arm Wrestling
The arm wrestle, a one to one test of pure brute strength and manliness.