Chemical shaves. What do you think of when you hear that? I just tried a new depilatory (chemical shave) formulated especially for the needs of Black men.   Generally, I do not recommend depilatories for shaving the face. Black men who have problems with razor bumps have turned to depilatories in the past to avoid the horrors of the razor blade.  But, these depilatories have been even harder on the skin than the razor.  Products like Shaver’s Choice and Black Opal for Men have made it possible for men who could not shave before to control the razor bumps and get a good shave.

Recently, I became aware of a product called Formula 103.  Formula 103 was specifically formulated  to be a skin replenishing ointment as well as a depilatory. The product was designed to be extremely sensitive to skin and actually comes in two strengths.  We grilled the manufacturer.  We were assured that Formula 103 was different than what was on the market and had been tested, reformulated, tested again and reformulated again until they got it right.

I did a patch test on my arm to make sure there was not an allergic reaction.  It’s wise to do a patch test on any product you ‘re going to put on your face or on your head.  While the chances of allergic reaction are extremely low, they are always there.  People are allergic to all types of normally benign things (wheat, milk, peanuts).  If you’re going to have a reaction to something, better to have it on a 1″ square of your arm than all over your face or head.  I’m not allergic to anything.  But, I thought better safe than sorry.  Patch test turned out fine. All systems go.

As you can see from the before picture, I put Formula 103 to a pretty serious test. I’m pretty sure my beard was over the 1/8th inch they had on the instructions. I wondered what would happen.  I skipped washing my face this morning, grabbed my camera, took a few shots and applied the cream to my dry face.  The aroma of the new formula is actually quite pleasant.  I remember my uncles using Magic Shave® back in the day.  That stuff would stink up the whole house.  There was just a slight tingling as I applied the product.  Nothing unpleasant.  No burning or severe itching.  I’ve done microdermbasion on my face several times.  This reminded me of that feeling.  I don’t suffer from severe razor bumps.  But, I do get small ones occasionally.  I had one that was healing and I wondered if this stuff would dig down in there and burn me up.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that it did not. While it did remove the scab that had formed, it did not burn and I am no worse for the wear.  When it was time to remove the cream (I used the stronger formula and left it on for about 10 minutes while I checked email), I grabbed a damp washcloth and got ready for the reveal.  Before beginning the removal of the cream, I looked and thought “It didn’t work.” What was weird, is the hair looked like it had been permed.  It was all laying down, smooth. But, I couldn’t tell if it was ready to come off.  I gently rubbed with the washcloth (very gently) and some came off.  I rubbed just a little harder and it all began coming off.  After just a couple of minutes, my face was completely clean.  After removing the cream, there was a little tingling.  Maybe for 5 or 10 minutes.  I really didn’t notice how long it lasted.  I didn’t apply any moisturizer or after-shave to my face afterwards and a couple of hours later, it still feels smooth.  No after effects at all.

Here’s more on Formula 103, including answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to see close ups of the pictures, click here:

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Spectral DNC® is the world’s most effective topical hair loss treatment.

• Clinically proven to work faster than Rogaine®
• Works on the entire scalp, including frontal baldness
• Grows normally strong & healthy hair
• Combines the finest, research grade ingredients, including Aminexil®

Spectral DNC offers new hope to those who suffer from baldness and hair loss. Spectral DNC® is a new medication that incorporates Aminexil® a new, breakthrough compound. Aminexil is the only other topically applied molecule aside from Minoxidil that is clinically proven to re-grow hair.

In addition to the powerful combination of ingredients, a major advantage of Spectral DNC® is that the active ingredients are encapsulated in nanosomes. Nanosomes are micro-spheres that are 200 times smaller than human cells and penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and release the active ingredients gradually over a 15 hour period. This technology dramatically boosts the effectiveness of the active ingredients since they are absorbed much deeper into the skin. Spectral DNC® is faster and more effective then Rogaine®. Spectral DNC® works both on the vertex of the head and the frontal hair line. Spectral DNC® gives the best chance of growing normally thick and healthy hair and works on people who previously did not respond to Rogaine® treatment.

Key ingredients:

• Minoxidil 5% (meets EP and USP specifications)
• Procyanidin B-2 & C-1
• Adenosine
• Aminexil SP94
• Retinol
• Nanosomes
• Copper Peptides
• Vitamin & Mineral Complex

Please read all instructions before ordering or using

The Bump Fighter Disposable Razors have been improved. They now have a pivoting head for a closer, more comfortable shave. They still use the same great technology that allows men prone to razors bumps to get a smooth comfortable shave with a razor.

The three men’s shave products now available from Black Opal are bundled in the Black Opal Razor Bump Solution Shave System. The Anti-Bump Cleanser is only available as part of the kit which includes: Anti-Bump Cleanser, Anti-Bump Shave Gel and Anti-Bump Treatment. The shave gel and treatment are still sold separately, as well as in the kit.

Black Opal has completed the restructuring of their men’s shaving products line. All the old items are either gone or in limited supply. The shave gel and razor bump recovery treatment have been replaced in a one-for-one fashion. They are still available, just in different packaging and with slightly different names.
The three men’s shave products now available from Black Opal are bundled in the Black Opal Razor Bump Solution Shave System. The Anti-Bump Cleanser is only available as part of the kit which includes: Anti-Bump Cleanser, Anti-Bump Shave Gel and Anti-Bump Treatment.

Items in red are sold out:

For details, see below:

• Black Opal Pre-Shave Daily Cleanser- for a preshave cleanser (outside of the Black Opal Kit), the recommended replacements are below. All exfoliate and soften skin to provide a clean, drag free shave.
  • Ajuven Botanical Facial Scrub
  • African Male Smooth Face Scrub
  • Shaver’s Choice Towelettes
• Black Opal Clear Shave Densitizing Shave Gel- Black Opal has replaced it with a similar shave gel
  • Black Opal Anti-Bump Shave Gel
  • African Male Shaving Gel
  • Shaver’s Choice Foaming Shave Gel
• Black Opal After Shave Relief Lotion can be replaced with
  • Shaver’s Choice After Shave Skin Therapy
• Black Opal Razor Bump Recovery Solution is gone and has been replaced by
  • Black Opal Anti-Bump Treatment

We are happy to introduce a new razor blade to our line-up. The Bump Fighter razor is designed specifically to prevent razor bumps by cutting the hair at the right length and angle to prevent regrowth back under the skin and by keeping the blade slightly elevated from the skin, preventing irritation.

The Bump Fighter razor is available in a disposable form and with a reusable handle that uses replaceable cartridges. Check it out now.

It’s not often enough that we have something to offer to the fellas. African American men have pretty much been ignored by the skin care and grooming industry. Besides our own Ajuvèn line, we haven’t found a single luxury line of products for black men, until now. Treasured Locks is happy to announce our partnership with MenEssentials to bring you African Male products. All African Male products are made using Aloe Ferox (called Ikhala in South Africa). The products are made in South Africa and a portion of the profits are returned to South Africa. So, when you use the products, not only are you taking great care of your skin, you’re helping out the South African Xhosa.

Ladies, these products make great stocking stuffers!

We have tried out the products ourselves and have found them to be up to our high standards. So, take a look at them and give them a try. You’ll be glad you did: African Male Products by MenEssentials
The products are:

• Smooth Face Scrub- gentle exfoliating scrub that helps smooth skin, prevent acne and help with razor bumps and shaving problems.
• Face Wash- gentle face gel that cleans without over-drying
• Shower Gel- lightly scented shower gel with Aloe Ferox to prevent dry skin
• Eye Cream- reduces puffiness, wrinkles and dark areas around eyes
• Moisturizer- dual-purpose face moisturizer and shave balm
• Glycerin Citrus Soap- man-sized bar of glycerin soap with invigorating aroma and moisturizing Aloe Ferox
• Shave Gel- smoothing shave gel that helps prevent skin irritation which can lead to razor bumps, acne, etc.