Anyone have any tips on shaving? Razor burn is a bitch.

[misle]

Originally posted by: Kazaam
questions:

1)What product should i use pre shave? or should i not use one?
2)How can i put a mirror in my shower? lol
3)Whats the best shaving cream/gel?
4)Anything i should do right after shaving, or should i just use aftershave?
5)Whats the best scentless aftershave?

1. I use a facial scrub, gets rid of dead skin
2. Buy a Fog Resistant mirror from Walmart (3M makes one for $8)
3. You'll have to try them out and see what you like. I use Nivea or Gillette.
4. After shaving, splash on COLD water
5. I find that using a good facial lotion works better than aftershave.

As always, YMMV.

 

[ManBearPig]

bumpo

 

[ManBearPig]

rebump

 

[Xavier434]

I have the same problem as you. This is what I do:


1. I only shave in the shower or right after I get out. Your face will excrete it's natural oils even 15 min once you get out of the shower. These oils cling to dust and dirt in the air which irritate your skin if they get into the tiny open cuts from shaving. A hot shower also temporarily loosens your skin and softens the hair which is a good thing for shaving.

2. Ditch the electric razor. Get a nice triple blade or quadruple blade razor. Also, use Gillette shaving gel. Electric razors have a tremendously higher chance of you getting ingrown hairs on your neck which is why you sometimes get those huge painful zits there.

3. Shave with the grain. Not against it. It depends on the person when it comes to which direction the hair grows on your neck. For me, I need to shave down my chin, but I need to shave upwards to my jaw line everywhere else on my neck. This makes a big difference.

4. Depending on how fast your hair grows, try your best to shave once every 2-3 days. Not everyday. Your face needs to heal. However, I have found that if you wait too long then the odds of razor burn increases. Experiment to find your happy medium.

 

[Xavier434]

Also, putting on cologne right afterwards is not recommended since you are having this problem. It burns when you put it on right? That is because it is getting in your skin from the tiny cuts. It irritates the skin causing razor burn. I know it is not traditional by any means, but you can spray a little cologne on your wrist and it will have the exact same effect as if you sprayed it on your neck.

 

[Steve]

Hot water softens up your face and hairs first. Shower is ideal, or right after.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

I use the Mach 3 and Gillette Foamy with Aloe. The regular Mach 3 is actually better than the Turbo; I used to cut myself a fair bit with the Turbo . Definitely shave right after you shower, as others have said.

I splash hot water on first and go against the grain everywhere, but I use very short strokes. I use a good facial moisturizer afterwards (Cetaphil). I can only handle the blade every other day - I touch up with an electric on weekdays in-between.

 

[ManBearPig]

Well, i shave my face only with the electric and it never gets razor burn and does a much better job than my gillete fusion. but i shave the rest of my neck with the razor. i sometimes go over my neck just for shits w/ the electric and i think thats not helping.

whats the best shaving cream/gel? best face lotion/aftershave? should i be using any of that pre shave oil or whatever? i actually shaved my neck in the shower and the rest right afterwards and i really liked it. hopefully i can get a mirror in there.

 

[gsellis]

Until triple blade razors, I hated it. The upscale triples are the best, including the disposables. Use them. Also, get a "for sensative skin" version of the brands WalMart sells.

On days where you will be sweating with a collar on your neck, go the extra mile with the moisterizer.

//PS, the guy with the photoshop beard has less hair than I do. Pluck it (even the stash)? No freaking way!

 

[ManBearPig]

name specific products people...i have no idea about these pretty boy moisterizers and proper shaving tools haha.

 

[imported_Imp]

Electric. I barely have any facial hair and I've been using the same (my first) electric shaver for over 5 years. Only way I cut anything is if I push too hard, which I've stopped doing for 4.5 years.

 

[Toastedlightly]

Vibrating razor ftw.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Kazaam
Well, i shave my face only with the electric and it never gets razor burn and does a much better job than my gillete fusion. but i shave the rest of my neck with the razor. i sometimes go over my neck just for shits w/ the electric and i think thats not helping.

whats the best shaving cream/gel? best face lotion/aftershave? should i be using any of that pre shave oil or whatever? i actually shaved my neck in the shower and the rest right afterwards and i really liked it. hopefully i can get a mirror in there.

Get yourself a Beard & Moustache trimmer and Nivea After Shave Sensitive Balm.

Go over your neck with the trimmer, then with the electric razor. Then apply balm all over.

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Kazaam
name specific products people...i have no idea about these pretty boy moisterizers and proper shaving tools haha.

Schick Quattro and Mach 3 are the razors. Also, about the electric razor, they tend to work well for those with thinner and softer facial hair. If yours is thick and stiff then use a regular razor for sure.

 

[ScottFern]

Zia Face Lotion > *

Apply it as soon as your done shaving and your face is dry. That is all.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: DaWhim

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2

Originally posted by: DaWhim
I just got razor burned, but this is because I was too lazy to shave without shaving cream. lesson learned...

I usually pluck....

Pluck!? How the fack can you pluck all your facial hair, unless you only grow like 15 of them.

To the OP, I use a double edge safety razor (merkur futura), with a mug soap from walgreens (contains aloe and shea butter). It's a very good combination. Better than cartridge razor, imo, because it shaves closer and is easier on the skin (once you learn how to not cut yourself). Also, the blades last longer and are cheaper.

Some people claim to be able to shave against the grain, but I suppose that's because their facial hair is flacid and weak. The stubble on my face could sand down a diamond. I shave with the grain and then across it.

I pluck with this. I don't grow beard, it is for mustache. I shave once or twice a month. I pluck every 4-7 days depends how long they grow.

Wow, some Asians really just don't grow at all? Like when I started shaving in HS it was once a month at first, but after 6 months - 1 year I was biweekly easily. By first year college I had to do at least once a week. Now it's twice a week and by the time it comes to shaving I'm already close to having to wear a beard guard at work.

 

[ManBearPig]

So two recommended aftershaves/lotions are Nivea After Shave Sensitive Balm and Zia Face Lotion. anymore? anyone wanna recommend a shaving gel/cream?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Xavier434
I have the same problem as you. This is what I do:


1. I only shave in the shower or right after I get out. Your face will excrete it's natural oils even 15 min once you get out of the shower. These oils cling to dust and dirt in the air which irritate your skin if they get into the tiny open cuts from shaving. A hot shower also temporarily loosens your skin and softens the hair which is a good thing for shaving.

2. Ditch the electric razor. Get a nice triple blade or quadruple blade razor. Also, use Gillette shaving gel. Electric razors have a tremendously higher chance of you getting ingrown hairs on your neck which is why you sometimes get those huge painful zits there.

3. Shave with the grain. Not against it. It depends on the person when it comes to which direction the hair grows on your neck. For me, I need to shave down my chin, but I need to shave upwards to my jaw line everywhere else on my neck. This makes a big difference.

4. Depending on how fast your hair grows, try your best to shave once every 2-3 days. Not everyday. Your face needs to heal. However, I have found that if you wait too long then the odds of razor burn increases. Experiment to find your happy medium.

Yeah, pretty much.

 

[frankgomez75]

Ok, I am a fairly hairy dude, especially on the face.
I used to get bad razor burns, especially around the neck.
This is what I do/use to combat it and it has worked AMAZINGLY WELL!

THINGS YOU SHOULD STOP DOING

1) DISPOSABLE RAZORS- Forget disposables, they suck for ppl who have thick/tough facial hair.

2) SHAVING FOAM/GEL - Forget those shaving gels in a can, they don't penetrate the skin and applying by hand doesn't help to get the hairs to stand up

3) ALCOHOL BASED AFTERSHAVES - Drop the aftershave stuff with alcohol, it burns which is what you don't want


THINGS YOU SHOULD START DOING:

1) Jump in a hot shower and splash your face with hot water. Not scalding hot, but hot enough to help soften the face and open the pores.

2) Start washing your face with something like this >>> Nivea Extra Gentle Face Wash

3) Rinse your face with hot water and dry with a small hand towel or rag. I keep one nearby hanging on the shower rod.

4) Apply Pre-Shave Oil. This is what I use >>>>> Musgo Real Pre-Shave Oil
This stuff helps the razors GLIDE across the face by reducing the friction.

5) Bust out the SAFETY RAZOR! >>>>Merkur Adjustable Double-edge Razor
I use this one because:
a) its adjustable
b) its a SAFETY razor... the head still keeps you from seriously slicing your face off
c) it will last for many many many years, the craftsmanship is AMAZING

6) Insert a QUALITY BLADE such as these >>>>> Feather Platinum Coated Double Edge Razors

7) Get out an get a high quality shaving brush >>>>> Silvertip Shaving Brush
This thing makes sure your shaving soap lathers up and gets it super foam. It helps to raise and lift up those hairs so the blade can cut them down.

8) Prep your shaving foam with your shaving brush, I use this >>>>>>> Shaving Mug Soap Large (Vanilla)

Make sure your face is completely covered in foam.

9) Start shaving WITH THE GRAIN. It's important to let the razor do all the work. My safety razor is nice and heavy so the weight is perfect and I don't have to apply any pressure, especially since the blades are extremely sharp. This compounded with the fact that you have pre-shave oil to reduce friction means a nice sharp blade will glide across your face. Shave the neck area LAST! This will give your neck area time to soften up.

10) Repeat step 9 (not always necessary, you can skip this, its all situational)

11) Lather up one more time, no need to reapply pre-shave oil... trust me a little goes a long way and it will still be there. Now shave AGAINST the grain, again do not apply pressure... these blades should cut thru the toughest hairs easily. Make sure your skin is pulled tight so that the razor can catch those hairs. But I repeat, do not use pressure, let the razor do the work.

12) Now your face should be extremely smooth. Immediately shut off the hot water and start splashing/rinsing your face with cold water repeatedly. All cuts/nicks will usually stop and the pores will close up sealing that smooth shave in.

13) Optional - Bathe as usual except leave your face alone... do not apply anything

14) When you get out, do not dry your face... let it air dry or pat it dry but DO NOT rub your face dry with a towel.

15) After your face has dried up.. use some after-shave BALM! and let it dry on it's own, bout 3 mins. I use this>>>>> Nivea Extra Soothing After Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin

16) Get dressed and get to work feeling fresh and smooth!



My initial costs for the Safety Razor/Silvertip Brush/Soap Bowl/Blades was $200 but I use the blade for 2 - 3 shaves. I bought a 100 pack of blades for $25 - 30.

All in all a shave costs me around $1 a shave but the difference is top notch. After I'm done with my initial 100 blades my cost per shave will be around .20¢ - .30¢ since I'll be able to buy a 100 pack for around $40 and shave around 200 times!

 

[Pshawn5]

so what do u guys use for scars from razor bumps or razor burn? is there anything out there to help them disappear?

 

[alkemyst]

Once I switched to a vibrating type razor (Power Mach III and now Power Fusion), I no longer get razor burn except after shaving when I have been sweating all day.

It's like $3 a blade though...they add up.

 

[ManBearPig]

Originally posted by: frankgomez75
Ok, I am a fairly hairy dude, especially on the face.
I used to get bad razor burns, especially around the neck.
This is what I do/use to combat it and it has worked AMAZINGLY WELL!

THINGS YOU SHOULD STOP DOING

1) DISPOSABLE RAZORS- Forget disposables, they suck for ppl who have thick/tough facial hair.

2) SHAVING FOAM/GEL - Forget those shaving gels in a can, they don't penetrate the skin and applying by hand doesn't help to get the hairs to stand up

3) ALCOHOL BASED AFTERSHAVES - Drop the aftershave stuff with alcohol, it burns which is what you don't want


THINGS YOU SHOULD START DOING:

1) Jump in a hot shower and splash your face with hot water. Not scalding hot, but hot enough to help soften the face and open the pores.

2) Start washing your face with something like this >>> Nivea Extra Gentle Face Wash

3) Rinse your face with hot water and dry with a small hand towel or rag. I keep one nearby hanging on the shower rod.

4) Apply Pre-Shave Oil. This is what I use >>>>> Musgo Real Pre-Shave Oil
This stuff helps the razors GLIDE across the face by reducing the friction.

5) Bust out the SAFETY RAZOR! >>>>Merkur Adjustable Double-edge Razor
I use this one because:
a) its adjustable
b) its a SAFETY razor... the head still keeps you from seriously slicing your face off
c) it will last for many many many years, the craftsmanship is AMAZING

6) Insert a QUALITY BLADE such as these >>>>> Feather Platinum Coated Double Edge Razors

7) Get out an get a high quality shaving brush >>>>> Silvertip Shaving Brush
This thing makes sure your shaving soap lathers up and gets it super foam. It helps to raise and lift up those hairs so the blade can cut them down.

8) Prep your shaving foam with your shaving brush, I use this >>>>>>> Shaving Mug Soap Large (Vanilla)

Make sure your face is completely covered in foam.

9) Start shaving WITH THE GRAIN. It's important to let the razor do all the work. My safety razor is nice and heavy so the weight is perfect and I don't have to apply any pressure, especially since the blades are extremely sharp. This compounded with the fact that you have pre-shave oil to reduce friction means a nice sharp blade will glide across your face. Shave the neck area LAST! This will give your neck area time to soften up.

10) Repeat step 9 (not always necessary, you can skip this, its all situational)

11) Lather up one more time, no need to reapply pre-shave oil... trust me a little goes a long way and it will still be there. Now shave AGAINST the grain, again do not apply pressure... these blades should cut thru the toughest hairs easily. Make sure your skin is pulled tight so that the razor can catch those hairs. But I repeat, do not use pressure, let the razor do the work.

12) Now your face should be extremely smooth. Immediately shut off the hot water and start splashing/rinsing your face with cold water repeatedly. All cuts/nicks will usually stop and the pores will close up sealing that smooth shave in.

13) Optional - Bathe as usual except leave your face alone... do not apply anything

14) When you get out, do not dry your face... let it air dry or pat it dry but DO NOT rub your face dry with a towel.

15) After your face has dried up.. use some after-shave BALM! and let it dry on it's own, bout 3 mins. I use this>>>>> Nivea Extra Soothing After Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin

16) Get dressed and get to work feeling fresh and smooth!



My initial costs for the Safety Razor/Silvertip Brush/Soap Bowl/Blades was $200 but I use the blade for 2 - 3 shaves. I bought a 100 pack of blades for $25 - 30.

All in all a shave costs me around $1 a shave but the difference is top notch. After I'm done with my initial 100 blades my cost per shave will be around .20¢ - .30¢ since I'll be able to buy a 100 pack for around $40 and shave around 200 times!

im gonna try adapting this to my budget, because i definitely dont have that much right now lol. should i still use a pre shave oil before i shave if im not using that blade? also, what shaving cream do you recommend (w/o a brush i dont think i can use the soap, can i?)? and ill get that aftershave balm you recommended--it doesnt have a scent, does it?

thanks for the post, eventually i hope i can get this stuff!

 

[rocadelpunk]

this is my method.

use the back end of the electric (part that flips up) to trim down your hairs as much as possible. Next, use the normal blades of the electric and get as much as possible...take a shower

right out of the shower use a mach 3, 4, 5 whatever (I use a fusion + some nivea sensitive skin gel) and clean up whatever the razor missed.

Use no alcohol aftershave/lotion

I like the fusion a fair bit better than the mach 3 which I used since I received one for my 18th birthday (great marketing)...anyway, it goes over my chin much better w/less irritation/nicking

 

[frankgomez75]

Originally posted by: Kazaam

im gonna try adapting this to my budget, because i definitely dont have that much right now lol. should i still use a pre shave oil before i shave if im not using that blade? also, what shaving cream do you recommend (w/o a brush i dont think i can use the soap, can i?)? and ill get that aftershave balm you recommended--it doesnt have a scent, does it?

thanks for the post, eventually i hope i can get this stuff!

Yeah, the soap requires a brush to apply.
I highly recommend using pre-shave oil, as this definetly makes a difference in reducing friction and thus less irritation of the face.

The after-shave balm from Nivea does have a scent, it's a fresh clean scent. I love it and so does my woman, YMMV. Go to walmart/target and open the box and take a sniff. It's only $5 at walmart I think.

You can still do most the things I recommended just make sure you use FRESH DISPOSABLES the second the razor stops cutting and starts tugging/pulling.

For lather try a foam one rather than a gel and work it into your skin really good and make sure you have no bare patches, this is important.

TRUST ME, shaving used to look like someone to a shotgun to my face, nicks and cuts EVERYWHERE! Now, I can't even imagine ever going back.

The difference between disposables and Double Edge Safety Razors is a disposable is like an Automatic Car... it's convenient, but performance SUX! A DE Safety Razor is like a Standard Car, it's a bitch to learn at first but once you master it, the performance is above and beyond due to control and handle.

Furthermore, it's the initial investment that stops most ppl from going double edge, but if you sit and think about how many years a DE razor and Badger Silvertip Brush will last (many many years), then you will see a higher return on your investment.

To me the disposable razor industry is a complete ripoff. I took the plunge back in February and no way in hell am I ever going back.

There's something about shaving with a heavy double edge blade. The build quality is something to be proud off, the way some of my buddies look at my blade as though it's gonna jump off the sink and destroy them is priceless, and I just look forward to my morning shaves now rather than dread them. It's like your in the zone and getting an amazing shave over and over and over again.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Kazaam

Originally posted by: frankgomez75
Ok, I am a fairly hairy dude, especially on the face.
I used to get bad razor burns, especially around the neck.
This is what I do/use to combat it and it has worked AMAZINGLY WELL!

THINGS YOU SHOULD STOP DOING

1) DISPOSABLE RAZORS- Forget disposables, they suck for ppl who have thick/tough facial hair.

2) SHAVING FOAM/GEL - Forget those shaving gels in a can, they don't penetrate the skin and applying by hand doesn't help to get the hairs to stand up

3) ALCOHOL BASED AFTERSHAVES - Drop the aftershave stuff with alcohol, it burns which is what you don't want


THINGS YOU SHOULD START DOING:

1) Jump in a hot shower and splash your face with hot water. Not scalding hot, but hot enough to help soften the face and open the pores.

2) Start washing your face with something like this >>> Nivea Extra Gentle Face Wash

3) Rinse your face with hot water and dry with a small hand towel or rag. I keep one nearby hanging on the shower rod.

4) Apply Pre-Shave Oil. This is what I use >>>>> Musgo Real Pre-Shave Oil
This stuff helps the razors GLIDE across the face by reducing the friction.

5) Bust out the SAFETY RAZOR! >>>>Merkur Adjustable Double-edge Razor
I use this one because:
a) its adjustable
b) its a SAFETY razor... the head still keeps you from seriously slicing your face off
c) it will last for many many many years, the craftsmanship is AMAZING

6) Insert a QUALITY BLADE such as these >>>>> Feather Platinum Coated Double Edge Razors

7) Get out an get a high quality shaving brush >>>>> Silvertip Shaving Brush
This thing makes sure your shaving soap lathers up and gets it super foam. It helps to raise and lift up those hairs so the blade can cut them down.

8) Prep your shaving foam with your shaving brush, I use this >>>>>>> Shaving Mug Soap Large (Vanilla)

Make sure your face is completely covered in foam.

9) Start shaving WITH THE GRAIN. It's important to let the razor do all the work. My safety razor is nice and heavy so the weight is perfect and I don't have to apply any pressure, especially since the blades are extremely sharp. This compounded with the fact that you have pre-shave oil to reduce friction means a nice sharp blade will glide across your face. Shave the neck area LAST! This will give your neck area time to soften up.

10) Repeat step 9 (not always necessary, you can skip this, its all situational)

11) Lather up one more time, no need to reapply pre-shave oil... trust me a little goes a long way and it will still be there. Now shave AGAINST the grain, again do not apply pressure... these blades should cut thru the toughest hairs easily. Make sure your skin is pulled tight so that the razor can catch those hairs. But I repeat, do not use pressure, let the razor do the work.

12) Now your face should be extremely smooth. Immediately shut off the hot water and start splashing/rinsing your face with cold water repeatedly. All cuts/nicks will usually stop and the pores will close up sealing that smooth shave in.

13) Optional - Bathe as usual except leave your face alone... do not apply anything

14) When you get out, do not dry your face... let it air dry or pat it dry but DO NOT rub your face dry with a towel.

15) After your face has dried up.. use some after-shave BALM! and let it dry on it's own, bout 3 mins. I use this>>>>> Nivea Extra Soothing After Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin

16) Get dressed and get to work feeling fresh and smooth!



My initial costs for the Safety Razor/Silvertip Brush/Soap Bowl/Blades was $200 but I use the blade for 2 - 3 shaves. I bought a 100 pack of blades for $25 - 30.

All in all a shave costs me around $1 a shave but the difference is top notch. After I'm done with my initial 100 blades my cost per shave will be around .20¢ - .30¢ since I'll be able to buy a 100 pack for around $40 and shave around 200 times!

im gonna try adapting this to my budget, because i definitely dont have that much right now lol. should i still use a pre shave oil before i shave if im not using that blade? also, what shaving cream do you recommend (w/o a brush i dont think i can use the soap, can i?)? and ill get that aftershave balm you recommended--it doesnt have a scent, does it?

thanks for the post, eventually i hope i can get this stuff!

There are plenty of quality safety razor handles for way under $200. Same thing with the brushes. It's like any craze, people tend to get into it and then spend at the upper echelon.

If you aren't driving a $80k car, living in a million dollar home...it makes no sense to spend at those types of levels elsewhere unless you really have a passion for it.

That said at current 3 and 4 blade razor prices once would have spent that within a year anyway.