Hi, I've been researching DE shaving and I have a few questions that I haven't found answers to yet before I dive in. #1 I'm a natural blonde, like Swedish reindeer farmer blonde, which means most of my hair is EXTRAORDINARILY fine. I've never been able to get a cartridge razor to pick up the ultra-fine hair I have above the knee and even when I was going to a salon for waxing, the hair was too fine to really have a good grip with the wax and it wouldn't all go. Is this a challenge that can be met by a DE? #2 I like the idea of the ritual of the shaving soap and am intrigued to try it, but if I'm in a hurry, will standard shaving cream work with the DE, or not? #3 Is shaving with the DE in the shower much more laborious than using a cartridge razor (this isn't a deal breaker, I just like to know what I'm getting into before I commit). #4 Where can I find the best instructional videos to learn the technique? #5 I'm a little to butch to rock the pink stars, is there a less...bedazzled razor that would be recommended for women? That's all I have at the moment.
Hi. I am not a woman, but would like to suggest any type of adjustable DE razor. Gillette makes 3 varieties and you can find them on E Bay, or Merkur makes 3 different styles of adjustables as well. The big advantage is the higher the setting, the more blade exposure and a closer shave. As far as technique, I'm sure some of the ladies here will offer their best set up, but in any case, the key to a bloodless shave is proper angle and NO pressure. There are videos on youtube by Mantic that shows how to with the face. I have never seen a vid on leg shaving but can imagine the similarities are very near the same. Wish I could offer more, but never have shaved my pins. As far as using canned cream, yes it will work but no nearly as well as a brush and a shave cream or soap. Those give you the best slickness and help to prep the hairs and skin for the closer shave. Best of luck!
Welcome to the Den! #1 - I have very fine hair above the knee as well and on the outside of my thighs. It is removed completely using a DE or SE razor. #2 - I have found that even when I am in a hurry I have time to whip up a cream or soap. Another alternative (and one I used when I first started using a DE) is to use a pump-style cream (such as Kiss My Face) and load it directly into the brush, hand lather, and then apply to your legs. You can use a cream, but I have found that the brush exfoliates my legs and I get a closer shave. #3 - I always shave in the shower. I don't notice a difference. In fact, I get such a close shave that it takes me less time because I don't have to go over an area more than once. #4 - I can't help much with the videos. I learned the techniques watching my husband. I hear that Mantic's videos are the ones to watch. They can be found on YouTube. #5 - I have used several different DE and SE razors. My go to is the Gillette Stars, I like the longer handle. However, any DE will do. I have used the Krona, the Gunmetal Weishi ... and many more. The Krona and Weishi are a little mild for my taste but they give a fine shave with the right blade. Good luck on your journey, it is well worth the ride!
Thanks to all of you for your tips. I decided to go with a Gillette Women's blue star (once I saw it and realized it didn't have actual stars I figured it would be fine) I ordered it and am waiting to receive it. I will probably upgrade to an adjustable at some point, but for now I figured I'd start here. Any reccomendations on blades for a rookie DE shaver?
Blades are a your mileage may vary thing. What seems like the best blade in the world to me could be complete rubbish for you. Order a sampler pack and enjoy going through it.
I also have ultra-fine hair, although mine is black rather than blonde. I did my first DE shave last night, and the brush/foam were extraordinarily helpful in getting all those tiny hairs to stand up so they could be cut and not slip under the blade.
