Hey guys, first post here and excited! As I am eager to learn more I am extremely frustrated so far haha. I am 25 and have been shaving since I am 16. I have used everything (or what seems to be everything) starting with 2 blade razors, to the mach III to the fusion 5 blade, electric razors and about 2 weeks ago I bought my first merkur DE razor. My major issue has always been razor bumps on my neck. I cant even explain how frustrated I get when I think I get a nice shave and about an hour later I have tons of bumps on my neck, I look like a young boy with a ton of acne! I think the only times I dont get razor burn is when I use an electric. (But I want the smooth face ) I am currently using pre shave oil, a badger brush and aftershave balm. I think my technique is pretty good, considering I dont cut myself anymore, and I barely apply any pressure. A big issue is the direction of the growth on my neck. It swirls a lot and I feel like I am always shaving against the grain. (To be honest it is difficult to even map it out) From the videos on youtube, it says to go N-S on the first pass, but again I feel like doing that will be going ATG at some points. A main reason I started shaving with the DE razor is because I was told that it would eliminate the irritation and razor bumps, so hopefully Im just doing something wrong and it can be concurred. Well Im sorry to be complaining my first post, I look forward to being apart of this community, and I am excited I found myself a new little hobby. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, THANKS!
Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Welcome man, nice to have you here. Everyone is real chill. It takes some practice, but you'll get the hang of it real quick.
Welcome to The Shave Den! What kind of blades are you using? If you haven't done so yet, you should look into buying a sampler pack of blades. Not all blades are the same, and there is no "perfect blade for everyone". A sampler will help you find the right blade for you.
...to The Shave Den family! Be sure to stop by The Shave Den "Master Sticky" thread to familiarize yourself with the rules and different areas of The Shave Den!
Hello Sendro27 and welcome to the Den. Never mind what people say on YouTube about how to shave your neck, I had similar challenges and figured my own needs out as I went along. I myself have to shave the lower part of the neck S-N and the upper (from the jaw lines down to the level of my Adam's apple or tehreabouts). That's my first pass. I go XTG on the lower and middle section of the nech for the second pass, that'll do it. If you read and ask around here, many people will give you excellent advice and we all will most likely tell you "YMMV" as every aspect of this is really different from individual to individual.
Welcome from another newb, sendro! I wish I had lots of good advice for your neck issue, but I feel confident in at least saying that there's enough collective experience here that you are likely to be able to find good help for your issue.
to TSD.... One of the bad things about options is in the beginning they can be confusing and frustrating... Your on the right track however, just be patient. It's amazing how with time and a small effort things can improve sometimes seemingly overnight. I'm always working to improve my technique. That said I would agree with JoAnna that a large sampler pack is a must! You'll be amazed at how different many of the blades will feel and act on your face. EXAMPLE: I ABSOLUTELY hate Derby blades, BUT love BlueBirds and they're made in the same factory?? Go figure.. You didn't mention what blade your using,so while "YMMV" heres a few that have been good for me: Astra SP Bluebird Hi-Stainless Red Personna Platinum Gillette 7o'clock Green pack The GOOD news is the PERFECT blade for you is out there... The BAD news is YOU have to find it Although really thats part of the fun!! You might want to consider a milder razor also such as a SuperSpeed,Fat Handle tech or Feather popular all are relatively inexpensive and to the mild side. Enjoy your time here and your shave....:
Hi! Welcome to the Den. Make sure you check in and sign up for the October Newbie Give-Away. I'll agree emphatically with what others have said about blades. Derby blades really tear my neck up. They're fine on my cheeks, but my neck... forget it. That being said, some folks do like 'em. Here's some info on what blade is the best
Thanks for all of the info guys, really appreciate it! I am currently using a Gillette platinum razor. As far as the direction, even though my grain goes every which way, should I still go N-S first pass? Thanks again!
to TSD, Sendro. What kind of pre shave oil and shave cream\soap are you using. Also, do you use Witch Hazel or an Alum block after your shave? Witch Hazel is like a miracle tonic for some folks, using it right after the shave. I did not have a real problem per se with bumps, but did occasionally have something pop up. After switching to cold water shaving and using an Alum block or witch hazel, I dont have any irratations anymore. Again, YMMV as it does for most everyone here.... just a thought.
http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/another-noob-seeking-advice.29618/ This thread might give you some ideas on fixing your problem. Not exactly the same situation, but close.
welcome i had a similar problem when i started but with time and practice no more irritation i use Derby and personna red
Hello and welcome to the Den! I had problems with grain direction on my neck, i can't really do a stroke wtg without getting at least a little xtg a centimeter aside, but a hot shower before shaving to soften the hair and regular shaving with a sharp blade sort out my problems, even if I catch some of the beard hair xtg it shaves off more or less smoothly , especially when i shave with a shavette
Hi Sendro! After reading the above, I can't really add much to all good advice. So I'll keep it simple. Welcome th The Shave Den and Happy Shavings!
