Thanks Yes everyone has been extremely helpful and now I don't feel like I have to figure it all out on my own. Minus the normal trial and error of course!
Welcome it's nice to have you here. If you find you're getting irritation, an alum block or witch hazel can help soothe the irritation. I'll give you a short lesson on how I use each product and tell you where these things can be found. Alum: this can be used to close up your pores and or heal nicks/cuts. After your shave, rinse your face in cold water, wet the alum block, rub the block on your face, let it sit on there for 30 seconds or a minute, rinse off and dry face. Witch hazel: rinse off your face after your shave, pat your face dry, apply a small amount on your hand, rub it in your face like you would an after shave splash. Now remember, what I just told you is the way I do things. It's a suggestion and not a requirement.
I use the witch hazel. Today I tried a moisturizing lotion on my face before hot towel and lather and it worked great. Did to wtg passes and got an extremely close irritation free shave. A little sandpaper feeling along the jaw line and neck chin area. But I think I'm gonna wait a few shaves to try an xtg pass or atg. Ppl are saying to let my face get used to the de experience a lil bit first. I think my technique was more to blame than anything else. Thanks for the advice any idea where I can purchase an alum block at a retailer? Dunno if wall mart carries them?
Wal*Mart doesn't carry them, but if you are desperate to try them, the Crystal (or there's another brand of deodorant right next to them is also made from basically the same stuff). Looks like a clear chunk of rock in a holder. The deodorants sting a bit more than regular alum, though. I personally just use witch hazel and on really rare occasions, a styptic pencil.
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
I make my own, get a small bottle with a stopper, fill it 2/3rds full with castor oil, and top off with olive oil, you can even add a few drops of essential oil if you like, lavender oil works well. Give it a go and let us know how you get on, and by the way..... Welcome to the shave den, good to have you here!!!!
