Hi; I'm John and I've been shaving on-and-off for around 2 or-so years. Lately, I've been getting mad razor burn and cuts while the area above my upper lip is red. I use Old Spice aftershave and standard Gillette safety razors. Additionally, I'm having trouble getting a close enough shave - there's always a few small hairs or "stubs" left that I can NEVER cut. Advice?
Welcome to the Den. Sorry, can't chat now - gotta get back to work, but you can start by clicking here.
to the Den! Steve's link to the master sticky is a great place to find everything you need to know. I'm not sure but, your problems could be caused your hair getting coarser/thicker or you may have changed your technique without realizing it. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, I started with 2 bladed disposables and then used electrics for years before started wet shaving. However I'm sure that the more experienced among us will be along to offer their advice. Good luck!
As for your upper lip, that could be from a variety of things. the number one thing you would want to check is your shave prep. Do you shave after a shower, or do you do a hot towel treatment, or do you use some sort of preshave treatment? For me the stubble on my upper lip is about as thick/coarse as that on my chin. Anything less than a nice hot shower or a hot towel (for 5 min) and some proraso preshave, will result in major razor burn and knicks. This being the stubble hasn't has sufficient time to soften. So check on your prep. It may the the issue.
Can you post a pic of the razors you've been using? I'm not sure what a 'standard Gillette safety razor' is?
Welcome John.. ya your lucky you've got the ol' TSD here..we'll sort you out. There was no such a thing in those days when I started shaving so many decades ago and the bad shaves just went on and on. Be sure to ask lots of questions and to look at the master stickys etc...
Welcome to Da Den, Danooch! As for your problem (apart from the sound advice above): which direction do you shave compared to the direction of hair growth (grain)? With the grain (WTG), across the grain (XTG) or against the grain (ATG)? What is the age of the blade you use, what kind of soap (or even goo - ) etc. All can be / are important for your shave result. In other words, please fill us in on how you shave.
In addition to the great responses and questions being asked, I'd just like to point out how far ahead of the curve you are. I JUST started asking these questions myself and I'm about to turn 30!
Hi Danooch, and welcome to The Shave Den! You said that lately you have been getting razor burn and cuts. What did you change in your shaving routine as compared to before? That might help pinpoint the problem. It is more important to get a comfortable shave than a close shave. Once you are getting comfortable shaves, then you can tweak your techique or equipment and take care of those few leftover hairs. In addition, Mantic's videos on YouTube and Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving book nicely complement the information you will find here.
If you're 16 and are starting to wet shave good on ya! Wish I heard of wet shaving or at least a DE razor. Definitely look at Mantic59 and GeoFatboy's vids on youtube. I definitely am not a pro, but I learned a lot from studying those videos and am starting to progress. Things will get better. If you're using a DE razor just keep working on your technique (WTG, XTG and if you can ATG, 30 degree angle and no pressure) and keep experimenting with different creams, soaps, gels and blades. I just changed my blade from a Merkur to a Shark Super Chrome and had my first BBS shave If you're using a multi-blade cartridge razor I'd suggest giving a DE razor a shot. When I was your age I absolutely hated shaving, now I look forward to it. Learning how to shave properly with a DE razor has been rewarding in so many ways. 1) Irritation free shaves 2) show your buddies what you shave with and they be in awe. Also, check out http://www.acne.org/regimen.html Follow the regimen to keep your face clean in between shaves and protect yourself from razor burn. Soon you'll have a skip in your step
Be sure that you allow a lot of water in your prep. Shave after showering and you may even want to moisten your face and apply a good balm every night so that your skin will stay more moist. That can also help reduce the issues of razor burn.
Don't forget especially on your upper lip if it's sensitive NO PRESSURE! And maybe for a week don't go ATG. Hope this helps. Also you might want to switch away from Old Spice, just to rule this out. Maybe your skin doesn't like something in it.
Just wanted to say the tip about the aftershave is very true! For whatever reason, old spice products make me break out and itch so it CAN happen!
