So I'm pretty new to wet shaving (4 shaves in) and I'm having some irritation issues, as well as not getting a very close shave. I'm using a Weishi 9306 and I've tried several different blades. The Astra I used this morning has given me the least neck irritation so far, but it didn't give as close a shave as the Dorcos (this blade gave me the most irritation) even after 3 passes. I'm using VDH Premium soap with the boar brush in the Premium kit, applying generous lather to a warm, wet face before each pass. Any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong?
hmmm... causes of irritation: - No prep - Poor prep -- some folks like to scrub (exfoliate) the dickens out of their face prior to a shave... not good - Poor technique -- wrong angle, too much pressure - Blade not suitable for your face - Razor not suitable for your face -- too aggressive, too mild (this can cause you to apply more pressure) - Razor/Blade combo not suitable with each other -- different blades will shave differently when used in different razors - Poor lather -- too thin and runny, too dry - Reaction to pre-shave oil or lotion - Reaction to soap or cream - Reaction to the metal in the razor or blade -- some folks are allergic to nickle - Reaction to the brush - Scrubbing too hard with brush - Brush too scritchy - Not wetting face before applying lather - Not wetting face again between passes - Too many passes over same area without re-lathering - Too many passes, period -- I've heard of folks making five passes then wondering why they have razor burn - Going against the grain -- some folks just can't do it - Reaction to aftershave lotion, balm, witch hazel, alum or whatever you're using - Not rinsing off alum completely after application - Scrubbing the face dry after the shave -- gently pat dry Did I leave anything out?
There are so many variables it's hard to say for sure. Experimentation is the key. Try other soaps, try applying a thin layer of lather then cover with a hot wet towel (wet a towel, wring it out and put in the microwave until hot but not scalding) leave it on your face for a minute or two then re-lather and start shaving. Try using a glycerine soap on your beard just before shaving (I like Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil). Maybe a pre-shave oil will help. Try every blade you can get your hands on, and in the end you may find that the Weishi is not for you. Keep at it and when you find that perfect combo of equipment and technique you will be rewarded with the best shaves of your life.
The list of causes is good, but let me offer some advice....... -shave ONLY in the direction of the growth for two weeks (you won't get a perfectly smooth shave) -stretch you skin more (especially important on your neck and under chin) -use much lighter razor pressure on the affected areas and keep your blade angle consistent throughout your shave (a shorter handled razor is easier to maintain proper angle on your neck where folks commonly change angles as they stroke downward) -shave every other day or every 3rd day to let the skin repair -use an astringent to close pores (cold water works as well) -always apply a non-alcoholic shave balm Blades and lather have less to do with irritation than technique........ Now, with the above said, with time you will learn those areas of your face/neck that are prone to irritation and or bleeding. A good test is to use a cartridge razor (gillette) to see if you still get irritation. If you don't then its your technique with a safety razor.
Poor @Joelio, you gave him to many reasons =P I would get confused. I got confused... I must rethink some of my steps, pre and post shave hahaha
I have a good prep before shaving. But after a day or two I get small pimples(mostly on neck and chin), I have no idea why. My post shave routine is, rinse with warm water, stroke skin with alum block(generously), wait a few seconds and then rinse with cold water, and apply l'oreal aftershave. Any pointers?
This is usually a case of bad prep/lathering techniques. I had the same trouble when I started and I thought my lather was good. I was wrong. I blamed a lot of good equipment instead of my bad technique. There is a learning curve to wet shaving. You're going to be bad at it for a while, but you will get better. My suggestion would be to keep the same razor, soap/cream, and brush and just keep shaving. Try different things. Watch videos and then apply some of what you learn until you get the hang of it and figure out what works best for you.
I changed things up a bit this morning: 2 passes instead of 3, face lathering with slightly melted soap (my soap puck broke in half so I melted it into my bowl after careful research to make sure it would work with this particular soap). I built thicker lather this time and tried to use as little pressure as I could as well as paying VERY careful attention to my angle. All that to say: IT WORKED! Not only did I get the best shave I've gotten but NO irritation! Woohoo!! Thanks to all of you for the responses and advice!!
