Results of my first wet shave! (and some questions)

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SharpSpine
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Post by SharpSpine »

Squire wrote:Razor burn burn is skin abrasion and the usual culprits are too much pressure or shaving too fast. Easy does it.
This has been my experience. A slower, lighter touch (think almost negative pressure) and my shaves transform from lots of irritation to none. I have to keep my strokes short too. A longer stroke will do me in.
> Brian < Shave On & God Bless!!

Mongoose B1 + Hempel Spiral; Feather Pro
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Quarterstick
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Post by Quarterstick »

olufadi1 wrote:The bad. The irritation is lingering! Maybe this is people call razor burn? I am not sure exactly what it is though (it might also be my hair growing back again so i hope its not ingrown hairs). I try to soothe the irritation with hot/cold water and the preshave that I bought. And I am fighting to urge not to scratch! Ha. Are there any good products or ways to soothe irritation?
Outside of the technique issues, a post shave that helps sooth and seems pretty popular is witch hazel. I just added this to my line up and it helps me.

Thayer's is the brand I got and seems to be the used by many on the forum although I think pretty much any brand would work. From what I could gather lower alcohol is desirable. Thayer's also has an alcohol free line, but these contain additional ingredients so I stuck with the standard. Somewhat counterinuitive, Thayer's makes a product they lable After Shave, which looks to have the exact same ingredients as the standard, but with more alcohol.
Andy

An elephant for a dime is only a good deal if you need an elephant and you have a dime.
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Squire
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Post by Squire »

I like the alcohol for it's cleansing and antiseptic qualities but it doesn't agree with all shavers.
Regards,
Squire
brothers
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Post by brothers »

I like the way alcohol makes my face feel.

On the subject of razor burn, slower speed and a light touch might help avoid it.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
alcx77
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Post by alcx77 »

Welcome aboard. You may find that as your proficiency improves blade and razor combinations which have given you trouble before become a different story.
olufadi1
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Post by olufadi1 »

Thanks!

I am still recovering from the razor burn under my chin (it seemed to get worse with time :-s... buts its almost done healing), but I went ahead with my second shave excluding the chin area.

I used the Crystals CMur12 so graciously offered me and It made for a good shave. I used shorter strokes and slowed down also. I was going to only do 2 passes WTG, but I guess because my technique is still shaky some of the hair in my mustache area was still pretty visible, so I went with 3 passes WTG. Also, my lather was MUCH better this time. I took the time to work up a good one till i saw the foamy tip at the end of my brush (what is this called? I feel like I've read it somewhere before).

All in all I think it was a good shave, and I think my technique is getting a little better. The real test though comes once under my chin is healed and I attempt to do that area again!! I hope it goes better next time!
olufadi1
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Post by olufadi1 »

speaking of under the chin, are there any tips you guys might have for this area? I think I have read its important to learn the contours of your face and try and shave in sections of flat regions. So I don't know if you guys can really give me any tips here, but this is definitely the most challenging area for me.
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Ouchmychin
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Post by Ouchmychin »

When I was having problems on my chin or under my nose, I found that very short strokes helped a lot. I don't use soaps but I have posted my method many times and it would only lead to confusion so you will have to learn how to shave. If I had severe razor burn, I just quit shaving until the area healed. Repeated attacks on my skin only makes the irritation worse. I agree too that witch hazel is the least irritating after shave product for me.
Ouchmychin (Pete)
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Squire
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Post by Squire »

The under chin area is problematic for many of us. I handle it slowly, carefully and without any pressure.
Regards,
Squire
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