Shaving newbie! Help... I think?

[Kwesi]

So I just shaved "for real" for the first time maybe a week ago. Before then I'd had a barber just take a shaver to my beard maybe twice, and done it myself once. I rarely need to because my beard grows in really slow (which I'm thankful for because I really only want my mini-stache anyway). This time I got shaving powder and a spoon... I should probably explain that a bit: My dad has really rough skin under his beard that cuts easily with razors so he uses this powder that you mix with water and plaster-cast your beard with. After maybe 5 mins he wets it again and shaves with a plastic spoon. I didn't want to look scruffy going back to school to he gave me the stuff and I went through the whole routine. It seemed like it turned out great at first, smooth skin, no irritation or bumps then maybe 3 days later I broke out with bumps all over where I applied the powder. Thank God my beard is only under my chin. Anyway, they don't itch but they're a little sensitive and they don't seem to be going away despite daily washing.

Any idea what these bumps are and how can I get rid of them? Thanks.

BTW, this is the stuff that I used:

[Joe Gress]

Most likely? Reaction to your face being shaved so very little. Start shaving everyday, it will get much better.

Another possibility? Your allergic to the brand. Try out different shaving creams and gels and see which one works the best for you.

[LaklandBass]

i noticed that i get no issues when using titanium blades.

[illidian]

Could be an allergic reaction to something, but it could also be your body freaking out over a plastic spoon shave.

In any case, my advice is to keep having your barber do it.

[Munjibunga]

I've been shaving for over 45 years, and I have to say I believe this is going to turn out to be a very fun thread.

That is all.

[gold_member_321]

Why shave? You've already ruined No Shave February for yourself.

[MakiSupaStar]

Before shaving your face which anyone can see, you should practice by shaving your junk which no one ever sees.

[All_¥our_Bass]

Shaving with a spoon!?!?

[Scott1]

The product description on the mfg website says:

"Shaving Powder Gold
(5 oz)
A depilatory formulated especially for black men to help fight razor bumps. Provides a fragrant razorless shave. (Fragrance)"

Where does the spoon come in?

[Raven2k360]

It could be a skin reaction like mentioned, but that generally happens right away...not 3 days later. What is most likely the case, since this stuff seems to be like Nair, is that you have a bunch of ingrown hairs, which are the really sensitive bumps. This generally happens when the hair is cut below the surface, like when shaving against the grain, or if it's chemically burned (a la Nair), which burns the hair off to just below the surface.

[stylonpilson]

That stuff looks horrid. I wouldn't put that on my face.

The way I see it, you have two options. If you want a close shave, then you're going to have to wet shave like a grown-up. If that causes your skin to cut too easily (even with new blades) then use a beard trimmer, and accept that you're always going to have at least a little bit of stubble.

S.P.

[Asa Samuel]

If you can't be bothered wet shaving every day just get an electric razor with a foil and run that over your stubble every day. That's easy enough isn't it?

[Rawkabilly]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Before shaving your face which anyone can see, you should practice by shaving your junk which no one ever sees.

You could even experiment with different shapes. Perhaps a heart or a lightning bolt?

[DudeistMonk]

Just get regular shaving cream and a razor and try that...My beard is really light (red for whatever reason) and I just use a side burn style trimmer every once in a while, but it takes days for my beard to show (it grows but its too light to see).

[Phalex]

Originally Posted by Scott1

A depilatory formulated especially for black men to help fight razor bumps. Provides a fragrant razorless shave. (Fragrance)"

I have no experience with a black man's beard whatsoever. I understand that razor bumps are a P.I.T.A. however.

I have to admit, I am a bit curious as to the correct answer.......

[Bassisgreat]

Shaving with a freaking spoon. Now I've heard everything. Maybe try switching to a spork. FLknifemaker knows where you can get some nice ones.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Does that powder make shaving cream or hair removal cream?

Either way, could just be a reaction to it.

As has been said, just try to shave regularly with a regular razor (and different brand of cream), and you should be fine.

[Bassisgreat]

on a slightly more helpful note, I agree that it sounds like a reaction to the product or ingrown hairs. In either case, try switching brands. Hope it works out for ya, man.

[Jimmy Bones]

The ingrown hair theory makes the most sense to me.

[playinpearls]

Originally Posted by All_¥our_Bass

Shaving with a spoon!?!?

+1


an internet search pulled up nothing but this thread....what gives!?