Shave without nicks?

[Derp]

Hey fellow TBers,

I'm 18 years old and have been shaving since 13.5. With an electric shaver until 16.5, with a cartridge razor until this summer, and with disposable plastic bic(70s style) single blades ever since.

Since I started to shave with a razor, AKA "wet shave", I get at least a couple nicks every time. Usually I'll get a bunch of red spots, mostly over my neck.

I usually shave in two passes: first down and the second diagonally up and across the grain. If I wanna get my face extremely clean, I may do a third pass, diagonally just like the second one.

I usually point my head up when shaving the neck, slightly inflate my cheeks for, well, shaving the cheeks, and open my mouth when shaving around the jaw line.

How do I avoid getting nicks? Also, the last time I used aftershave was probably more than a year ago. Do you think it makes a difference? Personally, other than the burning and tingling I don't usually feel like aftershave makes any difference.

Thanks

 

[Gorn]

and with disposable plastic bic(70s style) single blades ever since.

That's yer problem right there.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I'd love to answer the question, but since I use one of these, I always, Always, ALWAYS nick myself:

 

[Derp]

That's yer problem right there.

Is it? Those five blade ripoffs on an overpriced vibrating stick weren't any better on my skin.
@Killed_by_Death For a while I've really badly been wanting to get a classic double edge safety razor, or possibly even a clamp style shavette straight razor, for I have heard they give a much closer shave. What do you think of yours?

 

[Gorn]

Is it? Those five blade ripoffs on an overpriced vibrating stick weren't any better on my skin.
For a while I've really badly been wanting to get a classic double edge safety razor, or possibly even a clamp style shavette straight razor, for I have heard they give a much closer shave.

The vibration is silly but the multiple higher quality blades should make a difference. Sounds to me like you just have sensitive skin. I use an electric now but before I got the premium blades from dollar shave club. Something like 9 bucks for 5 blades. Good quality and cheap. Get some barbasol for sensitive skin and good razors and try shaving slower and I bet you'll get fewer nicks.

 

[elgecko]

Link Removed

 

[Gorn]

Whatever you do you gotta stick with one shaving method because your skin and your hair gets accustomed to it. Change it up too much and it'll only irritate the skin more.

 

[PillO]

Grow a beard

 

[One Drop]

My tips:

Gillette Sensor double blade cartidges- not too pricey, great close shave. Any closer with those crazy multi-blade monstrosities is not necessary, IMO, and just irritates the skin. Straight razors give great shaves too but it takes tons of practice and isn't worth the hassle unless it's a hobby.

Throw away your canned shaving cream and get a brush and shaving soap or cream in a tube. This is the most important thing by far, prepping your skin and using small amounts of stiff cream or lathered soap.

Work the cream or soap in your hand, a bowl, or on one part of your cheek at the jaw before spreading it with the brush in small circular or back and forth movements on your face, this lifts the beard for a closer shave.

Try to shave the same time every day, after a shower, as it softens your beard and moisturizes your skin, and your body reacts well to routine.

I have found that shaving downstrokes then across the grain gives me a great close shave without irritation- shaving upstrokes the second time irritates my skin too much. You'll get a feel for the lay of your beard quickly enough, I shave across from the ears to the mouth on my cheeks and from right to left, ear to ear, under my chin.

Finally, ice cold water after shaving. Never use alcohol based aftershaves, all they do is dry out your face. Some people use shaving balms or creams for afterwards, I find water lets your skin keep its natural oils and to stay hydrated.

Good luck!

PS: I tried Bic disposables once, it was gruesome, just a horrible hacking dull blade and a cheap nasty feel in your hand, plus insanely and pointlessly polluting. They are Satan's arse razor.

 

[megafiddle]

You are mostly in danger of getting cut if the blade ever moves sideways, in a slicing or sawing motion.

The direction of the blade movement should be at right angles to the edge, in line with the handle.

Should be like this:

. . . . . . ------------------- << blade edge pulled straight
. . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . -------------------

not this:

. . . . . . ------------------- << blade edge pulled, but also moved sideways
. . . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . . . . . -------------------
. . . . . . . . . . . -------------------

-

 

[StyleOverShow]

@One Drop - nothing to add except use your hand to find the direction your face fur is growing.

I use dollar shave too with their shaving gel. No nicks

 

[mellowinman]

NEVER use "aftershave," or alcohol based skin products. Soften your face with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and other such natural ingredients, and give it time to set in. If you are harsh with your skin, your skin will be harsh with you. Plus there is not a single brand of "aftershave" that doesn't smell AWFUL.

 

[Gorn]

Odd how I've been using alcohol based aftershave since I was 14 with no ill effect and have received only complements on the subtle scent. Maybe opinions are subjective and not universally true.

 

[electracoyote]

If there is a consistency to the nicks, you need to tend carefully to those areas. You're either going too hard or in the wrong direction in those spots.

I've got a few "hot spots" on my face, and if I shave in a hurry and forget about them, I'll end up with nicks in those places every time.

 

[farace]

I use a Merkur Slant Bar razor with Gillette Silver Blue blades. (I also have a number of vintage Gillette razors, Schicks, Gems, etc., and I've tried straight razors, but they require too much maintenance for me.) The other half of the process is a nice slick cream whipped up with a badger hair brush. I will never give up on warm lather and go back to cold goo in a can.

The wetshaving version of TB is badgerandblade.com where you'll find an enormous amount of advice and information.

Go to YouTube and look up the series of excellent how-to videos by Mantic59.

After-shave is not going to help, as that's after the fact (though it can help tone your skin after shaving). You need to make sure you prep properly. That can mean many things depending on your particular skin and beard, but always, always start by hydrating your beard. A dry whisker is as tough as steel.

If you do the double-edge razor, you want to try a number of brands of blades and see which works best for you. Many people like Derby blades, but my beard is a bit too tough for them. Feather blades are sharper than anything, but can be harsh. There are a number of different Gillette blades to try, as well as many other brands. Several shave suppliers, such as West Coast Shaving, offer sample packs.

 

[Derp]

Grow a beard

I did for about three month and it was rough and itchy.

 

[5StringBlues]

Stevie Nicks?

 

[farace]

I did for about three month and it was rough and itchy.

I haven't seen my upper lip since the spring of 1979.

 

[Derp]

NEVER use "aftershave," or alcohol based skin products. Soften your face with colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and other such natural ingredients, and give it time to set in. If you are harsh with your skin, your skin will be harsh with you. Plus there is not a single brand of "aftershave" that doesn't smell AWFUL.

I have always wondered why all aftershaves are so heavily scented. All of them reek of douche and meathead "bros".

 

[Derp]

I haven't seen my upper lip since the spring of 1979.

Well I do have a goatee and for a while I had a horseshoe mustache. One thing I like about mustaches is how when you drink beer the stache soaks it up and then you slurp it off the stache. A very funny feeling.