Shaving Tips?

[CapnSev]

I used to break out horribly on my neck and chin until I started shaving in the shower. I don't even use cream or gel; just soap, and I wash my face and neck after I'm done shaving to keep my pores clear. Since I started, I never get irritation unless I'm using an old, dull blade. Don't waste your time with cheap razors... buy a good one like Mach 3 or a Fusion (or a straight blade, if you dare). Your face will thank you.

^ Huge +1!

The Schick Quattro Titanium does wonders for me, and I shave a lot (I'm a pretty hairy dude, plus I shave my legs for the bicycle racing that I do). The blades on that razor last a very long time, and they irritate mr the least of any blade (besides a straight razor).

 

[MakiSupaStar]

I used to break out horribly on my neck and chin until I started shaving in the shower. I don't even use cream or gel; just soap, and I wash my face and neck after I'm done shaving to keep my pores clear. Since I started, I never get irritation unless I'm using an old, dull blade. Don't waste your time with cheap razors... buy a good one like Mach 3 or a Fusion (or a straight blade, if you dare). Your face will thank you.

+1. I actually use the lather from my hair shampoo. Sometimes when I'm feeling extra special I'll shave with conditioner in the shower. I have to shave twice a day BTW.

 

[CapnSev]

+1. I actually use the lather from my hair shampoo. Sometimes when I'm feeling extra special I'll shave with conditioner in the shower. I have to shave twice a day BTW.

Another huge +1 to the conditioner! Leave it on for a few minutes, then shave. The hair comes right off.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

I know this has kind of been alluded to in this thread, but I've learned that you need a quality razor and blade. I use to shave with cheap blades, the ones you can buy a ten pack of for $1.25. At best, I ended up irritated with an underwhelming shave on the sides of my face and neck. At worst, I was holding a washcloth up to my face for ten minutes to stop the bleeding. There are things in this world that you are just as better off to buy the cheaper, generic version of, such as cold medicine and cereal. Then there are things that you have to go for the name brand. Razor blades seem to fall in the later category.

I really, really like the Mach 3. Unfortunately, they're like $5.50 for a two pack, and I like to use a fresh cartridge for every shave. I have found another decent triple blade that I can buy a three pack for $2.50. I forget what it's called. Also, just tried out a Gilette Sensor catridge yesterday and was pretty impressed.

 

[Chipsonfire]

What a bunch of wusses.

I shave with a rock.

That's nothin. I shave dry using only my sharp wit and good intentions!

Seriously, though +1 for Mach 3s. I'm another guy that just shaves with water, and it's mostly the Mach 3s that allow me to do this. And if you are only shaving a few times a week, they will last a while

 

[Atoz]

I know this has kind of been alluded to in this thread, but I've learned that you need a quality razor and blade. I use to shave with cheap blades, the ones you can buy a ten pack of for $1.25. At best, I ended up irritated with an underwhelming shave on the sides of my face and neck. At worst, I was holding a washcloth up to my face for ten minutes to stop the bleeding. There are things in this world that you are just as better off to buy the cheaper, generic version of, such as cold medicine and cereal. Then there are things that you have to go for the name brand. Razor blades seem to fall in the later category.

I really, really like the Mach 3. Unfortunately, they're like $5.50 for a two pack, and I like to use a fresh cartridge for every shave. I have found another decent triple blade that I can buy a three pack for $2.50. I forget what it's called. Also, just tried out a Gilette Sensor catridge yesterday and was pretty impressed.

+1 about buying name-brand razor blade cartridges.

I don't think you need to use a new Mach 3 every time, though. I shave daily (and I'm hairy ), and my Mach 3 cartridges last about a week each. The key is to rinse off the gunk after you're done, shake all the excess water off the blade, and don't store the razor in that puddle of water that collects around the sink/shower soap tray. If you have a Costco membership, you can buy 18-packs of cartridges for about $19.50.

 

[lowenduser]

I have a heavy enough growth - twice a day shave. My experience has thought me over the years is to not to shave against the grain, and make sure you aren't using in any way old blades, regardless of the brand. If I use the same blade for over 5/6 days, my neck breaks out in a nasty rash. I've used a wide variation of blades from the cheapest of the cheap to your Macks etc. and all seem to me do the same job except for the cheaper ones don't last as long. Also, having skin that's slightly on the sensitive side, shaving creme is more an issue than the razor to me. Don't use perfumed stuff, nor cheapest of the cheap. Just my 2 cent

Oh yeh - wash your blade under a running warm tap when finished should extend the liife of your blade for a while!

 

[moomoocajoo]

I've heard good barbers finish off a shave with a shave across the grain... that true?

I always shave with except on my (non existant) sideburns where I find I can only get a smooth shave going against there

 

[Cerb]

+2.

Shave immediately after you get out of the shower while your face is still wet. The hair will be softer creating less pulling.

I simply cut out the mess by shaving in the shower with a bar of soap and a 2 blader. Everyone says I'm crazy for not shaving in front of a mirror, but I've not once cut myself.

 

[moomoocajoo]

I always shave in the shower. I dont understand why you'd miss a mirror particularly.

 

[Rody]

First I apply copious amounts of hot water to my face. then I apply Somerset shaving oil (better than soap, cream or gel imo, supposedly you can use olive oil or similar). Mach 3 with the grain, then against. Finish off with either aftershave or cologne and a big Home Alone scene. Rarely cut myself.

Cheers Rody

 

[Oric]

Do not use a multi-blade razor, this is like using a nuclear weapon to mow your lawn. A straight razor is the way to go, sure it requires a bit of maintenance, but it's (almost as) manly as a beard.

I don't shave at all anymore. Just the occasional trim.