NewBee with irritated mouth and chin

[raditzer]

First off, thanks to everyone on B&B for all the wonderful wet shaving information and how to's. It has made my transition to wet shaving exciting. I started wet shaving about a week and a half ago transitioning from cartridge shaving using proper creams and a brush. I have watch all the videos and read all the tutorials and I'm working on perfecting my technique (3 passes: WG, XG, XG other way, no AG yet) shave time about 25-30 min. I make short strokes and use the lightest touch I can trying my best to maintain the 30 degree angle. I’m probably moderately successful at this point. My trouble spots are around my mouth and the front side of my chin. I get a real patchy shave in this area and now, I’m all red and irritated. HELP!

[Kyle]

First off, thanks to everyone on B&B for all the wonderful wet shaving information and how to's. It has made my transition to wet shaving exciting. I started wet shaving about a week and a half ago transitioning from cartridge shaving using proper creams and a brush. I have watch all the videos and read all the tutorials and I'm working on perfecting my technique (3 passes: WG, XG, XG other way, no AG yet) shave time about 25-30 min. I make short strokes and use the lightest touch I can trying my best to maintain the 30 degree angle. I’m probably moderately successful at this point. My trouble spots are around my mouth and the front side of my chin. I get a real patchy shave in this area and now, I’m all red and irritated. HELP!

Differing hair patterns, density of growth, and odd angles all contribute to making this area difficult to shave for many gents. Typical issues that contribute to irritation in this area are:
too much pressure
improper blade angle
making "extra" passes without relathering
inadequate beard prep
Be patient with yourself as you perfect this new skill set and you'll be getting great shaves in no time. :thumbsup:

[SilkySmooth]

Welcome!

I'd try to stay WTG for awhile until the irritation clears. Then gradually try XTG or ATG. Your face will thank you.

==Tom

[Flaxorca]

Welcome to B&B! Keep reading B&B and revisit the tutorials and Mantics video's every now and then, I got a better understanding of the information AFTER I started wet shaving.

[Suzuki]

Differing hair patterns, density of growth, and odd angles all contribute to making this area difficult to shave for many gents. Typical issues that contribute to irritation in this area are:
too much pressure
improper blade angle
making "extra" passes without relathering
inadequate beard prep
Be patient with yourself as you perfect this new skill set and you'll be getting great shaves in no time. :thumbsup:

This is right on the money.

Really pay attention to the direction your hair growns in (you can use the barber's trick of taking a cotton ball and moving it over the problem areas lightly - you know you've found the direction growth where the stubble (leave a day's worth or so) grabs the cotton ball - that will show you which way is against the grain.

The other biggie is inadequate lubrication - when you're trying to touch up, make sure you dab a little lather, soapy water or plain warm water at the least onto the area before going over it.

Be patient, take your time and you'll get there.

[Straight Arrow]

I can't really add to the good advice already given except to encourage you to take it slowly. Don't go for all the marbles yet. Look for gradual improvement and don't be obsessed with eradicating every trace of hair. Eventually your shaves will become easy and pleasurable.

[raditzer]

Thanks for the replys! I'm going to take tomorrow off from shaving and try again on Thursday. I'm def going to try the cotton ball trick - great idea.