puberty sucks.now i have to shave and i suck at that [Archive]

rockmehard

09-08-2006, 11:02 PM

hey! new here and in need of help,

i started shaving a few months back and i can never get a good nice comfterbole shave.
i dont have alot of hairs but enought that i need to shave.
idk what im doing wrong

im using a typical four bladed razor with edge shaving creamm.i shave after a shower and i shave neck chin and cheecks.i shave my neck both ways.first left then right (to get closses shave) the same kinda goes to my chin n under my nose.
but for some odd reason i get burnt face feels itchy on some spots i usually miss some hairs AND WHEN MY HAIR IS GROWING BACK ITS REALLY PRILY AND IT HURTS EVEN WHEN I GO TO SHAVE EM WHEN THEY ARE SHORT!

what can i do.
im 16 n in need of help
thanks

rockmehard

09-08-2006, 11:09 PM

also what aftershave for?
i put the gillet gel on my face but wtf does it do?

rockmehard

09-08-2006, 11:12 PM

MasonM

09-08-2006, 11:20 PM

Side to side is not the best way to do it. You should shave firstly in the same direction that the whiskers grow (with the grain). For most men that is top to bottom. For a close shave, follow that with a bottom to top (against the grain).

How are you preparing your face/beard for the shave?

Other than the four blade razor, what products are you using for your shave?

Those multiple blade razors cause a lot of irritation which is why I use a DE these days.

Jack Bauer

09-08-2006, 11:26 PM

First throw out the edge shave crap and the quattro razor.

Second thing you should do is start reading everything you can on this message board.

There are plenty of products you can get a grocery stores or target for shave creams that are cheap such as: Kiss my face, and Proraso (in spa section).

Then you're going to need a shaving brush. You can also find a cheap one at target or better ones at Crabtree & Evelyn (at a lot of malls) or online at such places as qedusa.com or classicshaving.com. You will also need a DE razor which you can find at these same websites.

I would also recommend watching the video's made by mantic as they are great instructional videos. You can find those on here or go to Youtube.com and type in wetshaving.

Good luck.

Chris

rockmehard

09-08-2006, 11:26 PM

i usually take a nice warm shower and if i know ima shave i put my face under warm water for a few then i get out.put a bowl of warm water put my razor in there while i put the shaving cream on my hand and lather it on my face.a good lather btw.then i go left right (for some odd reason my left side of the chin is with the grain when i go l to r but my right side is r t l) so thats why i go both ways.not nose to neck.maybe i should try that but thats not the growth of my chin hairs.

after im done torturing my self i will put cold water or if im in pain make a bowl of cold water sumerge my whole face and scream.then aply some gillete aftershave.

rockmehard

09-08-2006, 11:28 PM

rtaylor61

09-08-2006, 11:36 PM

First, relax. We all had to learn, and we all survived. You will, too. Even at 16, your beard has a certain growth pattern. Take a couple of days off from shaving and let the beard grow. Then, spend a few minutes rubbing your face. Learn the pattern of growth. If you feel the need, draw a diagram of your face and chart the growth. While most of us here do not agree with the products your are using, it is what you have, so let's work with them for now. Continue your prep with the hot shower, re-wetting your face, and apply your lather. Now we need to make some changes. In the direction that would have you shaving "with the grain", begin removing the stubble. Don't press down hard, but with a cartridge razor, you will need to apply light pressure. Shaving with the grain may mean that you are shaving in several different directions. That's normal. Rinse your face and feel the results. Re-apply lather, and do exactly the same thing again. Rinse your face, and stop. Do this for a few days. Then, as you get comfortable with what you are doing, add an "across" the grain pass. One with, one across. Try this for a week. And finally, you are ready for the close shave..."against" the grain. At this point, you'll be applying lather three times and shaving one pass "with", one "across", and one "against" the grain. Now you'll be getting results without the burning and itching. This will take about 2 weeks. If at anytime you are getting burning, take a day off.

Best of luck.

Randy

MasonM

09-08-2006, 11:37 PM

Sorry, DE is double edge. It's a single blade razor with two edges to it. Think old fashioned flat razor blade.

Jack Bauer

09-08-2006, 11:40 PM

DE just means double edge. The blades run from $.15 - $.55 or so per blade. Another way to go would be to do all of the other things i.e. good preparation, shave cream, shave brush and just start with a razor like the gillette sensor (which should irratate your skin less).

Also you need to shave the 1st pass with the grain (the way your hair grows) 2nd is recommended across the grain and 3rd (which you might not need) against). Just look in a mirror and feel your beard to see how it is growing.

Chris

ouch

09-09-2006, 12:41 AM

We have a budding e. e. cummings here.

Don't worry. It will take a few weeks for your face to adapt to any kind of shaving. Try not to press too hard- aim for no pressure at all.

And that puberty thing? Any downside is more than made up for by..........:001_rolle

Folie

09-09-2006, 07:59 AM

Someone above mentioned checking out Mantic's videos on youtube. Sometimes it is easier to see what to do then to read about it. Since you said you will be sticking with the products that you have then Ill just post the link for part three that deals with the shaving part and skips the lathering and product overview.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wPLfCyGMm9o

mpisarcik

09-09-2006, 09:03 AM

I’d say for the time being pick up a Gillette Sensor Excel from target and a bottle of after shave lotion.

http://www.ebarbershop.com/ShopSite/media/047400126039.jpg

http://www.theessentials.com/images/us/local/products/detail/1044_dt.jpg

I recommend these products from Gillette at first b/c they are the best thing that they make right now, in my opinion. The sensor is nowhere near as irritating on your skin, while the after shave lotion will help to repair and soothe your skin when shaving is done.

I’d say shave with the grain for at least a week and then try across the grain. This could be related as North to South = with the grain in most cases, and East to West or vice versa. After a month or two, maybe pick up some Proraso from the Spa/Cosmetic section at target. I’d recommend the tube, pre/post and after shave balm.

Everything in this picture:
http://www.momentumgrooming.com/images/product/proraso.jpeg

1st- take a shower and get face really wet with warm/hot water throughout.
2nd - rewet your face when you dry off (don’t dry face too much) at the sink.
3rd - apply the pre/post stuff to a wet face. This should feel really cool and soothing.
4th- apply the tube shaving cream either with a brush like this (http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/acc130147.html) or your hands at first. the brush will make a better lather, and exfoliate, or remove old skin from your face so your blade doesn't get caught on it. You can buy them at most malls for the same price.
5th- wait a minute for shaving cream to work its way in and then begin shaving WITH the grain.
6th- Rinse excess shaving cream off your face with warm water after the shave is over, and then finish with cold water.
7th - Re-Apply the pre/post stuff to your face. this should really feel good!
8th- after your face dries somewhat, apply the after-shave balm. this should be the last thing you do.

This is what i did for about 3 months before finding this forum and getting better/more shaving stuff and techniques. Obviously you could turn into quite the pro shaver, but the most important thing is that your face doesn’t hate to shave first. I used to have a fusion with 5 blades, and a Mac3 with 3 blades. Both irritated the heck out of my face and hurt. I switched to the Sensor Excel with 2 blades about 4 months ago and it helped a lot. I just ordered my own DE (Double Edge) razor for $30 offline:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009ICYHA.01-ADUVTLOQLIAEE._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

With this razor, not only will I get cheaper blade costs (as listed above in another person's post) but also less irritation. However, I am only moving to this after a lot of practice and learning with the Sensor. I think if you start with either the Gillette stuff or move right to the Proraso you should get a better shave with less pain. And don't worry about your age- I’m only 21. By the time you’re my age you'll have this stuff down pat.

I’m guessing the most aggravating factor in your case is that you are basically dragging 4 razors over the same spot at a time. If you went back to go across or against the grain that’s like 8 total shaves! No wonder your face hurts!!! :eek:

PalmettoB

09-09-2006, 09:16 AM

Wow. Only 16 and already found your way here. I wish I'd had this site when I was sixteen and learning to shave! But read all you can, as these folks know what they are talking about, go with the Sensor as Matt said, after a few weeks find a cheap brush (Burmashave at Wal-Mart) and cream (the Proraso is great) and then TAKE IT EASY. And when you feel like you are "getting it", definitely move to the double-edged razor! You'll never use a multi-blade hedgetrimmer again!

If you are learning all this now, imagine how great your shave will be when the beard gets courser and you already have learned a great technique!:wink2:

rockmehard

09-09-2006, 09:51 AM

ima going to read all this and take it in.but for the record i thought that de was that knife that barbers use.and that was something i was not going to try:eek:

but what does aftershave do? idk if anyone posted it but ill read thru all of this
THAnks

rockmehard

09-09-2006, 10:03 AM

saw the vid.but question.

with the grain is shaving the direction the hair gros
against is shaving agaisnt its growth
but whats across? is that when lets say your beard grows from your left ear to right.you shave from you stomach to nose?

mpisarcik

09-09-2006, 10:06 AM

From Wikipedia.com:

Aftershave is a lotion, gel, or liquid used - mainly by men - after they have finished shaving. It may contain an antiseptic agent such as alcohol to prevent infection from cuts as well as numb damaged skin, a perfume to enhance scent, and a moisturizer to soften the skin.

Basically, it calms down any irritarion/burns that could have occured during shaving as well as preventing infections. Plus it usually smells good! :biggrin:

mpisarcik

09-09-2006, 10:08 AM

yeah- stomache to nose in that case.

htownmmm

09-09-2006, 10:29 PM

Across would be from your ear to your nose( or versy vicey).

BTW, I am very envious of you right now-16yo and learning how to shave the proper way. Before long, your days of putting your whole face into water and screaming will be a thing of the past.

Plus, since you are starting younger, by the time you reach my age, not only will you have a shave den, it will be more like a shave suite!

Welcome to B&B- you will be assimilated!

Marty

gc_30286

09-11-2006, 08:13 AM

welcome to B&B

I could never handle more than one with the grain pass with a cartridge razor (and even that caused problems somtimes). I would say do only one pass the less you assault your face with all those dull blades the better. forget about getting a perfectly smooth shave as at this point it will only cause problems. try to get comfortable shaves while your face gets used to shaving (according to gillete it takes 30 days for your face to get used to any new shaving method. every time you change it starts over)

also keep an open mind about shaving with a DE or a strait (the knife that barbers use) the DE razor has made shaving one of the most enjoyable experinces i have had, and i dream of shaving with a strait (waiting until I have time and money to invest in learning)

anyway listen to all the great advice you will get from members here I am sure we all envy you im just imagining all the great shaves i missed before i learned of this site.

best of luck

matthew

rockmehard

09-12-2006, 01:15 PM

ok so im thinking of shaving tonight.what should i do.make it smooth or not?
im going to go with the grain first so thats on my neck left ear to right.
then stomach to nose that would be across.should i stop there or then do against?
thanks

Kyle Stoner

09-12-2006, 01:31 PM

My advice would be to go as far as is comfortable. Don't worry about getting smoother, and it should be quite smooth enough if you use proper preperation and lubrication. If it stops being 'easy', then don't wory about going any farther. Give your face a break and maybe it will give you a break.

rockmehard

09-12-2006, 09:56 PM

ok small prob.today i only shaved my neck to get rid of the black mini hairs.
now i only shaved with the grain.thats it.i did it right after a hot shower.aplied gel.let it chill for a min.then started shaving like in the vid.BUT NOW IM INSTANTLY ITCHY! its itchy like crazy.idk if i didnt put enought gel or what but what should i do?
it was with the grain and thats it!.just a few times over the same area like in the vid.short strokes ect.what did i do wrong?
more cream? less strokes?
two strokes one inch then keep going?
HELP!

Jim

09-12-2006, 10:01 PM

You could be allergic to the gel you are using- try a test patch of it inside your forearm to see if thats it. Take it easy we will get you through this!

rockmehard

09-12-2006, 10:10 PM

test patch? where? the itching stop i put stick deodorant on it (yes it works.same thing with old spice spray deodorant.if it itches put it on the itch will stop)

Kyle Stoner

09-13-2006, 03:01 AM

That may not be very good for your skin, but I don't know...

Try putting the cream on a small part of, say, your arm, to see if you are allergic.

TimmyBoston

09-13-2006, 04:07 AM

I remember when I first started shaving, my face always itched after shaving. How long have you been shaving? Some of the itch could just be a reaction to a foreign experience with your skin. Also make sure the blade in your razor is sharp, that was another problem I encounted, I'd forget to change blades and be shaving on the same one for so long it would just irritate my skin and do very little else. One final thing, how regularly do you have to shave, when I was shaving once a week, I would cut myself much more often (as well as razor burn [those itchy red bumps}) because my whiskers were long, even though being sparse to an outside observer they weren't very noticable. Possibly more frequent shaves may help your problem. Though others here may disagree with this advice. So take it with a grain of salt.

Good luck, I'm sure things will get better. And I think it's great your looking for help so young, I wish I had learned to shave properly right from the start.

gc_30286

09-13-2006, 05:55 AM

im confused did you say a couple short strokes over the same area? does that mean you shaved a spot without shaveing cream on it? remember that the video you watched is for a DE and you are shaving with a cartridge. the difference is that that the DE only has one blade and it is much sharper than the blades used for a cartridge. they shave diffrently whith a DE you have to make short stroke (to controll your angle since the head dosent pivot) and multiple stroke to clear stubble. your cartridge does all that for you.

heres the problem say the guy with a DE makes two stroke over the same area he just made one stroke with cream and one with out. now say you make one stroke with a cartridge (i belive you said yours has four blades) you practically just made one stroke with cream and three without. so if you went back again over that area you practically just made one stroke with cream and seven! without. i doubt the greatest shavers here could make seven passes on their neck without cream and not itch.

also note that most mens hair changes direction in several different places on the neck. so make sure you shave with the grain on each part.

the closest i could get to a comforatble shave with a cartridge was one pass with the grain, not touching anything that didnt have cream on it. then put the razor down. dont worry if you still have stubble, at least you wont be hurting.

as always just IMHO

matthew

ps i also agree with timmy whith a cartridge i had less problems if i shaved every day.

Joedy

09-13-2006, 05:59 AM

gc_30286

09-13-2006, 06:04 AM

im sorry. i've never been great at writing and it gets worse when i type.

apologies to all

matthew

ada8356

09-13-2006, 06:04 AM

You know, I fully had every intention of offering some advice, but after reading your posts and trying to figure out the gists of the poor grammar mistakes, I became frustrated and quit trying.

-joedy

^
|
|
|

I'm with you there... I'm always pretty suspicious of posts (posters) like this.

Joedy

09-13-2006, 07:12 AM

im sorry. i've never been great at writing and it gets worse when i type.

apologies to all

matthew

No, definitely not you, Matthew.

I don't care about the lack of punctuation; I can discern the gists from this, but I cannot understand the author of this post.

At sixteen, even with the advent of the whole gamut of Text Messaging and abbreviated visual communication, there should be no reason for this type of failure in establishing a dialog.

I'm 35. I'm not an old fogey. But, I don't have patience for this type of struggle anymore.

If life sucks at 16 due to the arrival of testosterone-induced facial whiskers, life will suck even more when you're older and no one can figure out what you are saying.

-joedy

ada8356

09-13-2006, 07:25 AM

im sorry. i've never been great at writing and it gets worse when i type.

apologies to all

matthew

Your posts appear to be thoughtful and well thought out... much more than can be said of the author of this topic.

None of his posts in this thread appear even remotely serious to me. Some people get thier kicks off coming to message boards and messing aroud just to see how folks will react and that is why I'm always skeptical of posters like this. :rolleyes:

Edit: I shouldn't have used anyone's name... that's not very nice and I should have known better. :smile:

Kyle Stoner

09-13-2006, 11:44 AM

Despite grammatical errors and abounding suspicion, I think Matthew hit it on the head. Don't go over the same area twice without cream! I know it is tempting when your technique isn't solid enough to make you feel like you even shaved anything, but if you want to shave more, lather up again! Stop shaving when it starts feeling slightly uncomfortable, and your face will rise up to the challenge of the DE and smoother shaves will be easier.

rockmehard

09-15-2006, 09:26 PM

wow thanks for the hate! loving everyword of it.
and sry but im not here to just make an idiotic post get a giggle and leave.
so if u have nothing nice to say
rule of the internet
GOT NOTHING NICE TO TYPE
dont type at all
but bout the razor with no cream.yeah that what i did so i see what it will itch.im going to go again prob sat night but this time full face.beard neck ect.but only with the grain.thats it.no across or anything.unless someone thinks i should? im not going to do against the grain yet i want to get the hang of shaving normal first and getting to know my face and its hair patterns.

there mister einstein was this a bit better for you?

cheers mate!

NMMB

09-15-2006, 09:40 PM

rockmehard makes a point with:

...if u have nothing nice to say...

Really, we are all gentlemen here (well, with a few exceptions - Sue, Sue, JoAnna, etc) and it can't hurt much to conduct ourselves accordingly, can it? I'll be the first to admit that rockmehard (what is your name?) appears to have somewhat poor grammar and uses an irksome amount of shorthand (at least for some of the "older" B&B'ers, myself included), but we can try to play nicer (so to speak), can't we?

rockmehard

09-15-2006, 09:43 PM

names E by the way.I dont feel safe giving my name out because im scared of someone i know being on here and bam.
embarresment

NMMB

09-15-2006, 09:51 PM

names E by the way.I dont feel safe giving my name out because im scared of someone i know being on here and bam.
embarresment

That's fair... it took me months to add the "[ichael] to NMMB... and I have no fear of being embarrassed here.

Queen of Blades

09-15-2006, 09:53 PM

That's fair... it took me months to add the "[ichael] to NMMB... and I have no fear of being embarased here.

Yeah. Michael embarrasses himself here regularly. It is why we love him! :biggrin:

NMMB

09-15-2006, 09:58 PM

Yeah. Michael embarrasses himself here regularly. It is why we love him! :biggrin:

Ouch! :sad:

Well, at least I can feel like I serve some useful purpose here... :smile:

rockmehard

09-15-2006, 10:19 PM

Yea but like you guys kinda said
Your kinda getting old there and your not in high school!
Me on the other hand.11th grade and image is everything.
now imagine me with a clean shave.wow image times 10000000000

I'am I the only kid on here?
I mean 16 years old wise

Jack Bauer

09-15-2006, 10:34 PM

You're still at the age where facial scruff is cool though. I think you may be the youngest person in here.

Chris

rockmehard

09-15-2006, 10:38 PM

My scruff isnt cool. My scruff is soft hair that isnt cool.just there.And I have a buttchin (small) so the hair doesnt grow there.So i have litlerly a line in my ching that divides my face

ada8356

09-15-2006, 11:11 PM

Against my best judgement:

If you are in 11th grade, and serious, then why not type posts that are at least comprehensible... I would think that at 15 or 16 you are capable, and it's not too much to ask that you post as a gentleman even if you wish to remain anonymous.

I'm more than willing to help and offer advice to anyone that is in need.

NMMB

09-16-2006, 10:38 AM

rockmehard, or E, if you prefer, you are certainly right about most of us being older than you...

...Your kinda getting old there and your not in high school!...

However, you may want to consider being a little more polite and well written as you are asking for help here. I don't think that anybody here expects you to write like Hemingway, but if you can make your statements more easily readable then you may find that you will receive more (and perhaps more useful) responses to your inquiries. In addition, I would suggest that you check at least most of your attitude at the cyber-door, so to speak. We were all 16 at some point and many of us may recall the problems that come with being that age. However, if you offend or irk the members of the B&B community you may find that they are less willing to help you work through your present (and perhaps future) issues.

I guess this is just a case of "When in Rome..." While you are here at B&B you should do your best to adopt the gentlemanly demeanor of the forum and post in a manner such that we are able to read your comments/questions.

gomster

09-17-2006, 12:48 AM

First off, hello to everyone on B&B, ya'll seem like a nice group of gentlemen. I just hope my first post here doesn't make me seem like a jerk.

Honestly though, this kid cannot be serious. I am the same age as this guy, and can at least form some semblance of a thought out, correctly punctuated, and grammatically correct sentence.

but for the record i thought that de was that knife that barbers use.

you shave from you stomach to nose?

I mean, if those two quotes right there don't point out that this guy posted this whole thread just to act funny, then Dear Lord, this kid truly does need some help if he is going to be graduating high school in the next couple of years.

Once again, I am sorry if after my first post I come off sounding like a jerk. I just find it quite vexing whenever some immature kid thinks it’s the coolest thing to create some prank post, talking about all sorts of nonsense. Maybe this kid is sincere and I will have ended up making a complete fool of myself. Though, if he is straight, then I do offer my apologies.

Steelforge

09-17-2006, 12:52 AM

Well I admit I was 50:50 as to whether this was a troll post, I'm not 100% sure so I'll assume he's genuine for the moment. We shall see...

TimmyBoston

09-17-2006, 01:20 AM

Well I admit I was 50:50 as to whether this was a troll post, I'm not 100% sure so I'll assume he's genuine for the moment. We shall see...

I agree, we shall have to see. Some things do seem genuine and some things...well enough said.

rockmehard

09-17-2006, 12:43 PM

First off, hello to everyone on B&B, ya'll seem like a nice group of gentlemen. I just hope my first post here doesn't make me seem like a jerk.

Honestly though, this kid cannot be serious. I am the same age as this guy, and can at least form some semblance of a thought out, correctly punctuated, and grammatically correct sentence.

I mean, if those two quotes right there don't point out that this guy posted this whole thread just to act funny, then Dear Lord, this kid truly does need some help if he is going to be graduating high school in the next couple of years.

Once again, I am sorry if after my first post I come off sounding like a jerk. I just find it quite vexing whenever some immature kid thinks it’s the coolest thing to create some prank post, talking about all sorts of nonsense. Maybe this kid is sincere and I will have ended up making a complete fool of myself. Though, if he is straight, then I do offer my apologies.

dont worry apology accepted

and just because I dont go "north to south" does not mean Its a joke. Its easier for me to remember "stomach to nose" left ear to right.
so again apology accepted:rolleyes:

Queen of Blades

09-17-2006, 02:37 PM

Welcome to B&B, gomster!

You are very insightful.

rockmehard

09-17-2006, 08:21 PM

QUESTION

My boss sent me to shave today since it was kinda growing a bit long (I wanted to grow so i can get a good shave) and I asked him what should I do to shave.
He said

For the chin-Stomach to nose (also with the neck)
then behind the sideburns (ear to nose)
then upper face (nose to stomach)
now i only shaved one time and it was like this I didnt go againt the grain (or intentionally) because I dont want to burn I want to keep trying to see what I can do. Now i put some aftershave and it didnt itch.But now my neck feels like its really cold.Was this a good shave? If it worked should I next time do it like this then also do a second pass against the grain to get the whole softness?

thanks

Birds

09-17-2006, 09:21 PM

"E",

A cold or cool feeling after applying aftershave is usually good. Your skin may sting immediately after applying the aftershave, but it should not sting or feel like a sunburn for an extended period.

Regarding staying with the passes you did, or adding an against the grain...

I would suggest that in the beginning you stay with the passes that you described if you have to appear in public, such as at work. On days where you are going to be at home, then I would suggest you try an against the grain pass.

I recommend this because an against the grain pass can cause skin irritation and ingrown whiskers if: 1) you have not prepared your face properly before a shave, and 2) your razor blade is dull. The last thing you want to do is finish a shave and have a red irritated face when you have to go out in public, such as at work or school. There is nothing that will relieve the appearance except allowing time for your skin recover. It is better to do fewer passes, and have trimmed growth than to go for the ultimate in smoothness and look red or irritated.

If you work on the against the grain passes when you don't have to look your best, then you have some time for your face time to recover if needed.

TimmyBoston

09-18-2006, 12:57 AM

E,
From your last posts you indicated that your beard isn't especially thick, at least not yet. If your beard is soft and not too thick you can probably get away with just one pass, north to south or nose to stomach, however you want to say it, especially on days when you have to be at work or school and are worried about your face being red and irritated.

LX_Emergency

09-18-2006, 01:09 AM

.but for the record i thought that de was that knife that barbers use.and that was something i was not going to try:eek:

ahw...you don't know hwat you're missing:biggrin: I use one of those "barbers knife's" they're GREAT.

ouch

09-18-2006, 04:22 AM

Allow me to translate for rockmehard. I believe he was trying to say-

Yo wassup, this is..my name is Curly G Cradle Rock
Yo I got some good music, I wanna come down there and Yo BAMM!!!
Yo, "Hanging out on the streets with my homies, sippin' down some beer wit mah cronies.." Yo wassup? BAMM!!!
Yo I'll come down there with my shades, my girlie girls, my sweeey little pushy rap. I'll come down there and I'll sweat'a BAMM!!! Yo I could hang.
Yo, so why don't I come down there. I'll come down there with my crazy fly girlies and my gold. I got crazy silly gumby gold.
BAMM!!! Cradle Rock style.

Additional translations available on request.

gc_30286

09-18-2006, 06:05 AM

if your shave didnt itch or burn and you didnt get sent home because of it it would be considered a "good" shave with a cartidge razor. i would say with a cartidge you probably couldnt ask for better.

matthew

[come on guys lets clean this post up. E has not really wronged any of us. he has said it not a joke post and untill we really see otherwise we should treat him with the same respect every one else here gets.]

rockmehard

09-18-2006, 04:56 PM

ok heres a small prob that I run into EVERY time I shave.
The day after my hairs are growing in and they hurt when I touch them.And also my skin was starting to itch alot.And its been a good 20 hours since I shaved.
I did it perfectly to.
Warm shower not new but fairly new blade
applied cream waited a but not to long.Shaved ONE TIME that was how I described it.Then splashed cold for bout 1 min and applied aftershave.OH I put conditioner on my hairs before i shaved while in the shower so They can be extra soft.

What did I do wrong? Why is it doing this now?

Next shave I'am going to do with the grain then one pass against the grain to see how bad that goes.Im just getting tired of this itching and i cant just go out and get what you guys tell me to get because I cant properly work it.

rockmehard

09-18-2006, 04:57 PM

oh and thanks Gc I dont mind if they think im kidding I'am still getting help so yea they are just making my post stay up top longer so I can get help faster

gc_30286

09-19-2006, 06:43 AM

i could never get rid of the itching while i shaved with my mach 3. i belive it is just somthing you will have to live with as long as you use a cartridge razor. the best you can hope for is no razor burn and no ingrown hairs. if you are doing that with a cartridge razor you have "hit the ceiling". i will try to explain so have patince with me. (and if i give any wrong info i hope the wiser among us will correct me)

first off CR (cartridge razors) are designed to take all the skill out of shaving. the do this with swivileing heads, springy blades and their "lift and cut system". in taking the skill from shaving they make it "easier". anyone can pick up a CR and scrape the hair from their face with no real damage.

the problem with this is that in doing so they have made you shave "one size fits all" you no longer have very much control over what you are doing. so if your face and beard arent exactly what the CR designers built around you will have problems. a good example of this would be one sizes fits all underware. it would be ok for some but most would find it uncomfortable.

the lift and cut system- most real shavers spend months or longer perfecting their skills to get a close shave. CR found a way around this with their lift and cut system. the way this works is they have multiple baldes (all of them dull). they dull blades do not cut the hair but instead catch and pull on it. once the first blades have pulled the hair tight the later ones cut it. think of this like a sharp knife can cut a free hanging string but to cut it with a dull one you have to stretch it. since the hair has been pull up so much already it drops below the skin when cut. this is what causes ingrown hairs and itching

canned goo- somone once said that modern shaving creams are amazing substances, but they arent particularly suited for shaving. i laugh every time i hear this but its true. they simply dont hold water or soften your beard like a tradional cream. they are built for speed not comfort or quality. also the brush. no matter how hard you tr with you hands you will not be able to get your beard to stand up right with out a brush. getting a brush and cream will make a huge difference in your shaves.

as you can see CR shaving has taken the skill from shaving so there is not much we can tell you to do to improve your shaves. you will be stuck with whatever shaves the designers of that CR wanted you to have. with a DE or strait razor you are putting choices back into your (hopefully steady :biggrin: ) hands. this takes more time to learn but in the end will give you infinitely better shaves. do not be afraid of the DE it has a saftey bar that will keep you from cutting too deep and the blades are so sharp that any cuts you may get while learning will be 100% painless (at least until you put the styptic pencil on them :eek: ). DE cuts are also so fine that no one will ever be able to see them. also note that many people here never "cut" themselves with a DE, even while learning.

i hope this explained why you are have the problems you are, and why there is only so much we can teach you at this point.

best of luck

matthew

rockmehard

09-19-2006, 01:33 PM

got it.
awsome

I will talk to my dad.
Can you do me one more favor.Give me a list of exactly you think I should buy and I will buy it.I want to learn the art of shaving and foaming my face up and get good shaves instead of whatever I have now.
But for the meantime what tips are there that I can use to increase my shaving with a CR.

rockmehard

09-19-2006, 01:34 PM

OH
And how often do I shave? my beard is starting grow back now so should I shavE?

moses

09-19-2006, 01:50 PM

Sounds like time to shave. I shave every day. Most of us do, but not all. You can maybe get away with a little less often, since your beard may not be fully thick yet.

As for the itching and discomfort. If you feel itching or burning shortly after shaving, it is likely that something was not quite right about the shave. If the shave seemed fine, and did not burn when you put on aftershave, but it is itchy 20 hours later, I am betting the problem is nothing directly to do with your shave. It is dry skin. My friend, you just need moisterizer. Apply it twice a day. Once after shaving, and once either at night or in the morning (whichever time you don't shave). If you just want one thing, go to the drugstore and by Nivea Sensitive After Shave Balm. MAKE SURE to get the one labeled senstive. Not too expensive - about $6 for a bottle. You can use it both as an after shave, and as a moisterizer. If whatever aftershave you are using now has alcohol in it, use this immediately after, or instead.

I know it seems odd, since you probably did not use moisterizer before. The thing is that shaving dries out your skin. Especially using the canned gel you are using. But regardless, you scrape off some skin, shaving cream is soapy, etc.

Edcculus

09-19-2006, 02:55 PM

Yea, I always get (got) extremely dry skin after I shaved. I always used lotion after the shave, but never thought of using a pre-shave cream before I came here. It has worked wonders.

Also, you were wondering what supplies you need to get? Do what mpisarcik suggested earlier and pick up the line of Proraso products from Target. They carry pre-shave cream, shaving cream (in the green tube), after shave and a brush. I just picked up the same thing to start out with.

rockmehard

09-19-2006, 08:25 PM

so its brings everything as far as creams go?

before midle and after?

Will I still need that moisturizer or will that aftershave be good enough?

andIf I still do,do I put aftershave wait then put the cream and then in the morning?

moses

09-19-2006, 08:49 PM

so its brings everything as far as creams go?

before midle and after?

If you mean does target carry all the creams you need, the answer is yes.

If you get the shaving cream, you will also need the brush. This stuff has to be worked into a lather with a shaving brush, unlike the stuff in a can you have been using.

I don't think you really need the pre-shave. Just the shaving cream (and brush), and aftershave. Get the creamier aftershave, not the "splash" (the splash will not really moisterize your skin).

Will I still need that moisturizer or will that aftershave be good enough?

If you are asking whether you still need to moisterizer I suggested, or whether the Proraso after shave would be enough, the answer is that one or the other is fine, you don't really need both. So I'd say get either the Nivea Aftershave, or the Proraso one.

andIf I still do,do I put aftershave wait then put the cream and then in the morning?

If you shave in the evening: Shave with shaving cream, rinse your face, then apply aftershave. Apply the aftershave again in the morning if your skin seems dry or itchy.

LX_Emergency

09-20-2006, 03:10 AM

The Nivea stuff is wonderfull and not very expensive at all. You might want to try that. And if you like your aftershave to have a bit of a "sting" use the normal aftershave balm from nivea instead of the sensative. It's just as wonderfull but has a bit of a bite to it.

gc_30286

09-20-2006, 10:53 AM

e check your other thread. i posted i suggested list of shaving starter supplies along with their approximate costs and location.

hope everthing works out for you.

matthew

ps the porarso products are not with the shaving supplies at target, they are in the spa or facial sections.

rockmehard

09-24-2006, 08:52 PM

will these shaving products and technics work if I want to shave my chest or happy trail.I dont have chest hair only belly hair. And I shave it off but Will i use the same tricks and such for anything else I might shave.

rafikz

09-24-2006, 09:16 PM

gc_30286

09-25-2006, 07:52 AM

well if you want to shave other things. i can say that the DE will cut the hair, but just like with your face there will be a learning curve and some of your shaves at first may be ...not so good......:eek:

matthew

ada8356

09-25-2006, 07:56 AM

Dear Thread,

Please die and go away.

Thank you,

Queen of Blades

09-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Dear Thread,

Please die and go away.

Thank you,

:eek: :lol: :lol:

rockmehard

09-25-2006, 01:14 PM

so you rather me make a million other threads everytime I had a question?

And what do you not so good? Will I be in pain and stuff when I shave for the first couple of times with the DE

TimmyBoston

09-25-2006, 01:18 PM

Dear Thread,

Please die and go away.

Thank you,

Okay, that did it, I'm swayed now, I'm with you Aaron.

ouch

09-25-2006, 11:04 PM

so you rather me make a million other threads everytime I had a question?

And what do you not so good? Will I be in pain and stuff when I shave for the first couple of times with the DE

There! I've finally found the guy who writes all of those signs hanging in Chinese restaurants. :smile:

TimmyBoston

09-26-2006, 12:38 AM

There! I've finally found the guy who writes all of those signs hanging in Chinese restaurants. :smile:

:lol::lol::lol: Beautiful. I wondered who that was. :w00t:

Kyle Stoner

09-26-2006, 03:14 AM

ok heres a small prob that I run into EVERY time I shave.
The day after my hairs are growing in and they hurt when I touch them.And also my skin was starting to itch alot.And its been a good 20 hours since I shaved.

I have this problem too, I was thiking maybe it has to do with blade angle or pressure...any advice? the sensitivity is annoying to say the least!

gc_30286

09-26-2006, 12:57 PM

rockmehard
yes when most people start DE shaving they get alot of razor burn because they just use too much pressure.

kyle
i think thats just what happens when your hair starts to grow out i get that way to.

matthew

boboakalfb

09-26-2006, 01:55 PM

There! I've finally found the guy who writes all of those signs hanging in Chinese restaurants. :smile:
:lol: :lol: :lol: Are you watching Kelly Choi again?

ouch

09-26-2006, 09:54 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: Are you watching Kelly Choi again?

Nope. Still banned. If my wife wasn't much cuter than her, I'd be ticked off.

BlackLabelBrewer

10-01-2006, 01:01 PM

Of course, I would suggest the badger brush and DE razor to anyone who shaves, but I'll keep it simple since you're just discovering what the problem is.

Frequency
I would first suggest shaving every other day or once every three days, if you can manage it. Give your face time to heal. Personally, I would not be able to shave every day without my face falling off (using standard, multi-blade, drugstore equipment).

Aftershave
Also, use that Nivea after shave EVERY DAY, whether you're shaving or not. If you find that you're getting over moisturized (greasy feeling by mid-morning) you could skip the Nivea and use something light like witch hazel to condition your skin and soothe it. One step better in that direction might be the Neutrogena aftershave splash. Very soothing, very light. Mild cooling.

You might also keep a bottle of Skin Bracer on hand. In general, alcohol-based aftershaves are not preferred, but if you feel itchy, the ultra-mentholated cooling sensation might be relieving. Plus, the alcohol does sanitize your face, perhaps preventing pimples (or perhaps irritating your face further and promoting pimples, YMMV).

Lather
If you use a canned shaving cream, I would stop using Edge and pick up a cream formulated for "sensitive skin." Edge has a lot of color and fragrance which makes my face itch just thinking about it.

Colgate makes a pretty good shaving cream. That will keep your face lubricated pretty well if you have to go over the same area a couple of times, one right after the other.

You might also step up to a cake of Burma Shave shaving soap and their cheap boar's hair brush. A good thick lather with that stuff will keep your face slick until you rinse it off. I've got it so thick that it's almost like shaving with snot.

The Neutrogena cream is also good. If you just picked up the whole Neutrogena line and used that exclusively, you could do a lot worse.

Blade
Picking up a DE might be tricky. There's the issue of finding the right blade for you, which takes time, experimentation, and most of all, knowing what a good shave is like. Also, there's the learning curve for a razor that doesn't pivot at the head. I'd pick one up next year. You might be better off shaving with "training wheels" so to speak.

For now, I would suggest a 3-blade like Schick Xtreme 3. YMMV, but that's the one that worked for me -- forgiving enough to allow you to do 2 or 3 passes, but aggressive enough so that you're not going over your face again, and again, and again.

Experimentation
Here's the bad news -- I'm 27 and still experimenting with different products and techniques. For a lot of us here, the fun is in trying something new and switching between products. For someone who can't seem to get a good shave, you'd give it all up for something that works.

You might even take notes on your shaving. If nothing else, it will help organize your thoughts. Evaluate your results, try to pinpoint and assign problems to a specific piece of equipment or technique, then adjust.

With a Grain of Salt...
I use a DE, nice creams, and a good moisturizing aftershave. My little brother uses Edge gel, a Trac II, and pure alcohol as aftershave. Needless to say, YOUR MILAGE MAY VARY.