Newbie 7 shaves in

**Optionyout** · 11-29-2009, 03:28 PM

I have just completed my 7th shave and I am a new man. I have battled ingrown hairs for close to 20 years. I've tried everthing. Literally every shaver, blade, trimmer, topical crap, beards, and a rent consultation with a hair removal clinic which I chose to decline because I didn't want to look like a woman. I discovered this website about three weeks ago and decided to commit. A week and a half in and my face, after a thorough scan in a magnifying mirror is officially bump free for the first time I can remember. I can not believe it. If I'd only discovered this place years ago. I've endured so many embarrasing blemishes, untold hours picking and digging out of hairs, infections, and scars. And now I'm free.
I'm using a merkur HD which seems awfully stubby, proraso cream or tabon soap, vulfix badger I bought here, crystal blades, and both witch hazel and proraso splash after shave. Each time a shave I do the lather and keep a hot washcloth on for 3 minutes relather and shave. Then I relather and reshave exactly the same way. It's working. It's working so well I'm knocking on wood after each shave.
I wrote this post for any of you out there with ingrown hairs thinking about making the switch. Do it. Having no expectation and now these results ought to be enough for you to try. And thank all of you here for the great info, reviews, videos.

**Luc** · 11-29-2009, 03:32 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**dmachine** · 11-29-2009, 03:32 PM

Excellent! Another convert. Welcome to B&B

**BlackBard** · 11-29-2009, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Optionyout

I'm using a merkur HD which seems awfully stubby, proraso cream or tabon soap, vulfix badger I bought here, crystal blades, and both witch hazel and proraso splash after shave. Each time a shave I do the lather and keep a hot washcloth on for 3 minutes relather and shave. Then I relather and reshave exactly the same way. It's working. It's working so well I'm knocking on wood after each shave.
I wrote this post for any of you out there with ingrown hairs thinking about making the switch. Do it. Having no expectation and now these results ought to be enough for you to try. And thank all of you here for the great info, reviews, videos.

Welcome aboard. What was your shave routine before? What soaps, brush, etc?

**michiganlover** · 11-29-2009, 04:15 PM

Welcome aboard. Have fun, and ask lots of questions.

**NickCutlip** · 11-29-2009, 05:15 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**avsmusic1** · 11-29-2009, 05:26 PM

Welcome and I am glad to hear of your luck with the DE!

**jer1** · 11-29-2009, 05:33 PM

Congrats! I had the same ingrown problem myself(actaully have some scars to prove it) Keep with it, Their is one drawback- your bathroom will be filled with soaps, creams, and razors, if your married your wife is going to hate you.

**brianw** · 11-29-2009, 07:04 PM

Welcome to B&B, Pull up a stump and sit awhile

**thermographer** · 11-29-2009, 07:13 PM

Welcome to Badger and Blade.

**lvsc10** · 11-29-2009, 08:01 PM

Welcome and congratulations!! This is the best site regarding wet shaving on the internet. If you have any questions, ask. There are plenty of people with a wide array of shaving knowledge who love to advise/instruct those seeking answers. Keep up the good work and apprise us of your D/E shaving progress. We all just love success stories.

**rm71** · 11-29-2009, 09:07 PM

Welcome to the forum.

**JPM** · 11-29-2009, 10:57 PM

Good for you! Welcome to the group.

**curtis909** · 11-30-2009, 05:24 AM

Welcome and i am really happy for you. Hope the journey gets even better.

**DJSneak** · 11-30-2009, 09:57 AM

Excellent! Welcome to B&B.

**Optionyout** · 11-30-2009, 01:39 PM

My previous routine was shaving in the shower. I'd do my thing then use shave oil and i was using the 5 blade gillette with the battery in the handle. Post shave was a Moore Unique bump fighter lotion. My biggest problem was I was always touching and picking at my face. I could just run my fingers over it a feel them in there. I have calluses on my index finger from my thumbnail because I'd pick so much.

**MWS** · 11-30-2009, 01:46 PM

Glad to hear things are coming together. I'm three weeks in and have noticed a HUGE improvement in skin condition...no more burn and acne's cleared up as well.

Welcome to B&B

**BlackBard** · 11-30-2009, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Optionyout

My previous routine was shaving in the shower. I'd do my thing then use shave oil and i was using the 5 blade gillette with the battery in the handle. Post shave was a Moore Unique bump fighter lotion. My biggest problem was I was always touching and picking at my face. I could just run my fingers over it a feel them in there. I have calluses on my index finger from my thumbnail because I'd pick so much.

Do you think it might be possible that changing your routine, products, etc could be as much responsible for improving your skin as changing razors? My personal belief is that cartridge razors sometimes get a bad rap when the problem was not the razor, but was the poor shave prep and products being used.

I have been using badger and soap for over 40 years. Maybe that's why I can still use a Mach 3 and get exceptional results. Of course, as always, YMMV.

BTW, the only thing that really matters is results and how you feel about them. I am glad for you that you are no longer suffering and that your fingertips will have a chance to heal.

**Optionyout** · 11-30-2009, 02:09 PM

I've changed routine and products at least a dozen times. Usually the results would start off terribly till my face got accustomed to it and then I'd be back in the same old situation.

**mkevenson** · 11-30-2009, 02:14 PM

[QUOTE=Optionyout;1656562]I have just completed my 7th shave and I am a new man...... I'm using a merkur HD which seems awfully stubby,

Welcome, glad to hear of your success. I have not used the HD but I understand that a Merkur 38c is a long handled version of the 34c(HD). Others will correct me if I'm wrong.

Hope you continue enjoying the ride. All Aboard!!!!!!!!!