My neck is one tough SOB

[HokieGeek]

So I've been shaving with my new DE for about 3 weeks. I've used two different blades (I've only shaved about 7 times in that time) and each shave is getting better as I improve my technique both with my razor and my lathering. In fact, after my last two shaves my cheeks have been unbelievably smooth no matter which direction I rub them, and no razor burn or nicks on them.

The problem is my neck (not a unique problem, I know). The grain on it starts from the ears on either side and moves towards my chin, eventually meeting at what I call a reverse part a little off-center from my chin/adam's apple. Now, that reverse part bit is always a disaster. It's a good shave when I only nick myself once right there. Usually it's several times. Normally I attack it with a WTG stroke for the first pass, followed by XTG strokes for the rest of the passes. That means going north to south and then flipping it. I've tried going ATG, but the razor halts in its tracks and, well, I would rather not speak of the results of such a decision . I've also tried going at an angle in a WTG direction. That's... tricky..

I figure I'll either suck it up, or have a eureka moment as I keep shaving, but I thought I'd check with you gents who have more experience which I could benefit from. Any thoughts or advice? TIA!

[brentaar]

I would like to hear the answer to this one as well.

[xivex]

For me personally, I can say that I used to have much more of a problem shaving my neck and adam's apple areas than I do now, and in the beginning I would nick myself rather often leaving me with a couple weepers.

I now can shave those two areas with little to no irritation, and rarely do I get any nicks or weepers. Usually the result is a DFS. I have yet to attain a true BBS with no stubble feel anywhere when rubbing in every direction. However, I love shaving now! Previously, I hated shaving and would dread doing it because of irritation and redness and razor burn/bumps. I can now consistently attain a DFS. The only thing that has changed from the beginning to now is my technique. My angle, my use of pressure (none), etc. have all contributed to the improvement in my shaves. So I'd say pay attention to the blade angle (approx. 30 degrees) and the pressure your using (none). Let the razor do the work and focus on your technique while using it. That sounds basic, but really try to pay attention and it will certainly help in the problem areas.

Hope that helps,

X

[hadeone]

I just finished my third DE shave and have the same problem. The grain on my neck seems to switch direction about halfway down. I've tried going both with and against the grain, and also sideways, but it still takes me about 3-4 passes to remove most of the hair, but I can't get it smooth at all. I can still feel stubble and after 4 passes I give up because my neck feels like its on fire.

I'm open to any suggestions.

[Hank21]

You might want to try a black super speed and a slick shave cream. The razor is pretty mild and they don't cost very much.

[dpmtherrien]

The neck is a rough place to shave for anyone. What I've found is that as time passes and technique improves, so does shaving in this area. Keep asking questions as they come along, and take a look at Mantic's video's on shaving tough spots.

[shmeegs]

I have a spot on my neck where I have this particular problem. What worked for me was J-hooking on that spot. If you don't know how to j-hook, watch said Mantic59 video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQco5PWc2JU

Now personally, I think that the creator of the J-hook, Charles Roberts, could shoot himself in the center mantifold (or whatever he says). Don't like his system (I hear it works, but why waste the money and the product on something that I could get using one product) and don't like his constant need to re-name everything.... and I mean everything. But this technique freaking works and works well for problem areas like ours. Put a bit of lather on the area and hook on the area in whatever direction works for you. You can hook up or down and left or right. Try all four and see what feels better on that area. If you notice serious pull or burn, stop shaving that area in that direction and try a different direction.

[shamus]

The neck is always a problem until you find out the growth of the grain. If you can put off shaving for a couple or three days, you will then see the growth of the hair on your neck and have an idea of how it grows. Mantics video's also will give you some great insight on how to attack this area for a BBS. I remember that he called one way on shaving this area the Bullfrog. Essentially what he did was try to pull in his Adams apple and make the surface of his neck as flat as he could get it. I've been shaving for many years and still have problems with my neck on occasion. It is usually caused by not using the right blade or a blade that needs to be changed and not using a regular razor that I have in my rotation.

If at the end of my shave, while applying AS mixed with WH, I have a lot of burning on my neck I know that the blade has to be changed if I applied no pressure while shaving. I hope this helps....however, you should really take a look at Mantics videos on problem areas in shaving. Also the suggestion of slickness with creams was made earlier and proper preparation are essential for a BBS. Things will only get better with time, technique and preparation along with a rotation of blades and razors that your like....so don't give up.

Cheers.

[Mccordrm]

I NEVER get all the stubble from my neck. All the visible hair is gone, but
there's still some pretty stiff stubble that I can feel even if I can't see it.
I've tried everything except a straight-razor and never seem to get it all.
Plus, it's VERY stiff. I think I have some Super Hairs.

[Hank21]

What I found is that I sometimes can't feel the stubble on my neck until I rinse. It's pretty disapointing to make all those passes and when you think your done and ready to go - still feel stubble and risk getting razor burn or shaving yourself raw just to try and get rid of it.

What I try to do is get as close a shave as I can with as few a number of passes as possible without getting nicked or burned.

You may not be able to feel the stubble when the razor passes over it while it's still lubricated with lather and if you shave in the shower or run the water in the sink when you shave you won't be able to hear the razor as it passes over the stubble either. If that's what your experience is it might be worth a try to shave with the water off and as composed as possible. Slow, short, light, accurate strokes making sure the area is well lubricated with a good slick non irritating shaving cream may help.

Since it's a sharp razor and I'm putting it against my throat it's probably worth exercising caution.

What I find is that after a while when the skin has had a chance to rest the shave comes out pretty smooth and feels pretty comfortable.

[hadeone]

I've tried the "Bullfrog" and it works to an extent but the razor feels like its pulling on the hairs instead of slicing smoothly. I'm guessing this is a blade problem and will try some different blades.

Thanks for all the great information you guys posted!

[takeshi]

The problem is my neck (not a unique problem, I know). The grain on it starts from the ears on either side and moves towards my chin, eventually meeting at what I call a reverse part a little off-center from my chin/adam's apple.

Sounds similar to mine. Grain is inward on both sides except for a vertical strip just right of my chin which has the grain going up.

So far I've found going XTG (downward) on the neck except for that one strip where I go WTG (upward) works really well for me in that there's no irritation at all. I haven't however, attempted multiple passes just yet. I'm still experimenting. I haven't had much luck going WTG for most of the neck but I suspect it's poor angle. I haven't cut myself but I do tend to get bad razor burn if I attempt WTG for most of the neck. YMMV, of course.

[Antonio]

The hair growth on my neck goes from north-south (upper neck, lower jaw) to east-west (lower neck, adams apple). I've found that a slow j-hook works well for me, using the j-hook to follow the pattern of the grain. I do about 2 passes with the grain, then across the grain, and finally (once most of the stubble is gone) I do an against the grain pass with no irritation.