First time safety razor user and bad neck razor burn

[Brio1]

I just used a safety razor ( Merkur Progess) for the first time today. This is the worst case of irritation that I have ever had on my neck. I did my best to use light pressure. There were many cuts on both sides of my Adam's apple and now it is very sore with several bumps. Please advise on avoiding this in the future.

[Cambyses]

First things I would check are that you were going with the grain of your hair. It can be deceiving sometimes, so take a little bit to map out the direction of your growth, if you haven't already. The hair on my neck changes directions what seems like 15 times, so be sure you are always going WTG while you are starting out.

Lots of irritation also says to me that you were perhaps not using the proper blade angle. Too shallow of an angle always makes my skin really irritated. Also, since you're using a progress, I would suggest keeping it dialed down in the 1-2 range while you still are trying to get the handle of things.

I hope any of that helps! It might be a good idea to take a day off to let your skin rest. Don't get discouraged, and keep using that light (basically no) pressure! Let the heft of the razor head do the cutting work for you.

[kingfisher]

It is almost certainly a razor angle problem. If you have never used a safety razor before, the angles on the neck can be very difficult.

[Don]

Welcome to B&B!

What blade did you use, a Merkur? If you haven't already, get a blade sampler.

Pressure, angle, all can give bad razor burn. Did you use a pivoting head cartridge razor previously? Teaches bad habits, the pivot makes for sloppy technique as it does most of the work cruising around your face. With a DE, you need to control that action.

[Go West Young Man]

If you didn't end up all cut and irritated after your first DE shave, you'd be in a very small minority group. Just watch the videos, read the tutorials, keep practicing, it'll get better in a no time at all.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Brio1]

Welcome to B&B!

What blade did you use, a Merkur? If you haven't already, get a blade sampler.

Pressure, angle, all can give bad razor burn. Did you use a pivoting head cartridge razor previously? Teaches bad habits, the pivot makes for sloppy technique as it does most of the work cruising around your face. With a DE, you need to control that action.

I used the sample (Merkur) that was included with the razor. Where would I go about acquiring a blade sampler? I am not sure how accurate the dial is on my Progress. This is the worst case that I have ever had of razor burn and bumps. I am still in pain 6 hours later!

[Brio1]

Yes, I used a Mach before. I am brand new to this.

[rm71]

Welcome.

[Mack]

Took me a while to get used to this too. I also use a Progress. Make sure you are not applying pressure and try some different blades. Best of luck.

[Don]

I used the sample (Merkur) that was included with the razor. Where would I go about acquiring a blade sampler? I am not sure how accurate the dial is on my Progress. This is the worst case that I have ever had of razor burn and bumps. I am still in pain 6 hours later!

Bullgoose, West Coast Shaving, amongst others, have blade samplers.

Set the razor to its mildest setting before using again, if not already done.

You need to give your face a day off, as suggested above, if still burning. Nothing to apply to ease the pain?

[gsxrron]

Welcome to B&B! Watch that blade angle and the curves of the neck and keep the pressure light.

[Brio1]

This is the most pain that I have ever experienced from shaving. What do you recommend for pain relief? A lady friend told me at dinner tonight that I should put neosporin on my neck.

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the B. The best advice for razor burn is to be careful of pressure. By that it means any pressure. Just allow the weight of the razor to be all the pressure you use. Its hard to not apply pressure, but after a few shaves you'll get the idea.

[flycbyrd]

This is the most pain that I have ever experienced from shaving. What do you recommend for pain relief? A lady friend told me at dinner tonight that I should put neosporin on my neck.

alum, witch hazel, or aftershave lotion.

[miamimoe]

I have a Progress. While this is no longer the case, the first 3 weeks that I used it, I had major razor burn. This was on account of too much pressure, and bad blades. Although I had purchased a blade sampler pack, some of the blades (Sharp, Merkur) were horrible for me. However, even when I found blades that were better, I was using too much pressure. Once I backed off the pressure, the razor burn started to go away. So as others have said, let the weight of the head do the work, and your hand is merely a guide. Good luck.

[Don]

alum, witch hazel, or aftershave lotion.

I wouldn't normally disagree, but he was suffering many hours later. So something with a topical anasthetic was probably needed this time around.

[wimbouman]

Hello!

EJ89!

[mkeyslehman]

I'm relatively new to DE shaving too and have had issues with razor burn and weepers on my neck. After working for a few months, I would agree that pressure is most likely your main issue, as it has been for me. Easier said than done; I went for weeks trying to be light and easy, yet still had a neck-o-fire. The breakthrough I had was in how I gripped the razor: see Manic's DE technique video. Specifically the recommended grip and holding the razor and the very bottom of the handle.

This is what finally made the no-pressure breakthrough for me

[mikewithe]

Another potential issue that hasn't been addressed here is lather. Make sure that you are using a very slick lather. In fact, I would suggest that you use your original shaving cream until you get used to the new razor.