Skin irritation after shaving?

**Jaggi** · 07-23-2011, 12:34 PM

Hello! Im new to this site, but not new to this irritation under my jaw and upper-neck area...This was the main reason i started lookin de's.
Ok, heres the problem; I get serious razor burn and spots after shaving, but when i started doing de's it got worse!
I do WTG, XTG and ATG.
I take my time when shaving and trying not to put pressure.
It seems that i dont get close enough shave with WTG and XTG, but my skin cant handle ATG!
Theres allways darker hair on other side of my chin and neck after shave.
I'm allready thinking getting shavette for shaving my neck area.

Some thoughts or advices?

**BalthasarR** · 07-23-2011, 12:49 PM

I've been shaving with DE:s for some years now and personally I can't go directly ATG, same deal with M3s and such. Still when I do 3 passes: one WTG and two XTG I feel that I can get close enought shave. Not much help for you I'm afraid.

My only thought would be searching the perfect blade, razor, soap combo for you and start going little by little more ATG with every shave. Maybe your skin will adjust.

BTW: In other thread I asked where from west coast you are from? You haven't probably noticed it yet.

**franz** · 07-23-2011, 01:05 PM

My advice is that serious razor burn comes from errors in technique. Maybe it is using too much pressure, your blade angle isn't very good, the lather is not slick and protective enough, your ATG pass is murdering your skin, etc.

I would suggest abandoning your ATG pass, and adding an XTG pass. My skin cannot tolerate ATG in most areas of my beard, but I can achieve an extremely close shave with no irritation using a three-pass W/X/X. (The second XTG pass is in the reverse direction of the first one.)

I hope this helps.

**Optometrist** · 07-23-2011, 01:09 PM

Or instead of going ATG, try a 45 degree angle to it. Will get you closer without the full ATG irritation.

**Eric V** · 07-23-2011, 01:20 PM

serious razor burn comes from errors in technique

+1 ...usually pressure

I would suggest abandoning your ATG pass, and adding an XTG pass.

+1 ...absolutely!

If your goal is to shave without irritation, your technic will improve and in time, smoother and smoother shaves will appear. If your immediate goal is a close shave, your technic will not improve very quickly. Focus on an irritation free shave with ATG and XTG strokes. You may be amazed at the improvement in your razor and blades.

BTW, have you worked your way through a blade sampler?

**KM-instructor** · 07-23-2011, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by franz

I would suggest abandoning your ATG pass

Sounds like a good starting point.

**dpmtherrien** · 07-23-2011, 02:07 PM

Just take it easy and don't try for a super close shave. Lighten up on any pressure, try just the weight of the razor as you shave.

Go for a comfortable shave that's presentable. As you continue, and keep learning as you shave, the shaves will get better rather quickly.

**Jaggi** · 07-24-2011, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by Eric V

BTW, have you worked your way through a blade sampler?

I ordered some soaps and gear from UK this weekend, but totally forget those samples. I have Derby blades, since their are the only ones i have seen here(not counting ridiculously priced Gillette plat blades, allmost 6€/5 blades!).

**Doc226** · 07-24-2011, 02:25 AM

Try WTG, XTG and XTG in the other direction.

**Luc** · 07-24-2011, 03:26 AM

Okay...

1-Shave only WTG for now, it won't be close, I understand but as long as you get irritation WTG, it won't get any better XTG and ATG
2-When you don't get anymore irritation, insert a pass XTG... Later, maybe ATG but keep in mind, it's not for everyone
3-Make sure you face map your beard to know if you are going WTG.
4-Your prep must be up to par to be sure it works well
5-Lather must have enough glide to shave well
6-Pressure, none, none, none... Let the razor do the work, not you. Lock those wrists, the weight of the razor only must do the work. So, when you shave next, are you pressing down on the razor? No! Drag it, pull it but do not press.

**lt114** · 07-24-2011, 04:57 AM

I agree with Luc's comments. The only thing I can add to that is: my ATG shaving became easier when I picked up an adjustable razor (Progress) that allowed me to dial down the aggressiveness for the ATG pass (I set the Progress on 2 to go ATG and it works great for me).

To help with the prep, I would invest in a good pre-shave oil. I use Castle Forbes pre-shave and it works great for me; however, it's not cheap.

**jss4fish** · 07-24-2011, 05:20 AM

I completely agree with kicking the ATG for now (once your technique "clicks" you very well might abandon it forever!). Also agree with lightening up on the pressure with one addition: try pulling the skin taught with your free hand. If your skin is too slick you can rub your fingers on an alum block for traction. This made a HUGE difference for me! And don't try to get BBS on each pass...remember reduction reduction reduction. Pulling the skin tight will make the hairs stand up more and you will get better reduction. We have all had those rough shaves on the way to finding what works for each of us but it WILL get better! Blade sampler is also a great idea. Keep at it and don't try too hard!