New and Feeling Lost

**TC90** · 10-02-2011, 04:04 PM

Hello,

I'm new to the site as well as "everything" here it seems. I've read through the FAQ and stickies a little bit, but it feels overwhelming.

I'm a college student who is getting tired of the same shaving routine. I shave every other day. I am biracial and struggle with ingrown hairs on my neck.

On my cheeks and face I use a regular (I believe it's called) cartridge razor with 4 blades, but I have tried a one blade disposable razor on several occasions.

I occasionally get ingrown hairs on my cheeks when using a razor, however, whenever I use a razor on my neck, nearly all the hairs cut develop into ingrown hairs. I tried a one blade disposable razor on my neck the first time shaving found it to be extremely painful when the hairs grew back. I swore I would never do that again and turned to using a trimmer on my neck to cut the hairs above the skin line.

I use a scrubbing pad prior to shaving/trimming in an attempt to release any ingrowing hairs. This works well and it cuts close enough that I only get a few ingrown hairs each time. After scrubbing, I dry trim my neck. Following that I apply shaving gel to my face (and neck even though I'm not shaving it). This method has been working for me, but it's becoming annoying.

I used Gillette's sensitive shaving cream and as of a month ago I switched to Bump Control Smooth Shave Gel. I have also used Magic Shave and find it to take just as long as using a trimmer on my neck.

I'm biracial and my facial hair has African American qualities, so please keep that in mind when replying.

What am I doing wrong? What exactly is double-edge shaving and can it help me reduce ingrown hairs on my neck? I thought I read that a Safety Blade with 1 blade helps. What products should I be looking for and where can I find them? What subforum should I gravitate towards to find more technical responses if not here?

Thanks in advance,
Ty

**xraygun** · 10-02-2011, 04:07 PM

Welcome to the forum. I'll defer specific advice to someone here who really understands your skin/hair type. Someone one here will dial you in.

Cheers,

**Gordy2** · 10-02-2011, 04:11 PM

One thing I could suggest is after you rinse and dry your face after shaving, give your face and neck a good splash or two with witch hazel and let it dry on your face. You could use it again just prior to bedtime. Witch hazel is an astringent and it should help, it's also pretty inexpensive.

**jtb** · 10-02-2011, 04:15 PM

Take a look at a product called bump patrol, you get it at target, cvs, walgreens.... The stuff really works for me (I'm biracial too).

So for me, going to a DE, with practice, I now get a great shave in 3 passes and use bump patrol after every shave. I try to use a good soap that provide slickness and cushion which real helps.

To start, you might wait to start with a mild razor like a superspeed (not a redtip) and a good soap and brush, for me, boar's didn't work out as well as a badger.

**Dennard** · 10-02-2011, 04:25 PM

Welcome, Ty!

**Sledgehammer39** · 10-02-2011, 04:41 PM

Welcome Aboard!

**demaro** · 10-02-2011, 04:44 PM

Welcome Ty !! DE shaving is usually beneficial to African American types of beards. I am quite sure it will be your answer to reduce bumps. Keep us posted and ask as many questions as needed .

**davros** · 10-02-2011, 06:04 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Let me confess right away that I'm not speaking from personal experience, just from having seen a fair bit of stuff on here and elsewhere about tackling ingrown hairs, and the issues peculiar to African hair types. My impression has been that while there are lots of things that help to some degree with ingrowns, there's not necessarily any one magic bullet that's a surefire cure for everyone, or any one right way to go about shaving. I have seen enough people saying that switching to a (single blade) DE razor helped to think its probably worth a shot, though.

There's a ton of information here, and it can be a bit overwhelming. I'd recommend these two long threads that chart one member's route through it all; he started out with pretty horrendous issues with bumps, and, although it didn't happen overnight, the improvement he eventually achieved was pretty impressive:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr......?highlight=
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ed)?highlight=

If you haven't already, checkout mantic59's youtube videos on wetshaving; they're full of sage advice, and give a fairly accessible overview of what it's all about.

Best of luck with it, and be sure to keep us posted on how you get on.

**DOLLARBILL** · 10-02-2011, 06:43 PM

Welcome and take your time you'll get the info you need fogr a good shave!

**ackvil** · 10-02-2011, 07:30 PM

Welcome to B&B, Ty.

**KM-instructor** · 10-02-2011, 07:39 PM

Welcome Aboard!

**shaverjoe** · 10-02-2011, 07:44 PM

Welcome.

**Eric V** · 10-02-2011, 08:39 PM

Welcome to b n b, Ty. Lots of helpful advice above! Let us know what works or does not work for you!

**rxonmymind** · 10-02-2011, 08:43 PM

I wish you the best. Welcome!

**TC90** · 10-02-2011, 11:08 PM

What a welcome! I'm a part of several various forums, but this is by far the most enthusiastic welcome I've ever had. Thank you very much

Originally Posted by Gordy2

One thing I could suggest is after you rinse and dry your face after shaving, give your face and neck a good splash or two with witch hazel and let it dry on your face. You could use it again just prior to bedtime. Witch hazel is an astringent and it should help, it's also pretty inexpensive.

Gotcha.

Originally Posted by jtb

Take a look at a product called bump patrol, you get it at target, cvs, walgreens.... The stuff really works for me (I'm biracial too).

So for me, going to a DE, with practice, I now get a great shave in 3 passes and use bump patrol after every shave. I try to use a good soap that provide slickness and cushion which real helps.

To start, you might wait to start with a mild razor like a superspeed (not a redtip) and a good soap and brush, for me, boar's didn't work out as well as a badger.

I've actually used Bump Patrol (left it at home) and find that it helps quite a bit. I've learned that shaving in smaller or shorter strokes seems to work out well. Don't apply too much pressure. Superspeed? I'll avoid a Redtip then, though they all look alike to me.

Originally Posted by davros

I have seen enough people saying that switching to a (single blade) DE razor helped to think its probably worth a shot, though.

There's a ton of information here, and it can be a bit overwhelming. I'd recommend these two long threads that chart one member's route through it all; he started out with pretty horrendous issues with bumps, and, although it didn't happen overnight, the improvement he eventually achieved was pretty impressive:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr......?highlight=
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ed)?highlight=

If you haven't already, checkout mantic59's youtube videos on wetshaving; they're full of sage advice, and give a fairly accessible overview of what it's all about.

I read through the first thread and started skimming the second. I'll get to that soon along with the video. (Super busy week ahead)

If I'm correctly understanding what I've read so far, there is hope!
A few key points that I've concluded:

Prep is key. I do warm my face with hot/warm water prior to shaving as well as letting the shaving cream/gel sit for a bit, but my prep is definitely lacking all around.

It should be something along the lines of...
1.) Soak face in warm/hot water
2.) Use Neutrogena Men® Razor Defense® Face Scrub: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ne...+face+scrub.do
3.) Rinse
4.) Apply Neutrogena Men® Razor Defense® Shave Gel: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ne...-+shave+gel.do
4.5) If this is the actual gel, then where does the brush come into play.. two methods?
5.) This is where I get lost and nervous about using a blade on my neck again. It sounds like it will be painful starting out again

Change hardware.
I've read that there are different types of blades, but at this point, it is still really foreign to me. JTB suggested a superspeed... What's the difference, where do people generally buy them (I'm thinking buying in person vs shipping from an online store)?

Brushes.. badger or boar hair?

Soaps? Is this the ideal one: http://www.amazon.com/Conk-Worlds-Fa.../dp/B000MXGMHU or will any do? (noob)

After shave care
Witch hazel, Bump Patrol, etc...

Also, something else I did not mention in my first post is that the hair on my neck changes directions. The particular spot where the most drastic change of directions is where the bumps form most often. I do not pluck out ingrown hairs, I release them. Does single blade refer to a DE? I'm not understanding the purpose/functionality of a DE as opposed to say a disposable single or double bladed razor.

My next step should be... purchasing a DE, brush, preshave wash, shave gel, or soap?, and being both brave and patient, how's it look so far?

And thanks again!

**aceinyerface** · 10-03-2011, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by TC90

Does single blade refer to a DE? I'm not understanding the purpose/functionality of a DE as opposed to say a disposable single or double bladed razor.

DE is a single blade with an edge on each side, there are also some razors that use a single edge razor blade.

Exploring the Shave Wiki in depth will get you up to speed on terminology etc...

**TC90** · 10-03-2011, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by aceinyerface

DE is a single blade with an edge on each side, there are also some razors that use a single edge razor blade.

Exploring the Shave Wiki in depth will get you up to speed on terminology etc...

Found it. Thank you

**N2theBreech** · 10-03-2011, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by TC90

What a welcome! I'm a part of several various forums, but this is by far the most enthusiastic welcome I've ever had. Thank you very much

Gotcha.

I've actually used Bump Patrol (left it at home) and find that it helps quite a bit. I've learned that shaving in smaller or shorter strokes seems to work out well. Don't apply too much pressure. Superspeed? I'll avoid a Redtip then, though they all look alike to me.

I read through the first thread and started skimming the second. I'll get to that soon along with the video. (Super busy week ahead)

If I'm correctly understanding what I've read so far, there is hope!
A few key points that I've concluded:

Prep is key. I do warm my face with hot/warm water prior to shaving as well as letting the shaving cream/gel sit for a bit, but my prep is definitely lacking all around.

It should be something along the lines of...
1.) Soak face in warm/hot water
2.) Use Neutrogena Men® Razor Defense® Face Scrub: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ne...+face+scrub.do
3.) Rinse
4.) Apply Neutrogena Men® Razor Defense® Shave Gel: http://www.neutrogena.com/product/ne...-+shave+gel.do
4.5) If this is the actual gel, then where does the brush come into play.. two methods?
5.) This is where I get lost and nervous about using a blade on my neck again. It sounds like it will be painful starting out again

Change hardware.
I've read that there are different types of blades, but at this point, it is still really foreign to me. JTB suggested a superspeed... What's the difference, where do people generally buy them (I'm thinking buying in person vs shipping from an online store)?

Brushes.. badger or boar hair?

Soaps? Is this the ideal one: http://www.amazon.com/Conk-Worlds-Fa.../dp/B000MXGMHU or will any do? (noob)

After shave care
Witch hazel, Bump Patrol, etc...

Also, something else I did not mention in my first post is that the hair on my neck changes directions. The particular spot where the most drastic change of directions is where the bumps form most often. I do not pluck out ingrown hairs, I release them. Does single blade refer to a DE? I'm not understanding the purpose/functionality of a DE as opposed to say a disposable single or double bladed razor.

My next step should be... purchasing a DE, brush, preshave wash, shave gel, or soap?, and being both brave and patient, how's it look so far?

And thanks again!

Ty, I think you've come to the right place! There are folks here who are really generous with their time and advice helping people get started. I started just a few weeks ago myself, and they've been a big help to me.

Right up front, I'm Caucasian and I haven't had to deal with in-growns, so won't speak to that.

I'll offer some answers to some of your questions. I'll be pretty basic at the risk of saying things you already know.

DE Razor - The "DE" stands for double-edged. When I was young they were known simply as safety razors to distinguish them from straight razors (a.k.a. cut-throats). The double-edged razor takes a single, replaceable blade with a sharpened edge on each side. Hence the term double-edged. A person can use one edge and then spin the razor to use the other edge before rinsing it off. Blades are cheap compared to cartridge razors. The price is measured in cents per blade, not dollars.

DE razors can be either brand new or vintage. A decent brand new razor that will last a long time can be had for ~$35 (for example the Edwin Jagger DE89 series). They can also be bought as cheaply as ~$12 or so.

Vintage razors are typically, but not always, Gillettes. The Super Speed is a vintage model Gillette. Some of them can be bought relatively cheaply (less than $25) and are good quality razors. Some people prefer them to new. They can be found on E-bay, or you can check out the Buy/Sell/Trade section on this shaving forum. People are always selling or trading equipment and supplies.

I, too, recommend the Manic59 videos. He's collected a few of the essential videos on his blog

You asked a question about where the brush comes in. The brush is used to build a lather from either the shaving cream (from a tube, not a squirt can) or shaving soap. With a little bit of water, some cream/soap, and a repeated swirling motion in either a cup, or directly on your face, the brush builds a lather within the bristles. It can then be transferred to your face. Mantic has a good video on building lather.

Here's a link to the shave wiki intro to shaving, that is worth a read.

Also, if you haven't read them yet, read the stickies at the top of this forum.

I recommend not buying anything until you've watched the Mantic series and read some of the reference material on this site.

As others have said-- Welcome! And stick with it.

Best of luck. Enjoy the ride.

EDIT: Reading back over my post, some of my answers repeat what others said, sorry.

**aceinyerface** · 10-03-2011, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by TC90

What exactly is double-edge shaving and can it help me reduce ingrown hairs on my neck?

Welcome to B&B.

Multiblade cartridges work on a different principle than single blade razors.

Hysterisis is what they call the method of the multiblade's operation. The first blade snags the hair, stretching it out of it's sheath, the next blade cuts it releasing the tension of being stretched. The hair retracts back into it's sheath having been cut below skin level.

In comparison, the single blade razor cuts the hair at skin level, and the end of the hair doesn't retract into it's sheath as long as the skin is not stretched or cut against the grain.

The hair being cut below the skin is the leading cause of transfollicular pseudofolliculitis barbae (AKA razor bumps or ingrown hair) and single blade razors are recommended by dermatologists for this reason http://onlinedermclinic.com/archives...ulitis-barbae/

For pre shave prep, I take a hot shower, shampoo my beard, conditioner too, and it is usually good enough for me. Since you are having problems, you might try it and add a wipe down with witch hazel and a hot towel for a minute or two.

Post shave, try the witch hazel again. Some of the other guys can give you some tips on that (I don't do it, myself)

I don't know anything about the Neutrogena stuff, but the brush has an exfoliating effect. I'm guessing that anything you can do to remove dead skin cells, old skin oils, and any germs will help avoid the bumps.