Beard Grain

**SweetOne69** · 01-02-2012, 05:02 PM

I received my DE razor from Westcoast Shaving and am ready to make my first DE shave and have a question on beard grain.

I took a extra long weekend and haven't shaved since Wednesday. On my face it appears that grain is predominantly N-S. I am having difficulty analyzing the grain on my neck as there is no color in 90% of my neck hairs so I have to go by feel. It seems that under the chin and around the Adam's apple it goes N-S and for the rest of the neck it goes S-N. Does that seem possible? Could the years of cartridge shaving have altered the grain as the grain appears to be in the exact manner that I shaved with a cartridge razor? I would shave the face and under the chin N-S and the rest of the neck S-N.

**Landri** · 01-02-2012, 05:12 PM

Usually the grain patron change in different areas of your face. I can count 3 different patrons on my face and neck (checks-chin-lip, upper neck and low neck). Just take short strokes, light touch and be extra careful and aware of how you face fell.

**cb91710** · 01-02-2012, 05:16 PM

It would be unlikely, but possible that it's going S-N.
For me, it runs E-W under my ears and transitions to W-E at the center... basically "flows" out from the center and under the ears and flows into an N-S at the 25% points.

To double check, use a cotton ball and see what direction you pick up the most fuzz.

**shaverjoe** · 01-02-2012, 05:23 PM

Yes, your pattern is very possible. My growth goes N-S halfway down my trachea, then immediately switches to S-N. Outside the midLine, it flows from my trachea to the ears bilaterally.

**ackvil** · 01-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Yes, the grain of your beard can change in my directions. On my neck on the right side it runs W to E. On my middle of the neck it goes N to S at the chin to mid section and S to N below there. On my left side it runs E to W.

**OldSaw** · 01-02-2012, 07:31 PM

Mine's all over the place on my neck, but mostly left to right. I have swirls under my ears and 180 degree phase shifts near my Adam's apple. I wouldn't over-think this. Just find your road map and go with it.

**gigglemonk** · 01-02-2012, 07:36 PM

I think velocity is just as, if not more, important than direction when we first start. Going slow lets us assess the curves and changes of the road conditions so we can adjust appropriately. Just like shaving!