This weekend, I conducted a shaving experiment. The details are as follows:
The Inspiration:
Earlier this week, my gym was giving out free Gillette Fusion razors. Free? Sure, I'll take one. It sat in my bag, unopened, for several days, and I finally decided that I would try it out...I've been shaving with a DE for well over a year, and I had forgotten what a 5-blade razor felt like.
I had to take a trip on Friday/Saturday and I didn't feel like checking the bag with my DE blades. I figured I would just bring along the Fusion and use it for the weekend. After all, I had my shave brush, Pre de Provence soap, Thayer's Medicated Superhazel, and not to mention a refined shaving technique. How bad could it be?
The Experiment
Saturday morning, I began the shaving ritual. Hot shower, soaking brush, warm lather, the works. The ONLY thing I changed was the razor. From the moment that flat head touched my face, I remembered why I switched in the first place. It didn't feel like it was cutting my beard, it felt like it was pulling the hairs out by the root. Definitely the most unpleasant moment of an otherwise wonderful day.
I finished two WTG passes (my face hurt so bad that I stopped there) and I splashed some cold water on my face. The amount of stubble left after two passes was absolutely insane. Then came the Thayers, which I was hoping would soothe my chaffed skin. I followed up with my Nivea balm, and looked in horror at what I saw in the mirror...my face was red and several spots on my neck were bleeding. I turned around and threw the Fusion in the garbage.
The Aftermath
This morning, I awoke to find little red bumps all over my face. Yes, ingrown hairs. After 1 year of shaving in absolute comfort, with my skin looking better than it had ever looked, 1 shave with a Fusion was all it took to resurrect the ingrown hairs and irritation that had plagued me since I was 16.
Conclusion
This might seem like common sense, but nonetheless I feel compelled to share what I have only recently discovered through experience.
For all those who have enjoyed good shaves for so long that you can't remember how bad cartridge razors feel, do not feel inspired to return "just in case."
The Inspiration:
Earlier this week, my gym was giving out free Gillette Fusion razors. Free? Sure, I'll take one. It sat in my bag, unopened, for several days, and I finally decided that I would try it out...I've been shaving with a DE for well over a year, and I had forgotten what a 5-blade razor felt like.
I had to take a trip on Friday/Saturday and I didn't feel like checking the bag with my DE blades. I figured I would just bring along the Fusion and use it for the weekend. After all, I had my shave brush, Pre de Provence soap, Thayer's Medicated Superhazel, and not to mention a refined shaving technique. How bad could it be?
The Experiment
Saturday morning, I began the shaving ritual. Hot shower, soaking brush, warm lather, the works. The ONLY thing I changed was the razor. From the moment that flat head touched my face, I remembered why I switched in the first place. It didn't feel like it was cutting my beard, it felt like it was pulling the hairs out by the root. Definitely the most unpleasant moment of an otherwise wonderful day.
I finished two WTG passes (my face hurt so bad that I stopped there) and I splashed some cold water on my face. The amount of stubble left after two passes was absolutely insane. Then came the Thayers, which I was hoping would soothe my chaffed skin. I followed up with my Nivea balm, and looked in horror at what I saw in the mirror...my face was red and several spots on my neck were bleeding. I turned around and threw the Fusion in the garbage.
The Aftermath
This morning, I awoke to find little red bumps all over my face. Yes, ingrown hairs. After 1 year of shaving in absolute comfort, with my skin looking better than it had ever looked, 1 shave with a Fusion was all it took to resurrect the ingrown hairs and irritation that had plagued me since I was 16.
Conclusion
This might seem like common sense, but nonetheless I feel compelled to share what I have only recently discovered through experience.
For all those who have enjoyed good shaves for so long that you can't remember how bad cartridge razors feel, do not feel inspired to return "just in case."
