Hey guys,
Brand new to DE shaving. I used to shave with a cartridge razor and would constantly have razor burn and irritation which would ultimately result in a breakout because i have oily skin, a thick beard with thick curly hair, and poor skin to begin with. This was back in high school. Finally i had had enough and in college i gave up completely and only used a beard trimmer on the lowest setting and went years wearing my stubble as a scruffy college student. Im now 23 and decided that look wouldnt be acceptable anymore so looking around online i stumbled upon DE shaving and this forum. After a few weeks of research and shopping around i settled on the beginner shaving kit from Lee's Razors.
My kit includes:
Merkur 34C HD
Truefitt & Hill Lavender Shave Cream
Derby Blades
Vulfix 2233 Super Badger
I also went out and bought a large mug and Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm
My first shave i mostly focused on technique not really trying for a close shave.
Showered first and washed with Aveno face scrub. I usually alternate between face scrub and generic face wash.
Then with out drying i heated the mug and lathered up.
First two passes with the grain and the third cross grain keeping my wrist stiff and trying not to go over the same spot twice. Finished with the Post shave balm. Zero irritation to my surprise. Missed a couple spots but decided not to push my luck. No blood so i was happy.
The second attempt same routine but washed with face wash. First pass with the grain, second across grain, third attempted to go against grain but it was very grabby and way to much feedback so i decided to stop. Finished with balm. This shave was a little better and still didnt draw any blood. Though the next morning i woke up with irritation on my chin and neck.
Third attempt this morning same routine but committed on the third pass to go against the grain. I tried to alleviate the pulling by making short strokes, almost blade buffing and i only shaved the sides of my face that way. One tiny nick on my neck. Still have irritation from the morning but its a bit lighter.
Overall i enjoy the experience. Using the brush is an interesting feeling, the first lather feels good but the second and third feels almost like im irritating my face. Going to try to be consistent with it tho. I figure any of the irritation im getting is due to technique, im trying not to put any pressure on the blade and hold the razor by the base of the handle but i feel like some pressure is needed to keep the bade against my face and prevent it from hopping around, especially going across or against the grain. Anyway, just thought i d make my first post, any suggestions are more than welcome. Ive already got plans to order the letterk pack and see if different blades help any.
Brand new to DE shaving. I used to shave with a cartridge razor and would constantly have razor burn and irritation which would ultimately result in a breakout because i have oily skin, a thick beard with thick curly hair, and poor skin to begin with. This was back in high school. Finally i had had enough and in college i gave up completely and only used a beard trimmer on the lowest setting and went years wearing my stubble as a scruffy college student. Im now 23 and decided that look wouldnt be acceptable anymore so looking around online i stumbled upon DE shaving and this forum. After a few weeks of research and shopping around i settled on the beginner shaving kit from Lee's Razors.
My kit includes:
Merkur 34C HD
Truefitt & Hill Lavender Shave Cream
Derby Blades
Vulfix 2233 Super Badger
I also went out and bought a large mug and Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm
My first shave i mostly focused on technique not really trying for a close shave.
Showered first and washed with Aveno face scrub. I usually alternate between face scrub and generic face wash.
Then with out drying i heated the mug and lathered up.
First two passes with the grain and the third cross grain keeping my wrist stiff and trying not to go over the same spot twice. Finished with the Post shave balm. Zero irritation to my surprise. Missed a couple spots but decided not to push my luck. No blood so i was happy.
The second attempt same routine but washed with face wash. First pass with the grain, second across grain, third attempted to go against grain but it was very grabby and way to much feedback so i decided to stop. Finished with balm. This shave was a little better and still didnt draw any blood. Though the next morning i woke up with irritation on my chin and neck.
Third attempt this morning same routine but committed on the third pass to go against the grain. I tried to alleviate the pulling by making short strokes, almost blade buffing and i only shaved the sides of my face that way. One tiny nick on my neck. Still have irritation from the morning but its a bit lighter.
Overall i enjoy the experience. Using the brush is an interesting feeling, the first lather feels good but the second and third feels almost like im irritating my face. Going to try to be consistent with it tho. I figure any of the irritation im getting is due to technique, im trying not to put any pressure on the blade and hold the razor by the base of the handle but i feel like some pressure is needed to keep the bade against my face and prevent it from hopping around, especially going across or against the grain. Anyway, just thought i d make my first post, any suggestions are more than welcome. Ive already got plans to order the letterk pack and see if different blades help any.
