[Kingfisher]

After years of not shaving and keeping heavy stubble, I've started a new job which requires me to be clean-shaven everyday.

So I started shaving, and have been getting horrendous razor burn on my neck. It looks like I was bitten by 100 bullants overnight.

I've tried:

• Normal gilette razors
• Expensive electric shavers
• Shaving with the grain
• Shaving against the grain
• Shaving with various brands of shaving cream
• Shaving dry with the electric razor
  

Nothing works. No matter what I do, I get this terrible razor burn.

Does anyone know of a solution?

I've heard apple cider vinegar helps, and I'm going to get some tonight, but any ideas would be appreciated.

[RawGod]

   

Merkur HD razor
Badger brush
English shaving soap/cream

Use pre-shave oil since you are particularly sensitive.

Although you might need to experiment, even the most sensitive individuals seem to be able to make traditional shaving work.

[polar]

Try shaving with an oil like Shave Secret instead of shaving cream or soap. Look for it at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target had some other shaving oil that I haven't tried yet which might also work. Tiny bottle, lasts 2x+ the time that a full can of cream does.

I also think that the longer the hair you're shaving, the FEWER blades you should use. Those fifteen-blade razors with built-in flashlight and radio get clogged really quickly and seem to cause more irritation for me as a result. Safety razor with Feather blades has done me well, but it took me about three months before I could consistently shave without nicking myself.

[TravelerKai]

(11-03-2014 03:37 PM)polar Wrote:  

Try shaving with an oil like Shave Secret instead of shaving cream or soap. Look for it at Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target had some other shaving oil that I haven't tried yet which might also work. Tiny bottle, lasts 2x+ the time that a full can of cream does.

I also think that the longer the hair you're shaving, the FEWER blades you should use. Those fifteen-blade razors with built-in flashlight and radio get clogged really quickly and seem to cause more irritation for me as a result. Safety razor with Feather blades has done me well, but it took me about three months before I could consistently shave without nicking myself.

That's exactly what I use. Not only did I save 100's a year by not buying those 6 bladed expensive razors, but I got rid of that fucking burn in the process.

There is a certain surfacant or two in the popular shaving creams that causes skin burning. Some men are sensitive to it. I cannot recall the name exactly, but don't buy those. The Aveeno brand does not have it. That's what I am using and it worked out great for me. I can still use a can product without having to make my own cream in a bowl.

[birdie num num]

I've been shaving using an aloe vera hand lotion. It works just fine. Afterwards I follow up with Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar. It stings a bit but it makes you feel like a manly man.

[Cr33pin]

[YossariansRight]

I have very sensitive skin and suffered with shaving for years. The following combination works almost perfect for me.
Take a shower and wash my face with regular Dove soap.
Then use the following for shaving:
Razor: Schick ST2 twin blade razor with Vitamin E lubricating strip (I use each razor 2-3 times)
Saving lubricant: Seaweed Pore-Cleaning Facial Exfoliator from The Body Shop
After shave/Astringent: Witch Hazel
Skin cream (if necessary): Either Nivea or Lubriderm

[Suits]

Hey guys, I cured razor burn:

[The Beast1]

Dude, just buy some after shave. That's how razor burn is cured.

I have some cheapo brute stuff, but you can go all out with expensive stuff from Macy's.

[Downtown]

Tendskin

It works so well that after a while you think maybe I don't need this anymore. And then just a few days later it all comes back.

You have to use it everyday. It really really works and I have coarse beard hair.

[tarquin]

The proraso pre-shave is very good as well. I also like their menthol aftershave.

I second the suggestion to use the double edge razor. I use feather blades as they work the best with my skin/hair combination. If you aren't willing to go that far, at least try a pre-shave lotion. With the recent old-timey shaving enthusiasm, nearly every pre-shave you purchase is going to create a very noticeable difference.

[Vamonos Pest]

I had this same problem and still do if I'm in a rush and miss out the steps that work for me.

I was in the same position as you, where after several years of heavy stubble my new job required me to be clean shaven everyday. It's one of the things that I hate the most but there's no way around it.

For me to have no razor burn , redness, bumps, cuts and shit I find the following works. The hair has to be short. I sometimes trim the hair to the skin with a machine first if I haven't shaved for a few days

-Prepare a towel by soaking it under running hot water
-Fold the towel in half lengthways and position the centre under the chin. Bring one side up to the opposite temple and repeat with the other side. This will leave a small opening for the nostrils, but otherwise cover your face.
-Leave the towel in position for three minutes to steam your face. The purpose of this is to soften the bristles and open the pores, allowing sweat to flow. The sweat will help as a lubricant in the shaving process
-Use a pre shaving oil if you need to
-Lather up well with a skin sensitive shaving gel
-Use a blade that hasn't been used too many times
-Shave with the grain once and allow the blade to follow the curves on your face without any resistance
-Repeat again after lathering up again
-Wash off the remaining lather with cold water

When you dry your face don't rub the skin but rather pat your face dry. I find that if I rub it it decides to play up. Instead patting it dry helps.

Do that several times and you will find that your skin should eventually adapt to the process of shaving.

If it still doesn't then the best types of machine to use by FAR are the Wahl afro clippers and trimmers

http://wahlglobal.com/united-kingdom/wah...mmers.html

These machines cut as close as a shave for most people and without irritation. I've been using them for years and have recommended them to a lot of my friends and they all agree. It's to do with how close the clipper blades are and the way they are constructed.

[kmhour]

the advice above is good. for my sensitive skin, it's an absolute must to shave after a hot shower. work shave soap into a lather with a badger brush and apply with the brush - the brushing action and the warm water will lift the hairs and a disk of shave soap lasts an eternity. I use a typical Mach 3 razor, the Merkur style razors are great but do require a learning curve (do not use pressure with them or prepare for a skin graft).

[Vaun]

Anything Alcohol based. Closes blood vessels immediately.

My ex always have this around for shaving her couch. I tried once after razor burn. It works better than anything I have ever found.