How exactly does one go about getting a good, clean shave? I am a uptight, tightass uni student who doesn't want to spend money, so I'm willing to dish out $50 for a couple months worth of good shaving. Problem is, I know next to nothing. Today I shaved off the slight neckbeard I aquired while doing a hackathon (Gotta blend in) and found that the areas the hair covered look awful. Last year, I nearly permanently had hair around my chin because whenever I shaved it would come out acney, with micro cuts and hairs, so I just gave up altogether.
This year, I want change damnit. I want to know what I can do to have some sort of control over my face. And I know you can help me, TL <3
I have never really shaved myself, since I'm incapable of growing facial hair, but I've read a few TL threads about shaving and stuff, and some people have recommended shaving with a straight razor as it gives a much cleaner shave. Perhaps we got a few shaving enthusiasts still around to give some advice.
im pretty simple i use a simple electronic razor for my face and a super cheap 1time razor almost everything else (like i grow fucking shoulder and upper back hair, not much but still pretty apelike (seriously shoulder hair wtf hoomins))
There are generally two methods of shaving: 1) Shave everyday 2) Never shave. Shaving after days/weeks of not is going to be unpleasant generally. I'm guilty of that and use a beard/mustache trimmer to get it fairly short before using a razor. The neck is the absolute worst part, so if you are feeling lazy, Id prioritize that.
What changed the way I shave is using a hot towel before the shave. I'm not sure if it's the same for you (what you described sounds like a similar category), but my skin always got extremely irritated when I was doing a long, clean shave. So eventually I tried putting a hot (really fucking hot) wet towel on my face for a couple of minutes to soften up all the hair, then put a cold towel on the area for a couple of seconds (to close the pores or something, I just do it). Since I'm using an electronic razor I then remove all the moisture with a little tad of baby powder (and a dry towel of course) and am ready to start the shave.
The area I live in has a lot of Turkish barbershops where I saw some of these things and eventually started using them at home. At least for me it changed a lot, so I'd recommend you try it, since a hot towel doesn't really cost anything. You can even microwave it, it actually works extremely nice.
I've shaved since I was 14 years old. I'm 23 now. I have stupid face hair growth. I shave Monday morning, and by Wednesday evening, I have as much beard as my brother have accumulated past 2 weeks.... If only I could take some of my facial hair growth and stick it on my head T_T
Anyways, a few tips for someone with sensitive skin/just started shaving:
I'd recommend shaving with a razor. Shave after you've showered. The skin likes the razor more when warm and wet rather than cold and hard.
Always use shaving foam. (Not when u shave with electric razor)
, 5 blades for smoother shave and less irritation on your skin. I pay about 15 euro for 5 blades, and 1 blade lasts about a month, depending on how much I shave. You can see when you need to change your razor when the blue stuff above the blades start turning white.
Shave in the direction the hairs are growing, instead of against the hairs.
Always use aftershave (not cologne) balm, preferred non-perfumed.
The reason for your skin turning out "acney" is because you either used a bad razor, you were not careful enough or any of above combinations. It's called shaving pimples and it's basically damaged hair roots or hairs stuck under your skin.
Simply use a good razor and shave every day. Decent razor blades might cost $5 each (the razor itself should be almost free), but if you shave every day then you should only go through 2 blades a week (or less), and that is if your hair grows fast.
My facial hair grows very fast, and if I do not shave every single day then I need to use a new blade and throw it away after every shave.
I suggest you try a few methods, there is not one method that works best for everyone.
I think the most two uttermost important things to a nice clean shave is a sharp razor and time.
A few tips from my own experience:
- do not, under no circumstances ever, scratch your beard area (if there is an itch, just gently slap/pat it away) - keep your face skin clean (if you have been sweating, don't let old sweat sit on your face) - when you dry off e.g. after a shower; do not rub a towel on your face, instead pat it - do not rush a shave
My personal shaving method for the best result:
- wash your face with hot/warm water before shaving, again be very gentle on the skin. - pat it dry with a towel - apply shaving cream get a nice spread and let it sit for a bit. - now before you start, make sure your razor is sharp (and warm and wet) - shave with the grain, never against - keep the blade hot by putting it under hot running water in between strokes - when finished shaving, clean your skin by washing it with warm water - check for ingrown hairs and remove them with a tweezers, if you can't get to them, first make a tiny cut in ur skin - immediately after washing your skin, cool it with either cold water or a wet cold towel, when using a cold towel, push it against your skin, do not rub it - now pat your skin dry with a towel and you're all done
I have to note I only shave bi-daily so it gives my skin enough time to heal (I'll still look sharp enough on the off day!)
I don't use any aftershave products, I feel my skin does fine without. Getting the right shaving cream is important, try a few. I use a green gel one, for sensitive skin, myself. I check the sharpness of my razor by reflecting light on it's blade(s), if it is sharp you will see a nice straight line on the edge. If it is not sharp I either rub the razor against my skin or I discard the razor and use a new one. Again you can check by reflecting the light to see if it's sharp.
In this video it shows what I mean by rubbing it against my skin to sharpen it, note eventually the razor is on it's end of use and you just have to get a new razor.
I highly suggest any of you to watch this video, it is really informative about shaving and gives very good explanation to some questions you might still have:
The cheapest way is probably to buy a straight razor and belt. The reason I don't use this is because I'm not confident enough about my motor skills.
I hope my respond helps you find your way to a nice and affordable shaving experience!
I got bad news, the acne is not from shaving... that is a diet / genetics thing.
I shave in the shower, this works best for me. Shaving creams are a waste of money, you can just use normal soap to lather your skin while you're showering (it basically does the same thing but not in a horrible environmentally unfriendly aerosol can). If possible, install a shaving mirror in your shower. Its ok if you shave right out of the shower too, but best if you can keep applying water via the shower. I replace the razor maybe once every two months.
If you have super sensitive skin an electric razor might be the way to go. Large upfront cost but low cost to maintain. Its a shittier shave without a doubt but its quick and dirty, can do it in the car if you're lazy and don't value other people's lives.
For a real shave you need to use sharp metal instruments around your jugular, that's just a fact. An electric might be fine for day to day but for special occasions, a big date, job interview, weddings and funerals you need to man up and shave like a big boy. Don't buy into the Gillette 8 blades + vibrating bullshit where a refill costs as much as a down payment on a car.
Your cheapest options are going to be a straight razor or a safety razor just like your grandpappy used. Both take some technique to use but they're doable. A straight razor is pretty much a 1 time investment but its more sketchball. A safety razor costs a bit upfront but your refills are essentially free. Grats 100 blades for $10, you just won at shaving sir.
A warm towel is probably a good idea, shaving in the shower can help with your skin sensitivity. Your skin might just be sensitive because it's not used to shaving but it might man up once it gets used to it, maybe not. There's stuff for sensitive skin out there, not sure what works or not, someone here might be able to tell you better.
On December 09 2013 22:18 Peeano wrote: I suggest you try a few methods, there is not one method that works best for everyone.
I think the most two uttermost important things to a nice clean shave is a sharp razor and time.
A few tips from my own experience:
- do not, under no circumstances ever, scratch your beard area (if there is an itch, just gently slap/pat it away) - keep your face skin clean (if you have been sweating, don't let old sweat sit on your face) - when you dry off e.g. after a shower; do not rub a towel on your face, instead pat it - do not rush a shave
My personal shaving method for the best result:
- wash your face with hot/warm water before shaving, again be very gentle on the skin. - pat it dry with a towel - apply shaving cream get a nice spread and let it sit for a bit. - now before you start, make sure your razor is sharp (and warm and wet) - shave with the grain, never against - keep the blade hot by putting it under hot running water in between strokes - when finished shaving, clean your skin by washing it with warm water - check for ingrown hairs and remove them with a tweezers, if you can't get to them, first make a tiny cut in ur skin - immediately after washing your skin, cool it with either cold water or a wet cold towel, when using a cold towel, push it against your skin, do not rub it - now pat your skin dry with a towel and you're all done
I have to note I only shave bi-daily so it gives my skin enough time to heal (I'll still look sharp enough on the off day!)
I don't use any aftershave products, I feel my skin does fine without. Getting the right shaving cream is important, try a few. I use a green gel one, for sensitive skin, myself. I check the sharpness of my razor by reflecting light on it's blade(s), if it is sharp you will see a nice straight line on the edge. If it is not sharp I either rub the razor against my skin or I discard the razor and use a new one. Again you can check by reflecting the light to see if it's sharp.
In this video it shows what I mean by rubbing it against my skin to sharpen it, note eventually the razor is on it's end of use and you just have to get a new razor.
I highly suggest any of you to watch this video, it is really informative about shaving and gives very good explanation to some questions you might still have: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28fHo9JpHvs
The cheapest way is probably to buy a straight razor and belt. The reason I don't use this is because I'm not confident enough about my motor skills.
I hope my respond helps you find your way to a nice and affordable shaving experience!
that Shit feels GOOD, really FUCKING GOOD. Go pay for it. Do it. you deserve it enjoy it, its an amazzzzzing feeling. Go pay a barber you will never regret it.
On December 09 2013 23:07 zeru wrote: Recently started using a mühle safety razor and fucking love it, and considering how cheap blades are it is in the long run a very cheap option. I regret not starting to use this type of razor earlier, infinitely better than 27-blade super gilette extreme hair destroyers, and especially electric ones.
Listen to Zeru and buy safety razors. They're cheap and you get incredibly clean shave check out the classical shavibg thread on tl for more info.
On December 10 2013 04:15 NeuroticPsychosis wrote: Cheap plastic razors are the way to go. They come in packs of 12 at your local dollar store or Walmart
the pores will open because of hot water and shaving should be easier. also you need some balm/after shave so your face doesnt make you hate life afterwards.
if you dont need some uber close shaving you can also get a hair trimmer and shave with that. you always have a 1 day beard but it beats having your face melt.
On December 10 2013 12:20 Kevin_Sorbo wrote: try shaving coming out of the shower.
the pores will open because of hot water and shaving should be easier. also you need some balm/after shave so your face doesnt make you hate life afterwards.
if you dont need some uber close shaving you can also get a hair trimmer and shave with that. you always have a 1 day beard but it beats having your face melt.
Bad advice. You should never shave right after shower for the same reason you should never cut your nails right after shower. When nails are wet they bend easily and cannot be cut properly. Similarly when your face is moist after a shower the skin is highly elastic and you don't want to mix that with a razor
On December 10 2013 12:20 Kevin_Sorbo wrote: try shaving coming out of the shower.
the pores will open because of hot water and shaving should be easier. also you need some balm/after shave so your face doesnt make you hate life afterwards.
if you dont need some uber close shaving you can also get a hair trimmer and shave with that. you always have a 1 day beard but it beats having your face melt.
Bad advice. You should never shave right after shower for the same reason you should never cut your nails right after shower. When nails are wet they bend easily and cannot be cut properly. Similarly when your face is moist after a shower the skin is highly elastic and you don't want to mix that with a razor
How is it bad to shave after shower? I always shave after shower. The hair is softer and the pores are open, giving a closer and more comfortable shave.
From AskMen:
How do I get the closest shave possible? While many variables make this a loaded question, the universal response is to shave after taking a hot shower. The hot water and steam will soften your beard and open your pores, allowing for a smoother shave. For guys with particularly heavy stubble or for days when you want a super-close shave, use a pre-shave exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and lift your stubble, which will dramatically improve the outcome of your shave. Also, should you use an exfoliant, only use it two or three days a week or be sure to find one designed for daily use. The hot water, steam and exfoliant combined will provide a primo shave.
Just be careful when you shave and you won't cut yourself. Promise.
EPT
You can even microwave it, it actually works extremely nice.![[image loading]](http://goldenwingstrading.com/admin/images/products/M1XHwD.jpg)
