Thread: How to Resist the Urge to Shave

Being a barber for 15 years I have seen bumps on the back of peoples necks from irritation pretty commonly,. Usually from work uniforms etc, seems like police officers have them pretty often so I assume its the starch in their uniforms that causes the irritation as the lower back of your head and neck is pretty sensitive skin area. Shaving with the grain rather than against it is the better option as well if its a highly sensitive area.

Originally Posted by DennisBarberShop

Being a barber for 15 years I have seen bumps on the back of peoples necks from irritation pretty commonly,. Usually from work uniforms etc, seems like police officers have them pretty often so I assume its the starch in their uniforms that causes the irritation as the lower back of your head and neck is pretty sensitive skin area. Shaving with the grain rather than against it is the better option as well if its a highly sensitive area.

I think the picture is under the chin, head tilted back..... Ouch!

Ya that is the front of my neck under my chin sorry for the bad quality of the picture and lighting.

Originally Posted by Casey1991

Ya that is the front of my neck under my chin sorry for the bad quality of the picture and lighting.

I wish I could help but I've never had an irritation problem. I do know the fine folks here love to share info, so I'll let them step in.
Good Luck.

I know a guy, that if he even gets a light abrasion on his face it results in welts. Some people are just sensitive.
It really doesn't look that bad to me, put some Noxzema on it, that will get the red out. Try exfoliating your face/neck (I use baking soda and water) then a pre-shave oil next time, Almond oil, grape seed oil, or coconut oil will work too or combine them all. It could be as others have said the razor needs a touch up. Or you could be having issues with the soap you're using.
I see deepweeds mentioned a meet up in your neck of the woods, I'm sure somebody would take a look at your razor there, probably even hone it if needed. If you can't make it to the meet up, PM me and I'll hone it for free if you will cover the shipping.

Ow. My neck used to get that way with disposables. I suggest less shaving, cold water shave and rinse, steeper blade angle and maybe a sharper razor. Is that razor pinging standing arm hair, Casey?

Originally Posted by rplunk43

I think the picture is under the chin, head tilted back..... Ouch!

Haha oops, yeah could be youre getting ingrown hairs from too close of a shave, generally most peoples hair grows forward closer to the back of the neck, youre probably shaving from the chin back in the same direction, try shaving from the bottom up till you feel more resistance which should be where you start shaving against the grain. I cant shave atg under my neck though or it irritates and I get ingrown hairs.

Ok first thing as has been mentioned, make sure your razor is sharp, if unsure, send it out to be honed.

Another suggestion is to go back to your old razor for a few days. if your old razor is not doing this is will be because it is sharp and not a skin issue.

once you have ascertained if your razor is blunt or sharp we can take the next steps.

Exfoliating sensitive skin is a bad idea, rubbing it with anything will cause it irritation as our barber friend said, however a good shave oil will help with glide but again not if your razor is dull. If your razor just pulls no matter the angle the chances are it's blunt.

Sometime we have to take a step back to move forwards and this is possibly the case. Don't be discouraged, it's important to get the start right, the rest will fall into place once you have a sharp straight razor and your skin has healed completely.

Good luck with it my friend.

Yeah, I guess I don't recall you saying what your shave prep is, but if you don't use a pre-shave product (i.e. oils, creams, moisturizers) you could just have dry skin and too little glide. Recipe for pain.

I personally use Prosoro "Green" pre-shave cream. I enjoy this product and noticed much smoother shaves after trying it. Some people don't like it from what I've heard because it uses menthol and eucalyptus and causes a tingling, cooling feeling, but that's one of the reasons I like it.

Also, make sure you are adding moisture and heat to your face and beard before shaving (either by a hot towel wrap for 15 to 20 min., or hot shower just before the shave). This is important cause it adds needed moisture to your hair and softens it up so the blade can glide through it with less pull.

Good luck, keep at it.

Hair conditioners dont work too bad either