Thread: The Dreaded DMZ

I am having one hell of a time shaving my neck. I don't mean to beat a dead horse (there is a plethora of information on this site concerning this very subject), but I could really use some feedback. I've been straight shaving for nearly four months. From day one my neck has been THE problem area. I'll attempt to describe the situation: I have essentially divided my neck into two parts delineated by a line that I have affectionately labeled The DMZ. This line exists at a point on my neck just south of my chin and north of my adams apple, and stretches from ear to ear. The grain of my beard meets at this line, north and south growing in opposite directions, and begins to curve diagonally towards each respective ear. This line tells a much longer story of pain, blood and fear, as it has always been a problem area. Without getting into exhaustive details, I have attempted to calm tensions along this territory with what, in my opinion, are sound pre and post shave treatments, in addition to shaving WTG before attempting an ATG pass from the jawline down (only way I can pick up all the stubble). Regardless of my efforts I continue to hit a wall and have gone to taking a day or two off to allow my neck to heal, which sucks because it robs me of my morning glory.

Again, I know this subject continues to rear its ugly head time and again, but I would welcome any feedback from our community as to how I can address my predicament.

Cheers!

Tymus,

Remember this: Comfort over Perfect.

The neck is a problem for many of us. It is for me because of my erratic hair growth. So I have settled on doing the best I can on the neck with creative stretching and then letting it go. I can get a perfect shave on the neck, yes, but that would take six or seven passes, which would fry my skin.

In your case, I suggest doing the best you can and calling it quits. For the next days, weeks and months, shave your neck with the grain and rest. You might not get a perfect shave, but it's either that or destroying your neck as you describe. The more you push, the worse your problem will get.

Comfort over perfect.

Obie,

Thanks for the input. Duly noted. I don't feel that my approach to my neck is overkill. But, I do try to replicate the smoothness that I get on my face, and perhaps that is the wrong mindset. As for skin stretching, this seems to become a whole new ball game on my neck. I take care in stretching my skin in the opposite direction of my passes but, no matter how "flat" I can make the runways, this does little to facilitate a more comfortable shave.

Tymus,

Under the circumstances, then, shave one pass with the grain using zero pressure and call it quits. I accept the difficulty shaving my neck and opt for comfort.

I have the same issue only under the Adams Apple. I've learned to just realize I'll never get it perfect there (couldn't with a DE or SE either). Comfort over perfection in those areas for sure.

I, too, have a few neck problems. There are areas that defy direction and there are areas that go with the flow. One side is more difficult to get a smooth shave on than the other and around my Adam's apple is often pure havoc. Sometimes the angle of the blade and direction of shaving makes me look like a contortionist. Most days I settle for as best I can without destroying my skin. If I have a special need for a close shave then I resort to heresy and grab one of the disposables still laying around and using very, very, light pressure do as many passes to get the desired effect (my DE, SE or shavette don't do the job.)

The scything stroke is about the only recommendation I can give. It works for the sideways hairs in the middle of my neck.

+1 on very light pressure
I used to tear my jaw line neck area up a bit trying for full BBS at around the same 4 months time in where you are at now
So resorted back to comfort over BBS
But have found my full smiling blades tend to get this area a lot easier

The age old tale of closeness or comfort. I just finished shaving and on my left side of neck next to my Adams apple is a area that is still got a little left. I could get it but won't be able to shave that area for a week.

Sound advice gentlemen. I used a DE for about three years before making the move to a straight. I have to admit that I was routinely getting the closest, smoothest and most comfortable shaves I've ever been able to accomplish. I handed my DE off to my father-in-law as he was using multi-blade cartridge razors, and he was blown away by the difference. Now as a last resort I will on occasion make single WTG passes on face and neck, then (grudgingly) pick up a BIC to finish the job.

I have noticed that when I do move to the neck I tense up, hence I may be applying too much pressure. Need to be more mindful of that. I rarely make a WTG pass on the adams apple as it does next to nothing to pick up stubble. ATG is the only pass that works for me there. As for strokes I am really trying to stick to the vertical, or variations of, to keep things simple. I have attempted scything strokes on the neck with some success.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Any other suggestions are very welcome.