Thread: After-Shave Irritation - HELP!

Ok, so I did my first SR shave yesterday and finished with a DE. Overall, best, cleanest shave ever. No nicks, little irritation, really smooth (only a couple of spots that weren't near BBS, and those were still closer than most shaves I've had). Did my normal after-shave lotion (non-alcohol, moisturizing) that I like and headed off for the day.
Problem was, at the end of the day I had irritation on my neck line and cheeks and they were all red . . . .

I'm sure it had nothing to do with me all day rubbing my jawline and cheeks thinking "Damn, that is close". And definitely nothing to do with the wife doing the same, and then kissing the smooth spots for a while that night . . .

Can someone add that to the "Dangers of SR Shaving"?

I'd add that to "The Benefits of SR Shaving"

First shave you probably used too much pressure or went back over areas too many times , , could be your prep, the first shave needs to be a little at a time , get your face used to the blade , on the blade maybe it wasn't quite shave ready ,, lots of things could be on your first. Especially human error,, it'll come after a bunch of shaves ,, mostly guys find that after 50 or so shaves it's coming along well,, good luck and yes the are definite benifits to a smooth shave. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

First shave you probably used too much pressure or went back over areas too many times , , could be your prep, the first shave needs to be a little at a time , get your face used to the blade , on the blade maybe it wasn't quite shave ready ,, lots of things could be on your first. Especially human error,, it'll come after a bunch of shaves ,, mostly guys find that after 50 or so shaves it's coming along well,, good luck and yes the are definite benifits to a smooth shave. Tc

I fully agree with my friend TC.

I will add my 'theory' as to 'why' the irritation occurs so seemingly easy with straight razors 'at first'.

Since there is no 'guard' like on all other methods of shaving, the blade is directly against the skin and with other methods the guard is against the skin. Thus you have to use 'pressure' to get the blade down to at least close to skin level.

When you shave with a straight the only pressure needed is just enough to ensure contact with the skin, thus the 'no pressure' advice that we give.

As far as the BBS shave, I don't believe in it. I believe in a Close, Comfortable and Smooth shave. When I read about guys doing three, four and more passes chasing an eluding BBS shave, I just shake my head and wonder 'why'

I shave at night do some handshaking that for some reason goes away as the day goes on and it's been there for over 20 years so I shave at night. In order to pass my companies grooming requirements I do a two pass shave. That shave will last 24+ hours. Is it BBS? No, a small area under my jaw isn't but 99.9% of the rest of my face is, or at least close to it. Those few little whiskers that I can 'feel' others can't see.

If I were to shave in the morning, I'd do just a single pass, it's good for about 12 hours.

The next time you shave, just do the sideburn to jaw line. Get used to using an age old method of removing your beard, slow down and take your time. It's well worth the wait.

OH, try going to bed and trying to fall asleep while you keep rubbing your very smooth face (especially the chin) thinking about how nice it feels.

I'm thinking it mainly had to do with the wife . . .

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

I had similar irritation after my first few SR shaves years ago. I realized that I was shaving too hard and at the wrong angle. After several more shaves, I was better able to control my shave angle and pressure. The shaves were much better after that.

Kisses are the best aftershave. Enjoy!

I had the same issues at first couple shaves(I shall say I'm still a newbie and I get irritation sometimes also). The problems were wrong angle, wrong pressure, wrong grip, not a real shave ready edge. After a while you get better with the angles and grips, but be sure you apply very little pressure on your strokes that is a must for muscle memory. Lastly, I must add, if you have chance try different shave ready razors from different honers because shave readiness changes from person to person.
Keep going mate, you will find you way in time.