Thread: Ingrown hair(s)

My stubble is also most thick/coarse in the goatee area. The chin, due to the complete lack of flat surfaces, is the most challenging spot for all of us (for the most part; next to the Adam's apple is a close second).

The first step in conquering this challenge is practice.

The second would be what I call "facial acrobatics". That is, moving/stretching/inflating/deflating/contorting your face in a way that allows you to shave your chin effectively. Hard to describe, easier to demonstrate in person. On a related note, changing to the sink instead of the shower would allow you to slow down & concentrate more, as well as a change in your posture that would likely affect your shaving technique (if only minutely).

For example (about posture): I bought a vanity mirror that extends from the wall so that I didn't have a counter between me and the closest mirror. But... with a certain spot or two on my neck/under jaw, I can get at it better if I use the big mirror stuck flat against the wall. I plant my feet, rest my hips against the countertop, and crane my body forward, chin out, in order to stretch that area of skin and give me clearance to maneuver the razor.

It takes a lot of experimentation & practice to work out some of the kinks.

I think what Ed meant by "shaving too aggressively" is two things: blade angle, and pressure applied. For the pressure, I refer you to jmercer's signature: "Shave the lather..." because that is the appropriate amount of pressure to use.

I hope this was helpful!

Hi Alien - just some quick clarification. I am using a straight razor now. Not anything like a Gillette or something you can get in a conventional store. Thx

As eddy said, less agressive shaving in the areas affected will help, good stretching is important to a good shave.
Have you mapped your beard growth pattern? If not it is worthwhile. Once you are sure of the direction of growth try just shaving with the grain rather than across (you may already be doing this)
In theory shaving with a shavette or straight should be exfoliating your face anyway but as the others have said it is going to help to use a face scrub.

As a thought it might be worth your while trying cold water shaving.
There are a tonne of threads on it and it may be worth considering.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

As a thought it might be worth your while trying cold water shaving.
There are a tonne of threads on it and it may be worth considering.

I agree. A cold water shave maybe the way to go,also you may want to try a good pre-shave, in addition to a cream that is for sensitive skin. What I do is boil water and put my brush and pre-shave in there while I shower. Once I am done I put the pre-Shave on then I build a good later and then put that on then it's cold water for shave and rinse. My big thing is those blades. Have heard not so good reviews on shark blades. Try feather, persona or for a more milder blade try derby. Good luck and remember a good post shave balm.

I think aggressive can fall into 3 main categories. Pressure, angle and how close. Trying to get as close as possible or bbs can lead to this. Go close and comfortable and you will find you get closer without the issues as you get more experience. Good luck