Thread: help please

hey guys , any tested techniques on how to properly shave my face and prevent razor bumps ?
posted to Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library Beginners

Razor bumps usually caused by one of three things, or a combination. Too much pressure, too steep an angle, or dull blade. Lots of information in the library and search engine, and on the internet and YouTube.

For a beginner, too much pressure is the likely culprit. Ensuring you have a proper lather, and then just using enough pressure to shave off the cream is the way to go. the hair will come with it. It is unlikely you will get all the hair with a single pass, so a second and usually a third pass are needed...adding pressure to get all the hair in one pass is ineffective and leads to razor burn.

As anyone who has tried to extend the life of a cartridge razor knows, applying extra pressure when using a duller blade can compensate for dullness. However, that doesn't work with a straight razor; you just end up with highly irritated skin.

Practice, technique, and a properly honed razor will lead you to a great shave with no irritation.

The few things not already mentioned is soap and skin stretching. Both are very important in my shaving, as well as the things already mentioned. My soap has to be slick to lubricate the blade and thin enough that it does not get sticky, I keep me skin nice and tight, which helps with the pressure.

Trying to much to quickly won't help. Start with wtg passes. Once you have that down add xtg then finally atg. It will take time and practice there are no shortcuts. Beard mapping also helps.

Originally Posted by emily

hey guys , any tested techniques on how to properly shave my face and prevent razor bumps ?

Are you still using Barbasol and a cart or have you converted to traditional (wet) shaving? A single edge blade be it a straight or safety razor has helped many with razor irritatation caused by multi blade systems. Beard prep and some better cream also go a very long way.

Have a long hot shower pre shave , also stretch the skin during the shave... add a sharp,smooth edge to that..