I've shaved three times and I'm getting a major case of razor burn. Is this part of the learning process? I may want to give my face a rest on Saturday to restore the skin before my next shave.
Is this normal? Is my skin sensitive? Any suggestions?
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I've shaved three times and I'm getting a major case of razor burn. Is this part of the learning process? I may want to give my face a rest on Saturday to restore the skin before my next shave.
Is this normal? Is my skin sensitive? Any suggestions?
It's not unusual for a new straight user to get razor burn. Between techiques being learned and the fact that your skin needs to adjust to a new way of shaving. The day of rest will do you well, your techique and skin will improve.:gl:
Have you gotten razor burn with you other shaving methods ? Whether you have a truly shave ready razor and how much pressure you are using enters my mind. Preparation is very important.
Are you trying to get a shave in one pass ? Most all of the forum members recommend at least 2 or 3 passes to gradually remove the stubble. Any of these things could have something to do with your razor burn. :shrug:
Do you feel like you're having to pass the razor across your face with any significant pressure on the blade other than the blade itself? A very light touch, letting the blade do the work is key. If you're feeling that you have to help the blade along in any significant way, then the razor is most likely not sharp enough.
Use very short, very light strokes.
Don't lift the spine of the razor too far off your face (too steep of an angle). Doing so scrapes your skin in addition to cutting the whiskers.
Practice, practice practice. You're learning a skill. Stay with it.
And......yes, give your face a rest for a few days.
Chris L
I had been getting razor burn with the Mach3 that I used before. The straight razor I use should not be a problem because I had it honed and prepared by Lynn. Most of the razor burn is in the difficult areas around the mouth and chin, so it may be a technique issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
I use an aftershave balm made by Loreal. It helps moisturise the skin, but I still have areas of redness that are tender.
Its technique. There should be absolutely no razor burn with a straight razor. Use the correct angle, good prep, lots of light passes, and don't try to get super close while the beard is wet (it feels closer after the face dries).
Take a day of rest and don't try and shave any areas that are irritation ridden. Give them even more off days until you can diagnose the problem.
When I first started straight shaving, there was a day where it looked like I got in a slapping contest and lost in a serious way. It was a work day and the burn lasted all day!
My lesson learned: my technique sucked. Bad angle, too much pressure, did not get the concept of progressive beard removal... the list goes on and on.
Don't be discouraged. You will get it!!!
Yes it is not rare. There are many variables that need to be controlled. I just posted on a thread dealing with the "same" issue. I will give you the link: http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...tml#post307423
Al raz.
You can try Nivea Extreme comfort after shave cream, it's very soothing, also, if you have any red spots, try some triple antibiotic oitment, or Hydrocortisone to help it heal faster. +1 on what Chris said about angle. There is a learning curve.
I had the exact same problem the first few times, but now it is much better. I posted this when I had trouble and I think/hope it can be useful to you also..It's sort of a newbs reflections on what this newb (me) did wrong and how to fix it at the end http://straightrazorpalace.com/newbi...19-heeelp.html
But practice is the key word also. I could also recomend Nivea's aftershave balm for sensitive skin that I find is great, it calmes the skin and helps against the burning sensation and redness.
:gl:
A lot of things can be the issue here, as many have pointed out. If you have a shave-ready razor, honed by someone with experience and knowledge of razors, my guess would be shave angle. Try a shallower angle on your passes. I'd also second the suggestion to use some sort of aftershave or balm. If you're getting a lot of irritation, a balm is probably your best bet.
While you're giving your face a rest, read through the wiki -- there's a wealth of knowledge there.
Best of luck,
cass
Take a break. It normally takes about two weeks for one's face to get used to the strong exfoliation action of the straight razor. Don't shave every day until the last week of January and do as others say and work on your technique.
X
i cant really add anything to this but repeating never hurt anybody watch your angle and pressure i will tell you what helped me a lot i was using the brush like i was painting (not good) i started swirling the brush in circles so the lather would hold the hair up instead of gluing it to my face and it made a huge difference my shaves were %100 better with zero razor burn :gl:
I am a newbie too. Just had my first straight razor shave today with a razor that was honed by someone with great experience on a 30000 shapton. No doubt the razor was sharp enough but the razor pulled and I also got the burn and irritation. I did use a good glycercin soap. Is it possible the razor is too sharp, or is it probably my technique ( e.g. angle). If i understand the previous posts, I should use short strokes.
Pulling is a sign that the razor isn't sharp enough. Did you strop lots and carefully before the shave? If so, chances are it's your technique.
X
NOthing to add here but whatever moisturizer you use make sure it does not contain mineral oil or its equivalents. Most do and it will not help your skin and will likely slow down the healing process because it clogs the skin and it cannot breath. You want a hypoallergenic and oil-free moisturzier and get a non-alcohol toner after the shave. Most people like withhazel in place of toner after shaving but it also contains alcohol which irritates and dries the skin so I recommend avoiding products that do not help.
A good toner restores the skin's PH balance which is horribly upset right after shaving so that whatever your apply after the toner will be beneficial and our skin will be ready for it instead of trying to heal itself. A great toner solves this!
YOu will find that using the right post-shave products will help a lot.
I think you are applying too much pressure, making too many passes, and need practice on your technique as noted previously. It comes quickly just be patient but do let your skin rest and get some good products to use.
Certainly not everyone will agree with the above and has their routine/products that works for them, but I am telling you this will help.
I've given my face a day rest between my last three shaves. That seems to help with the red/irritated skin and nicks. I've used a lower angle too (I was at around 45 degrees before). I think the lower angle is important.
I've also been using Nivea aftershave balm. I don't know if the lower angle or the balm are better at reducing the razor burn.
My technique is improving.
Thanks for the advise.
mts,
#1-The nicks are technique maybe sharpness issues; the inflammation could be sensitivity to your cream/soap. #2-Just for grins and giggles try applying the lather to your face, but don't shave. Just let it sit there for as long as you would were you shaving. If your face remains cool, calm, and collected it's not the soap/cream so all is well there. If you begin to feel discomfort from the lather, you have one variable you can eliminate from the problem pile.
good shaving,