Thread: Face on Fire!

Not literally, but almost. I completed my first entire shave with a straight. I was previously only doing the right side of my face and neck. It went well including my non dominant hand. Not as difficult as I thought. My technique has gotten better as the shave is more comfortable and my blade feels like it is sharper. All good signs.

However, when I was done, my face was on fire. It actually still is. My shave prep consisted of a hot shower, a pre shave oil and a very good lather. I'm thinking I may be pressing down too hard with the razor, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable during the shave.....only after. Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by Fbones24

Not literally, but almost. I completed my first entire shave with a straight. I was previously only doing the right side of my face and neck. It went well including my non dominant hand. Not as difficult as I thought. My technique has gotten better as the shave is more comfortable and my blade feels like it is sharper. All good signs.

However, when I was done, my face was on fire. It actually still is. My shave prep consisted of a hot shower, a pre shave oil and a very good lather. I'm thinking I may be pressing down too hard with the razor, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable during the shave.....only after. Any thoughts?

as far as I can recall it might be because you put too much pressure

Maby you are allergic to the preshave oil or a new post shave treatment. Have you changed your soap or cream? Did you oil your blade after your last shave and not get it all off prior to this shave?

A number of possible causes:

Razor not sharp enough.
Too much pressure.
Too steep an angle

Originally Posted by prosneek

Maby you are allergic to the preshave oil or a new post shave treatment. Have you changed your soap or cream? Did you oil your blade after your last shave and not get it all off prior to this shave?

I am using mamabear's soap. It's not the soap, cream or oil because I have used it with my fusion when I was not shaving my entire face with the straight. It is definitely the shave...and not the products. Although does anyone use mamabear's aftershave milk? Is it supposed to burn like hell?

Yes, you may be applying too much pressure to the blade against your face. If this is your first full shave as a newcomer to straight razor shaving, however, some burning might be expected as our face adjusts to the new/old shaving technology you are now using. Over time, as your face adjusts to the straight razor and you get better with your shaving technique the razor burn will not be there anymore. My own face was noticeably red when I finished my first straight razor shave. Not anymore.

Your post doesn't mention any post-shave procedure. Consider applying a splash or more of cold water to your face after shaving. Then follow that up with some aftershave balm to your face after shaving to cool the burn.

There are other SRP members more knowledgable than me who will offer their own suggestions to address your issue with razor burn. This is just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by trewornan

A number of possible causes:

Razor not sharp enough.
Too much pressure.
Too steep an angle

I'm thinking it is the pressure and angle. My right sideburn cheek area feels fine and that is where I am most comfortable. My left neck feels like it is burning.

Originally Posted by trewornan

A number of possible causes:

Razor not sharp enough.
Too much pressure.
Too steep an angle

Yep - those are my top three picks.

BTW, what is your post shave treatment. This is just as important as any other aspect of the shave.

I just started using Nivea Replenishing Post Shave Balm as a final treatment. This stuff is the cat's behind. And for $6.00!

Originally Posted by Alembic

Yep - those are my top three picks.

BTW, what is your post shave treatment. This is just as important as any other aspect of the shave.

I just started using Nivea Replenishing Post Shave Balm as a final treatment. This stuff is the cat's behind. And for $6.00!

I'm using mamabear's aftershave milk and it burns something fierce when it is applied. I might try the nivea as it is readily available and I have seen numerous positive reviews of it.

Originally Posted by trewornan

A number of possible causes:

Razor not sharp enough.
Too much pressure.
Too steep an angle

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I'm in the same boat as the o.p., and I'm thinking it's from using too much pressure and angle.