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

A number of possible causes:

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

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 Fbones24

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.

No burn whatsoever from the Nivea. Make sure you get the Replenishing Balm version. It feels like it kind of seals the skin, but there is no film. It sinks in quickly and kind of forms a protective layer that really soothes the freshly exfoliated skin. I bought an extra bottle to keep in my desk at work in case I need a re-apply.

Something I started doing is to apply some before I go to bed. It helps get your skin ready for the morning's shave.

Originally Posted by jhenry

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. ...

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.

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!

+1 on what JHenry and Alembic said. Many things are probably at play here:

1. Pressure
2. Face adjustment, and
3. Post shave treatment.

As a noob to str8 shaving, I was having exactly that same problem. Lay off the pressrue...Let the weight of the blade do the job. Also, my face has more or less adjusted. Aside from that, I suggest the following post shave regimen to reduce the burning:

1. Warm water wash: Wash face with warm water and get "stuff" off (creme residue, pre shave oil, etc, etc,...).

2. Cold water wash: Wash with cold water to reduce inflammation and slow irritation.

3. NO ALCOHOL AS: Do not use alcohol AS after your shave. Even though it gives you the feeling of cooling and soothing, it is not...alcohol will irritate your skin as it causes dehydration and will lead to inflammation. This results in itching/burning. Instead use AS with moisturizers. I use NancyBoy Replenishing AS, it has Aloe Vera, and natural moisturizers.

4. Moisturize face: I use Trumper SkinFood + NancyBoy facial Moisturizer (you are good to go all day)

Just my 2 cents, but don't give up...it's a new method and your face doesn't know what to make of it yet. Give it ~2-3 weeks and you will be surprised.

Cheers,
-Robert

My first experience was similar. I had a freshly honed but not stropped blade. They can be killer without edge alignment on leather. MikeB

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.