Thread: Trouble with Neck Area!

Okay, so I have been shaving with a straight for the past two weeks. I have finally been able to get a comfortable shave on my entire face (minus the chin). I have had no problem switching hands and doing two passes WTG and XTG.

However, my problem arises when I try to shave my neck. The razor tugs, jumps and it is just really uncomfortable. So much so that I did not even attempt to finish after one small pass on my neck. I just finished my neck up with my fusion.

What could be causing the tugging, pulling and jumping on my neck? I know it isn't the blade as shaving my face is not comfortable and easy for me. Is it the angle? Am I not stretching my skin enough?

It'll more than likely be a technique issue. The angle on the neck changes all the time, so you have to watch for that, and skin stretching is really important here as well. Make sure you get the skin taut and that your lather hasnt dried out any before you tackle this area. I relather each are as I get to it, just to help with the glide.

Also, try mapping your beard growth to work out the best way to stretch the skin to get the hairs to stand up. Feel which way the hairs are growing and pull the skin the other way, making the hairs stand up.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Originally Posted by Stubear

Make sure you get the skin taut and that your lather hasnt dried out any before you tackle this area. I relather each are as I get to it, just to help with the glide.

Ahhh....I will definitely relather my neck next time. It did feel a little "dry." That could be part of the problem. So obvious, but thank you. I'm sure my technique on my neck is not great either, but this could help.

One thing that I do when shaving my neck is try to look up a bit so that the area under the chin around the adams apple is more of a flat area, it may work for you too. I still have trouble with the 90 degree curve of the chin as well, and the area right under the nose too.

Hello, Fbones:

The neck and the chin are especially a problem in the beginning. For many, the hair just under the jaw grows east-west or west-east. The chin's typography is complicated with many hills and valleys. All this means trouble. Time and experience will take care of this, though not completely for some of us, in which group I include myself. My neck is a maze of stubble.

Here are some suggestions for the neck area:

1. The tugging on the neck in all likelihood is caused by razor angle and stretching, since you say your razor is shave ready. I assume your preparation is quite good. Also, the stubble is probably multi-directional. The general rule for the razor angle is 30 degrees. General rule, mind you, because the angles can vary in different parts of your face. For now, do just a north to south pass on the neck until you really are fully comfortable holding the razor against the neck, and also until you learn the pattern in which the hairs grow. Stretch your skin in such a way that the action lifts the hair in the path of the razor. In parts, stretch the skin between thumb and forefinger. You need to play with skin-stretching in this area to help you guide the razor. Perhaps, too, flatten the razor angle a little more to make the razor less aggressive.

2. The chin requires a great deal of maneuvering and creative stretching, in addition to making faces at yourself. Stretch the chin between forefinger and the thumb; then in other creative ways. You'll get it.

3. Remember this important point: keep the pressure light by just relying on the weight of the razor.

4. Don't let all this discourage you. Time and practice will sharpen your skill.

Regards,
Obie

It's funny, but the hair on my neck actually grows north to south like the hair on my face. One direction. I was just staring in the mirror in my office at work analyzing my hair growth. Haha! I imagine I would have to figure out how to stretch the skin up to allow the hairs to "stand."

I will have to work on this and make sure to keep a good lather on my neck.

Originally Posted by Fbones24

It's funny, but the hair on my neck actually grows north to south like the hair on my face. One direction. I was just staring in the mirror in my office at work analyzing my hair growth. Haha! I imagine I would have to figure out how to stretch the skin up to allow the hairs to "stand."

I will have to work on this and make sure to keep a good lather on my neck.

Hello, Fbones24:

I envy you for that single-direction hair growth on your neck. Mine is a stubble revolution, where every hair goes nuts.

Also, run your hand across your neck stretching with other hand. That might help you, too. You obviously are an analytical person, and that is a big help in straight razor shaving.

And yes, keep working on lathering-making skills. That preparation is important.

Well, sir, you are on a roll. Stay with it.

Regards,
Obie

Single direction growth is lucky. I would agree that it's your angle and the relather. Instead of doing a whole relather, just try dipping some water on your hand and rubbing that on the "dried" lather. That will make it ultra wet and super slick (as long as you started with a good lather to begin with). That's how I like to do my second pass; more watery than the first. Also, make sure you're not putting too much pressure since you have to attack the neck at a different angle than the face

One more quick question on this topic.

I tend to shave my face first, then go on to my neck. Does anyone actually shave their neck first when the razor is "fresher?" If not, does anyone think that by shaving my neck first, I might get a less irritating shave on my neck?

Originally Posted by Fbones24

One more quick question on this topic.

I tend to shave my face first, then go on to my neck. Does anyone actually shave their neck first when the razor is "fresher?" If not, does anyone think that by shaving my neck first, I might get a less irritating shave on my neck?

Hello, Fbones24:

Some shave their neck first and some don't. I always shave the cheeks first, then the neck and finally the mustache and chin areas.

The best thing for you is to try and see what works and what doesn't. Experiment and improvise. Your technique will evolve automatically through your approach and ultimately skill.

Regards,
Obie