Razor burn!!

I know this is such a silly question, but I feel I need to ask it anyway; what is the best wayto deal with razor burn? I began using a straight razor not too long ago, and my first shave which was much anticipated, left menwith a really good feeling, so I attempted the same shave the next day, and ended up with razor burn from hell!! Since I am still waiting for my new Col. Conk shave soap to come in, I ran out and found some "invisible no lather shaving gel" it worked good for lubrication and didn't dry out, so I was pleased. Unfortunately I made a horrible rookie mistake the next day and used regular shaving cream... I know now why not to!!! So two questions, what is the best way to treat razor burn? And how long should I wait before I attempt the shave again? Any tips are welcome, and I have read the wikis on the site since that time, so I painfully learned my lesson.

Definitely take at least one day off and probably two to let the skin heal. Then, I suggest you get an alum block or witch hazel as this will act as an antiseptic to heal the skin. Then, you should probably get a nice, moisturizing aftershave balm. Something that will replenish and heal the skin. I have been using Institut Karite Aftershave Balm or Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad. These seem to work well, although the C&E is a little higher priced, but available at your local mall most likely. ON the cheaper side, Nivea Sensitive always worked well for me.

Also, your skin may just be adjusting to the new way of shaving. It might take some time to get used to it.

I expected a couple nicks, and like I said I had expected alot less from my disposable heads, but the first time came out good. I and definitely picking up some witch hazel, and probably a decent after shave balm. I'll porbably attempt another shave tommorow, but I just don't get why canned shaving cream doesn't work, there really isn't anything that's says not to, as well as the fact that when I walk into the barber for a straight shave, he usually has a heated cream dispenser, isn't that just canned cream? I know I'm showing my inexperience but i figured this is the place to ask, then to guess on my own. I really appreciate theheads up on the witch hazel, is that a standard that I should always have around? Thanks again everyone.

You should definitely always have Wtich Hazel around. It is excellent stuff and it can be used as an astringent/toner even when you're not shaving. I really like using Alum after my shaves. I have noticed a big difference in the complexion of my skin since I started using alum. It burns upon application if your shave was bad, but it is worth it.

As far as the canned goop, the first thing that comes to mind is it does not have the quality ingredients of a good soap. No shea butter, lanolin, palm oil, glycerin, etc. These things all moisturize and provide glide so the razor does not scrape the skin as much.

The alum block if I remember correctly has the same base ingredients as styptic pencils, but I would have never expected a better complexion with the alum block. Thanks for the advice. It's funny I look so forward to shaving but this damn razor burn is ruining my plans. Im glad I'm starting with a disposable as compared to a straight full blade, as it gives me time to Lear the techniques, any tips on disposables? You've been a great help. Thanks again.

When you say disposable....are you referring to a disposable straight razor?

1+ for the witch hazel & a decent balm excellent post shave treatment

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Originally Posted by Fbones24

When you say disposable....are you referring to a disposable straight razor?

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I apologize for any confusion that I may have caused. When I say disposable i mean a straight razor with disposable blades. It's a 20$ Persona razor. It does the job... It was a gift. Just looking for a good budget friendly razor as a starter. Found a Kriegar but was quickly corrected as to not buy it. So I think I may peruse the classified again, but I'm always open to any suggestions

++1 on the previous advice. Don't shave for a day or two. Apply witch hazel to your face as well as some aftershave balm such as Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm to the affected areas. Let your face recover. You should be good as new in short order.

I hope that this helps.

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Originally Posted by joshb1000

I apologize for any confusion that I may have caused. When I say disposable i mean a straight razor with disposable blades. It's a 20$ Persona razor. It does the job... It was a gift. Just looking for a good budget friendly razor as a starter. Found a Kriegar but was quickly corrected as to not buy it. So I think I may peruse the classified again, but I'm always open to any suggestions

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Well, the razor burn may be due to the blade you are using. I tried a "disposable straight" once and I never used it again. I think the shave with a true straight is much gentler and kinder to your skin.

I have a JR Torrey for sale in the Classifieds right now. If you want it, it is yours for the cost of shipping. It would be a very cheap way to get started. Of course, you will need a strop and the aforementioned soap and brush. I will not send it to you unless you promise to stop using canned goop! :rofl2:

I truly do appreciate all the help. Would have never expected the witch hazel. On another note, what do you guys like to use as a good smelling, moisturizing after shave?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fbones24

Well, the razor burn may be due to the blade you are using. I tried a "disposable straight" once and I never used it again. I think the shave with a true straight is much gentler and kinder to your skin.

I have a JR Torrey for sale in the Classifieds right now. If you want it, it is yours for the cost of shipping. It would be a very cheap way to get started. Of course, you will need a strop and the aforementioned soap and brush. I will not send it to you unless you promise to stop using canned goop! :rofl2:

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Lol... No more canned goop, I learned my lesson and have the scars and red face to prove it. I appreciate the help. I'm getting my Paypal account back up and running so I will be in touch about the sale shortly. Anything I really need to know as far as the transition? Obviously now I need a strop, which is something else I'm sure I'll have to learn, but its all worth it in opinion I never thought I'd be looking forward to shaving so much, it was a chore, but now it's a highlight of my day.

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Originally Posted by joshb1000

Lol... No more canned goop, I learned my lesson and have the scars and red face to prove it. I appreciate the help. I'm getting my Paypal account back up and running so I will be in touch about the sale shortly. Anything I really need to know as far as the transition? Obviously now I need a strop, which is something else I'm sure I'll have to learn, but its all worth it in opinion I never thought I'd be looking forward to shaving so much, it was a chore, but now it's a highlight of my day.

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Just to be clear, you do not need to purchase the razor if you want it. Get your pay pal going and I will give it to you as long as you cover the shipping. Just PM me when ready and let me know.

As far as what you need to learn, I think the best thing you could do is read the wiki for beginners and watch a lot of youtube videos on shaving, lather making and stropping.

There are inexpensive strop options available out there, so do some research on that as well. In addition, you can always head down to your local pharmacy or Wal-Mart and get a brush and soap there. Look for Williams or Van Der Hagen.

I will definitely keep you updated on the paypal I'm going to work on that issue right now, I truly appreciate the offer of the straight. I am running down to wal-mart in the morning to pick up a brush and soap until my order gets in, and picking up some witch hazel and after shave , thanks so much again.

+1 on pretty much everything said by Fbones. I also found the parraso pre/post shave cream works well to stop/soothe razor burn. Brut after shave will also help soothe the razor burn do to the methenol in it but really won't help heal it.

I don't really know your disposable razor holder but they all work and work well they are just alot less forgiving then real straights. I still use mine from time to time and they are real nice for traveling. Also you can probally only get two good shaves out of each blade then have to switch them out. After that you will run into the razor burn problem again.

Some good options on strops are at http://www.whippeddog.com/-----$19---Poor-Man-Strop-Kit-with-Leather-Strop/. The owner of this site is Larry Andro on here. The kit is nice cause it comes with a pasted basla strop to get you started and help maintan your razor. This is where I got started with real straights. I also just bought this one from star shaving supplies. 2" Leather Strop and have been real happy with it.

Good luck in the future and keep at it

Ultimately pressure and technique are going to be large factors influencing your burn. Remember... light pressure. Technique will come.

I prefer a hot towel post shave along with a high alcohol after shave. This was a golden combo find in my shaving life and I rarely get any burn these days.
Also maybe consider buying an even better soap than the Colonel Conk. I own them all and they are not great.. there is a lot better out there like Tabac, MWF, Cella, Palmolive stick etc.

I wish you great shaves.:tu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by joshb1000

I know this is such a silly question, but I feel I need to ask it anyway; what is the best wayto deal with razor burn? I began using a straight razor not too long ago, and my first shave which was much anticipated, left menwith a really good feeling, so I attempted the same shave the next day, and ended up with razor burn from hell!! Since I am still waiting for my new Col. Conk shave soap to come in, I ran out and found some "invisible no lather shaving gel" it worked good for lubrication and didn't dry out, so I was pleased. Unfortunately I made a horrible rookie mistake the next day and used regular shaving cream... I know now why not to!!! So two questions, what is the best way to treat razor burn? And how long should I wait before I attempt the shave again? Any tips are welcome, and I have read the wikis on the site since that time, so I painfully learned my lesson.

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I used good old fashioned Avon Moisture Cream. It soothed my face and it was ready to go the next morning.

One thing I think is important to note is that I suffered from discomfort and poor results for 40 years and just this year, when I got the hang of double edge razors and straight razors, the irritation vanished. An irritated face in my lifetime is a direct consequence of poor equipment.

By all means get the shaving soap. I started with Col. Conk soap myself. Inexpensive and long-lasting. :soapbox:

I stopped by walmart, picked up some witch hazel, a puck of VDH soap and some nivea sensitive after shave balm and a brush by Shea moisture. Not bad getting all for 20 bucks. I'm going to try them out this morning and let you all know how it goes. Fbones, I contacted paypal to fix my account issue and I'm currently waiting on some resolution.

Looks like you're all set. That brush has received positive reviews. I'm going to PM you regarding the razor.

LIke the guys have said, face prep to keep from burning in the first place. Blade angle and sharpeness es mui importante. If it happens anyway, I keep Pamper Sesitive baby wips on hand. The Benzocaine will deaden the pain associated with the burn. Anything with benzocaine, dibucaine etc will stop the pain. Look around in your pharmacy.
Mike:)

I appreciate the idea about the baby wipes, it's a great idea I may have to try that too, hopefully proper prep will be enough... I'm sure it will, thanks. So for everyone out there, what is a good aftershave/ balm, I picked some Nivea sensitive skin, it works like a wonder, but not as fragrant as I had hoped, any suggestions?

If you are looking for real fragrance then you need to explore splashes such as Musgo Real splash, Alt Innsbruck, Floid, etc. These are bordering on cologne but do have some soothing properties.

If you are looking for a balm that is fragrant, I highly recommend Art of Shaving. They offer Sandalwood, Lemon and Lavender. I have the Sandalwood and it is an amazing balm, but pricey.

Also check out:

Al's Shaving Products

He is a member here and makes great products. He has fragrant, balms that match the scents of his creams.

Too much pressure on the shave, bad prep or technique can lead to razor burn. Some people are more prone to it than others as well.

Definately give yourself a day or two off to let the skin recover and make sure you really take your time over the prep as well. A good post shave balm helps too, I'd recommend Trumpers skin food for that. It really helped me with my razor burn! :)

So I finally picked up some VDH deluxe soap, a bottle of witch hazel, and a boar brush by Shea moisture, and a bottle of Nivea sensitive after shave balm, all for under 20$. Shaved with it last night, what a dream! And that's on a tight budget, I'm sure when money's not so tight after christmas, I can start getting some real quality products, I can't imagine the feel, but I'm hooked for sure. Only a couple weepers and a nick on the chin, but I'm sure with time it'll get better, thanks for everyones help.

You sure the shea brush is boar? I have one from them and its pure badger and i thought that was the only type of brush they make.

I just read my previous post, that was a typo sorry about that. Yes it is badger. It works well and build a good lather, but I have noticed the soap doest keep a lather as long, but maybe I haven't built I strong enough lather... Immguessing it's the cheap soap.

Ahh ok I was going to say i need to find me one of their boar ones then cause I really like the badger one. The VDH will give you good lather its the one I started with and still use pretty regular. If the lather is drying on your face you will need to add more water to the mix just make sure to add small amounts at a time. Also rarely will a shave soap or cream give you the puffed up lather from a can that you are use to but thats not a bad thing as that puff is only air anyway.