Thread: Complete Noob!

Alright. Im getting really tired of walking around with my neck looking like I went at it with a chain saw. I literally know almost nothing about shaving. Iv been shaving for about three years and it was okay at first. Just using a fusion and some shaving gel. But now that iv got actual facial hair its not going so well. Iv tried different razors and different gels but nothing seems to work. thus im going with i dont know how to shave. I didnt grow up with a father figure so i had to teach myself. So now im tired of it and want advice from the guys who actually take this really seriously. I need help. i need tips. And i need the expierience that i dont have. If a straight razor or double edge means no more razor burn or acne ill definatley rock it old school.

Zach, Welcome to SRP

If you need help, and you need tips the good news is that you're in the very best place. Straight razors and DE's can be the best way forward provided that you take the time to learn how to use them properly. No its not rocket science but it does require patience and practice.
Ask as many questions as you want as there are many here who will help you on your way to solving your shaving dilemma

Thanks Edge, it means alot. I know its not rocket science but i want to fix whatever im doing wrong. With the research iv done over the past few days has led me to the conclusion that im not using correct technique; i usually just shave with the grain with short strokes; that shaving gel is inferior to shaving soap and can inflame the burn, and that overall straight shaving and double edge razors are better for you and better than the store bought crap. Iv gone to my barber, shes been cutting my hair my whole life and when i asked about it she was shocked. She hadnt shaved anyone in like 30 years and that its barely done professionaly anymore. I just want to know how, why, and whether or not it will fix my face. If you and the other vets can help fix my problem itd be great.

I suggest you consider a DE razor and some shaving soap with a brush. You can do a little research and get a DE that is not too aggressive and likely get a very comfortable shave. Benefits? 1) High water content in the soap is better for your skin than gels and foams 2) A single blade running over your face is easier on the skin than 5 in a row

Make sure you do two passes so the DE never runs over skin on its own. Give yourself about a month to learn and then expect some substatial improvement.

Ok lets see. You say that your fusion and store gel causes you irritation, well a single blade DE or straight will probably cause less once you can use them. I dont expect it will be a cure for acne directly, but you will be using better products on your skin and these may prove beneficial. The DE is going to be the cheaper and easier of the two options so have a look round, you will also need some PROPER soap and a brush but these dont have to be expensive - just good. With a straight you'll be needing a strop and a hone of sorts as well and learning the straight is a bit harder. Sorry Im not trying to put you off but the DE might prove to be the quickest way to get away from the demon fusion.
Good luck

The first thing, probably, is to pick up a brush and some real shaving soap. Check out some local drug stores and you'll probably find those items rather easily.

Learn to make a good lather with a brush and (after a shower) scrub it into your face with circular motions. This kinda sets up the whiskers, hydrates them and makes them ready to be cut.

Using a new blade in whatever razor you're using, make light strokes with almost no pressure. A new blade should wipe those hairs away instantly. Razor burn is almost always due to too much pressure... as the other guys have mentioned the fewer blades the better.

Start with only a 'with the grain' shave - with a feather light touch - and see if that helps.

A real shaving soap has ingredients that 'cushion' the blade... it also has ingredients that stick around on the skin after the shave which will help heal any boo-boos and moisturise the skin.

I doubt if the act of shaving will cure acne - those miracle acne potions around these days will do that - but the act of lathering up will clean your face and doing that every day couldn't hurt even if you don't shave every day.

Keep us posted.

Thanks for all the advice guys. Its nice to know their is a community that takes this stuff seriously. The only reason i mention the acne is that i only ever break out really bad after i shave. It gives me a uniform nastiness all across my face and neck with the burn. Thought the gel might have had something to do with it. Now when using a double edge, which type is best for the beginners and why....? Maybe an ignorant question but i prefer hands on info to the usual research info.

Zach,
The shave gels and foam in aerosols really dont do the job that they are supposed to (ie they dont hydrate or soften the whiskers before you shave) so the soap and brush will be key. I only have one DE (a cheap Wilkinson Sword Classic) which I have only used 2 or 3 times since Ive had it. Not because its no good just I prefer to use my straight. Hopefully someone will chime in with a recommendation but in all honesty, get what you can afford along with the brush and soap and you should be good to go.
Good luck

Hey Zack...I'm new to straight razor shaving, but find it relaxing , challenging, and rewarding. I agree with the fellows on here about using a good DE razor and a good soap and brush to start shaving with. I went and checked out numerous videos on you tube on shaving with both the straight razor and a DE razor to help educate me and learn. Some are good to excellent and can be very helpful. Try looking up numerous videos to learn some of the techniques and reviews you are looking for. Hope this helps.

Rick

Originally Posted by tonycraigo

The first thing, probably, is to pick up a brush and some real shaving soap. Check out some local drug stores and you'll probably find those items rather easily.

Learn to make a good lather with a brush and (after a shower) scrub it into your face with circular motions. This kinda sets up the whiskers, hydrates them and makes them ready to be cut.

Using a new blade in whatever razor you're using, make light strokes with almost no pressure. A new blade should wipe those hairs away instantly. Razor burn is almost always due to too much pressure... as the other guys have mentioned the fewer blades the better.

Start with only a 'with the grain' shave - with a feather light touch - and see if that helps.

A real shaving soap has ingredients that 'cushion' the blade... it also has ingredients that stick around on the skin after the shave which will help heal any boo-boos and moisturise the skin.

I doubt if the act of shaving will cure acne - those miracle acne potions around these days will do that - but the act of lathering up will clean your face and doing that every day couldn't hurt even if you don't shave every day.

Keep us posted.

Great advice there from Tony.

Find your local Walgreens. They have the VDH Shave set on for 7.99 right now. That will give you a Brush, a puck of soap and a bowl to lather in. nothing fancy but your investment will be less that a pack of cartidges for you MACH 3 or Fushion.

Van Der Hagen*Shave Set | Walgreens

One of the things you will get from following Tony's advice is a better understanding of the process and time it takes to properly prep and shave. Take the time to enjoy the process. making a good lather, proper beard prep, learning the growth patterns of the hair on your face.

Pre shave prep is critical for DE and Straight shaving. It also improves shaving with a cartridge.

So get your kit and do this.

put your brush in your bowl with the hottest tap water and let soak, I also soak my puck
Take a Hot shower
drain water from bowl and puck, shake excess water from brush and rub brush 10-20 circles over soap
Now in your drained bowl just whip a lather for 2-3 minutes. depending on how hard the water is, the brush and soap will depend on if you just whip circles or beat or what works best so you will have to play around
Now like Tony said lather circles all over your face. finishing off with some smoothing strokes.
Now take a small hand towl or face cloth and soak in hot tap water and ring out.
after 2 minutes drape the towel over your face leaving a spot for your nose to breath. Trust me breathing through a wet towel not as easy as it sounds.
Once towel is cool remove and apply more lather in circular motion then smooth out

Now begin to shave.