Thread: New guy question

Get a Pro Shave, that way you will know.... (Sorry if I sound like a broken record here )

Howdy all. I am going to see a dermatologist after the first of the year. I know it is mainly my inexperience that is causing problems. I have been trying different things, mainly pressure and angle. It is getting better. I have been shaving in the direction of growth not against it. I get skinned in spots, so I am sure pressure, angle and inexperience are a big problem. I live in a small town in Northern Nevada. I have not been able to find someone (pro) to give me a straight razor shave. Not many barbers do that anymore.

I'm going to go against the general consensus and say, for me, I get a smoother shave with a DE. I've been shaving with a straight almost daily for six months. The reason I get a smoother shave with a DE is that, even after six months, I find it easier to do a true full three pass shave with the DE than with a straight. There are some spots that, for me, are almost impossible to do a true three passes (neck and chin) with the straight.

If you find even a disposable is causing issues, I really don't see how a straight would NOT cause issues, even though it's the 'nicest' way to shave. Even though I'd never use a disposable now (never, ever), it, for me, causes the least amount of problems. Using a straight removes skin, using a DE removes some skin, using a disposable doesn't, as the blade doesn't really touch the skin, it glides just above it, and 'rips' the hair our (i.e. lifts or pulls the hair and then cuts it). I really would question your technique even with the disposable, OR, as you allude, your skin sensitivity.

Obviously you already have a DE, why don't you re-visit that, with an Astra blade, good lather, and NO (none, not any) pressure? If that works, then make the next step to a straight. If it doesn't, go back to the disposable and try that with NO pressure, and really good preparation (pre shave cream (maybe after hair conditioner in the shower), a really good cream (maybe something like Truefitt and Hill, or Musgo real or La Toja) and see how you go.

You haven't stated what the problem really is, i.e. rash, cuts, etc. Do you have smooth skin, or is it maybe a little pimply? Do you have other skin complaints? Is it possible that the cause isn't the shaver but the cream? Do you use different creams? Have you tried creams for sensitive skin? What about post shave? Have you tried witch hazel, etc?

Honestly, if you answer the questions everyone has asked, you'll be amazed at the way guys here will help you out. I find guys here are almost OBSESSED with giving an answer! And I mean that in a nice way!

Good luck!