Thread: How to get the throat between Jaw Bone hair.

I have this same question...I can get a passable shave now EVERYWHERE except for the hair on my neck under the jawbone. Hair goes horizontally, and I can't figure out how to go with the grain or ATG. I can do XTG at a couple different angles, but it still leaves some noticeable patches that bug the heck out of me and make me have to whip out the mach.

Originally Posted by geauxtig3rs

I have this same question...I can get a passable shave now EVERYWHERE except for the hair on my neck under the jawbone. Hair goes horizontally, and I can't figure out how to go with the grain or ATG. I can do XTG at a couple different angles, but it still leaves some noticeable patches that bug the heck out of me and make me have to whip out the mach.

I have the same issue. What I did was allow my beard to grow for a day or two so that I can study the grain and get a sense of how the whiskers actually flow. We do know that they grow horizontally, but by allowing the whiskers to grow a little, it will help map out the area so you can stretch the skin to make them stand out better. Then I'll stretch the skin from various points to determine which will expose those patches the best. Then I'll remember how I stretch when I shave and reduce those whiskers and walk away with a very satisfying shave. I "attack" that area at about a 45 degree (+ or -) angle leading with the straight razor's heel since obviously we cannot go horizontal with the razor (razor fully vertical moving across that area); however, the cut will be a combination of XTG and ATG.

But also bear in mind, your facial topography is different than mine, so that's why I suggest you allow your beard to grow a little bit to really get to see your grain pattern.

Once you have your face mapped, you can shave everyday and not have to let it grow out because you know your beard's growth/grain pattern.

Good pre-shave prep, good shaving technique, and a good lather as well as a well-honed razor all play an important factor too; but knowing your beard pattern in my opinion is essential to SR shaving. They all work together for you.

Remember this, once your face cools and your pores close up, the remainder of the whiskers will retreat back under the skin line. This was discussed in this forum some time ago.

It all takes time and practice.

I try to stretch that portion of skin up onto the jaw so it gets exposed to an easier stroke. Then on my south to north neck pass (which is XTG for me) it gets most of the jawline stuff done. It's never 100% perfect, but good enough.

Originally Posted by jdto

I try to stretch that portion of skin up onto the jaw so it gets exposed to an easier stroke. Then on my south to north neck pass (which is XTG for me) it gets most of the jawline stuff done. It's never 100% perfect, but good enough.

Becoming familiar with your beard's growth pattern can help you adjust your stretching and razor handling for a closer shave.

Originally Posted by pmburk

Becoming familiar with your beard's growth pattern can help you adjust your stretching and razor handling for a closer shave.

Indeed, you are correct.

One thing to remember, pores do not "close up" or open, as they do not have muscles operating that function. That is a bit of a fallacy perpetuated in the skin care and especially shaving industry. Your pores don't change in size, though they can be clogged or unclogged and can appear larger if they are irritated. Exfoliation as provided by shaving will help your pores to remain unclogged and performing their function fully. Hot or warm water softens the skin and the natural oils, which allows for deeper cleaning and easier exfoliation.

Originally Posted by jdto

Indeed, you are correct.

One thing to remember, pores do not "close up" or open, as they do not have muscles operating that function. That is a bit of a fallacy perpetuated in the skin care and especially shaving industry. Your pores don't change in size, though they can be clogged or unclogged and can appear larger if they are irritated. Exfoliation as provided by shaving will help your pores to remain unclogged and performing their function fully. Hot or warm water softens the skin and the natural oils, which allows for deeper cleaning and easier exfoliation.

Good point about the fallacy on the pores. I fell for it lock, stock, and barrel. I found this article to support your point on the pores: Discovery Health "Do pores open wider in hotter water?"

Keep on SR shaving!

Originally Posted by pmburk

Good point about the fallacy on the pores. I fell for it lock, stock, and barrel. I found this article to support your point on the pores: Discovery Health "Do pores open wider in hotter water?"

Keep on SR shaving!

Sorry for the thread hi-jack.

jdto, Thank You for the "Like".

I wonder the true misnomer is that our skin swells and shrinks due to temperature which also creates the illusion about pores opening and closing; also has an affect on the stretching of the skin during the shaving process?

Here is a thought, has any one tried cooling those under the jaw line patch(es) down with cold water prior to shaving to see if that makes any difference?

if need be use a cartride or safty razor on that area untill you get more practice with a straight. i started using straights when all i had was fuzz and i find the jaw line to be difiuct. just go slow and steady and follow nifftys advice and you should do fine.

Originally Posted by jdto

I try to stretch that portion of skin up onto the jaw so it gets exposed to an easier stroke. Then on my south to north neck pass (which is XTG for me) it gets most of the jawline stuff done. It's never 100% perfect, but good enough.

This is what I do and it has worked for me for a long time.

Thanks PMburk mapping the beard growth sounds like a good idea. I am kind of glad that I am not the only one having this issue this isd what this is for to support each other in our shaving endevors.

Originally Posted by pmburk

I have the same issue. What I did was allow my beard to grow for a day or two so that I can study the grain and get a sense of how the whiskers actually flow. We do know that they grow horizontally, but by allowing the whiskers to grow a little, it will help map out the area so you can stretch the skin to make them stand out better. Then I'll stretch the skin from various points to determine which will expose those patches the best. Then I'll remember how I stretch when I shave and reduce those whiskers and walk away with a very satisfying shave. I "attack" that area at about a 45 degree (+ or -) angle leading with the straight razor's heel since obviously we cannot go horizontal with the razor (razor fully vertical moving across that area); however, the cut will be a combination of XTG and ATG.

But also bear in mind, your facial topography is different than mine, so that's why I suggest you allow your beard to grow a little bit to really get to see your grain pattern.

Once you have your face mapped, you can shave everyday and not have to let it grow out because you know your beard's growth/grain pattern.

Good pre-shave prep, good shaving technique, and a good lather as well as a well-honed razor all play an important factor too; but knowing your beard pattern in my opinion is essential to SR shaving. They all work together for you.

Remember this, once your face cools and your pores close up, the remainder of the whiskers will retreat back under the skin line. This was discussed in this forum some time ago.

It all takes time and practice.