I have the same issue on my neck. Shaving ATG on flat whiskers is a SUREFIRE path to ingrowns and irritation as it cuts below skin level.
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I havent used the ATG pass in quite some time. IMO if you have a truly shave ready, sharp razor, you can avoid the ATG pass. Just make the usual WTG, XTG, XTG pass and that's it. The KEY is that you should be using a slicing/scything motion when stroking the razor on your face. You're supposed to stroke the razor down and over at the same time, kind of like slicing down and through a piece of bread. the only problem is that you need to use a VERY light touch and not slice "too" much. If you check old barber's manuels and on youtube you will see this is the proper stroke for a straight razor shave and old books never recommend ATG passes.
I feel like less of a man now... I have been doing this SR things for a little over 3 years now and still use ATG