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So I just finished my first shave using my new razor (probably not as shave ready as ebay said it was but after reading on here that's to be expected.) Anyways...
OH DEAR GOD MY FACE MY POOR POOR FACE!
Not many cuts, but not a clean shave either, haven't put aftershave on yet but I can't imagine my face could sting anymore than it is right now so I might try in a sec.
Update: aftershave felt like napalm.
That's pretty much how my first shave felt. If the razor isn't shave ready that won't help either. So first you have to ensure the razor is up to specs. After that it's just practice.
take your time, it will be like that for a while. If you start to fell uncomfortable don't be ashamed to go back and finish the shave with your old way of shaving. Everything will eventually click, make sure to get that honed first.
Yeah I think this bad boy really needs a good honing.
My first shave was similar bought a razor I thought was shave ready it wasn't. Unfortunately it got worse because I kept on without stropping for about two weeks unknowingly. The light at the end of the tunnel is this I bought a truly honed shave ready razor from a vendor here it's incredible the difference it makes. Also, there are a lot of guys here that are more than willing to whip it in to shape for you. Good luck and don't give up it will get better.Quote:
Originally Posted by buttmonkey
If it makes you feel any better, my first shave hurt like a sum-bish too...and my blade was properly honed. It's down to your routine and technique for the most part, as my second shave was 1000 times better. All I can say is go slow, and be very careful at first.
Oh, and I'd say the patchiness is to be expected at this stage - make sure not to go over the same spot 3, or 4 times (even if little, gentle passes) as that can cause some serious irritation. Learned that from experience!
Thanks for the encouraging replies guys!
I'm going to wait a while, until my face is fully healed, and I have some growth and maybe a sharper blade!
FWIW:
. . . Don't use aftershave.
Most of them are alcohol-based, and they'll really hurt if you have _any_ razor burn. Most beginners have some razor burn, a result of too much pressure and/or a slightly dull blade.
There are aftershave _balms_ that don't have alcohol, and may make your skin feel better. And, as you gain experience, you'll use less pressure, and your stropping will improve, and your razor burn will become only a memory.
. Charles
Blade angle, stropping technique, dull razor could all be part of the problem. also, most people find that when they start the extra exfoliation that straight razor shaving provides might also be the issue in a couple of weeks it normally abates. you might find that witch hazel will burn less than most aftershaves, you could even try the aftershave after the witch hazel. but practice and a well honed and stropped razor will solve most of your issues.
enjoy,
jim
Razor burn comes from a dull razor. Dull razors cause one to use pressure and the pressure is what causes the razor burn. Get your razor professonally honed and then go slow. Oh, and practice stropping on a butter knife. Most newbies dull their first razor learning how to strop so learn first before you dull your newly honed razor. Then, go slow and stretch your skin tight always. You'll grow to love it and look forward to it.
That sounds about right...lol. Hang in there though and really focus on your technique and it'll get better. Maybe get your razor properly honed as well to alleviate that part of the equation.
I agree, but the use of pressure with any razor, sharp or dull, will cause razor burn.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa
I'm guessing the OP, frustrated by the lack of whisker removal, tried to compensate with the use of pressure which resulted in the redness and irritation. A shave ready blade and good stropping will alleviate this to a high degree, but backing the pressure off to zero will go a long way towards a great irritation-free shave.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan82
this is where i am. blade is new and ready. ive stropped and it looks clean and smooth, no knicks or anything. i press harder b/c i still see stubble, and then it burns.
at least I only cut myself the first two times; but then again, im only 4 shaves deep. lol
Less than stellar shaves when you're only four in is very normal. I know it's tempting to use more pressure, but it's still best to use none and clean up with your usual razor (DE, disposable etc) than to have razor burn. Eventually it will all come together :)Quote:
Originally Posted by leo95se
Shaving only diminishes the beard all the pressure in the world will not remove it. each pass of your shave should cut a little more of your beard. on my first pass there is always stubble, the cross grain and against the grain passes finish it off. part of this is because the hair grows in all sorts of directions and the various passes cover most of them. proper stretching of the face helps too. shaving is a process to be enjoyed, lighten up.
I've had some pretty brutal shaves since I've started but whatever you do, DO NOT GIVE UP! Read and take in all the great info that has been posted in response so far and don't rush it and don't force it. Like someone said if you have to stop and finish with your regular razor don't let that bother you. I found my blade angle was horrible and after I adjusted it my shaves got better. I also found my shaves got better after either adding glycerin to the lather or using a preshave oil. There are a lot of variables to consider when shaving so make sure your basics are good first like blade angle, blade sharpness, stropping technique, etc. Spend some time looking around this website at other posts and information b/c it is a wealth of knowledge. Most of all don't give up. Good luck.
Now that you have that first one behind you, you have an idea of where you want to be ! PATIENCE in all things.........and don't give up ! Nothing of value was ever earned unless it came from good old hard work and the diligence to perservere. You will get there, ENJOY the ride !