Thread: Trouble with Neck area. Should I go ATG?

Its been about 8 weeks since my first straight shave. So far I am loving it and I still can't believe I am really shaving with a straight razor. My progression is still increasing but at a slower pace than initially. The main problem is my neck. No matter how I stretch my skin, my neck ends up with an uneven shave. I just can't get the lower side of my neck where it indents to be as close as the other parts.

I do have very sensitive skin that is prone to ingrown hair and breakouts. That is why I have always shaved with the grain in the past using my safety razors.

Today I grew some and decided to go against the grain on my neck. I did get some irritation BUT no cuts and it is much more even!!

So with a straight razor, will going against the grain cause me to break out and have ingrown hairs?

Anyone else go against the grain on their neck?

Any other suggestions to conquering my neck?

Thank you for the help.

With your sensitive skin that is prone to ingrown hairs and breakouts, as you note, avoid going against the grain at all cost. Why make matters worst? You may not get a perfect shave, a marble smooth one, but a comfortable shave makes more sense.
The neck is difficult to shave for most people. It has always been for me. I do the best I can and opt for a comfortable shave that is irritation free rather than tear up my skin just to get a perfect shave.

I always go against the grain on my neck, and everywhere else as well. I do it carefully, but I get very smooth results with no rash, bumps or other issues. I think the ATG pass is where the straight razor really shines. I'm not sure that 8 weeks experience is quite enough, but I consider it my money pass.

Originally Posted by joepa150

Anyone else go against the grain on their neck?

Any other suggestions to conquering my neck?

Thank you for the help.

I shave upwards and downwardson the neck. Keeping the skin taught is key. It's a feel. Some areas you can tighten the skin with just your neck and other areas you need a couple fingers to help it taught.

Have you tried introducing a shaving oil before you apply the soap? I sometimes have to re-apply soap on the neck and chin. Introducing a shave oil, or for that matter, a baby oil, before you apply soap will help keep the skin moist and aid the blade to glide more freely.

G.

Originally Posted by AlliumSativum

I shave upwards and downwardson the neck. Keeping the skin taught is key. It's a feel. Some areas you can tighten the skin with just your neck and other areas you need a couple fingers to help it taught.

Have you tried introducing a shaving oil before you apply the soap? I sometimes have to re-apply soap on the neck and chin. Introducing a shave oil, or for that matter, a baby oil, before you apply soap will help keep the skin moist and aid the blade to glide more freely.

G.

I have AOS Sandalwood shave oil that I have tried maybe 4 times. I don't know if it is that brand or if I am doing it wrong but it doesn't improve the blade glide. If anything my blade skips from the oil. I've applied a couple drops to my moist skin and dry skin before the shave cream/soap.

How about proraso preshave? Will that help?

I always follow the first pass with an ATG pass, with a straight it doesn't seem to cause any problems, like a cartridge does. Use a light touch though.

I never shave against the grain. Works for me.

I've been shaving exclusively w/ straights for nine months now. Have always had less than satisfactory results on my neck as well. My solution has been regular WTG first, then re-lather my neck (just the sides -- I seem to do OK over my throat WTG) and go at it again ATG. Much better tho not perfect.

I can't go ATG anywhere due to sensitive skin. What I do is a variation of WTG and XTG passes. Two passes to be exact. I never do more than two passes because my skin just can't handle it.

Over one year into it I still do not get the neck perfect. I am closer to breaking it tough. for example, today i got a really close shave except for a few pesky hairs. idk, just keep at it. in this game perfection is always something to strive for. or do not strive for it just be it or some such nonsense.