Thread: Razor burn?

I've logged around 2-3 weeks in my shaving career with about 10-12 shaves. I know my main problem is prep and trying to get my lather right. I'm zeroing in on what I need there and have also ordered another very popular soap to try to improve my chances.
My question is about when i'm lathering up, it feels like my "pure" badger brush is very stiff on the tips and really lights me up. I don't notice so much while using the razor, only when applying the lather and after the shave. Is this a result of the shaves I've had and my skin adapting to it? Razor burn?
Most of my shaves have been hot with a couple with cold water. The last was with cold water and was my best shave so far.

Cold water shaving for me, been 15 months. Any decent shaving soap or cream should work well. Watch a few videos on lathering. I like my lather a little watery, thick but it slowly drips down the neck. Some like it thick. You will figure it out. Watch your angle and take your time, you will get there soon. Great library here. Spend some time reading it. Good luck.

I started shaving more aggressively and ran into some razor burn as a result. I tried all the different shaving balms I have, but they had no effect on the burn. Then I tried Jack Black Cooling Post Shave Gel, and it immediately stopped it. That's all I use now. For me it has been an instant cure for razor burn no matter how close I try to get, especially on aggressive ATG passes. Great stuff!

Stan, Are you face lathering or using a bowl?
I am a little over a month into using a straight. I face lathered for my first shave and had some major razor burn. I suspect the combination of a new brush and overdoing the lathering were to blame. I have been lathering with a bowl since and have not had much problems with razor burn, except when I once tried a new cream.

If you want to know if its the brush, just lather without shaving and wash off. If you get irritated then consider a softer brush like a silver tip.

That sounds great, I've been on a bit of a spending spree as of late so i'll keep that in mind for the future.

Yes Leather, I've been face lathering last few times but even when I use a mug working the lather in has the same results.

I think i'll give it a rest for a couple of days and put some lotion on to help the healing. Will take everyone's advice, thx.

If you're face is on fire while lathering it likely has nothing to do with the stiffness of the bristles. It sounds like your skin is having a bad reaction to your soap/cream or even the material of the brush itself. First I'd try a different soap or cream and see if that makes a difference. If not you might have to try a different type of brush (boar, synthetic etc) just to rule out the variables.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

If you're face is on fire while lathering it likely has nothing to do with the stiffness of the bristles. It sounds like your skin is having a bad reaction to your soap/cream or even the material of the brush itself. First I'd try a different soap or cream and see if that makes a difference. If not you might have to try a different type of brush (boar, synthetic etc) just to rule out the variables.

I agree! It's more likely your soap/cream than anything else.