Thread: Razor burn.

Hi i`m new to all this and never thought about pre shave other than a wash/shower.
I suffer from razor burn quite often, i have tried the post shave moisturisers, but they leave my skin feeling greasy and horrible,

Would a pre shave oil/moisturiser help prefent shaving rash but still leave my skin feeling normal?

Originally Posted by BigIan

Hi i`m new to all this and never thought about pre shave other than a wash/shower.
I suffer from razor burn quite often, i have tried the post shave moisturisers, but they leave my skin feeling greasy and horrible,

Would a pre shave oil/moisturiser help prefent shaving rash but still leave my skin feeling normal?

Each skin is different, the only way to tell is to try.
You can try hair conditioner an see if it will work for you.
Some people use olive oil, or home made preshave oil which is a combo of several oils together.
I use home made preshave made from castor oil and olive oil in 1;1 ratio.

If you want to try a really good product that worked wonders for me, try Trumpers Skin Food as an aftershave balm.

If you're getting bad razor burn, a longer/ better prep might help. Try lathering, leave the lather on to soak and relather before shaving. Maybe try a pre shave oil as well. Try using some hot towels too. Soak a hand towel in hot water and put it on your face over a good coating of lather. Then reapply the lather before you shave.

One of the best results I got was to have a shower, lather, put a hot towel over the top and soak on the sofa for a couple of minutes. Then reapply lather, and another hot towel. Then I applied a third lot of lather before shaving. Granted, this takes too long most days, but it really did result in one of the best shaves I've had.

Also, when you're in the shower, thouroughly wash your beard and then really work a good load of conditioner into it as well. This will soften your beard and help with the razor burn.

The prep really is key to getting a good shave. You'll need a good quality soap, lots of hot water and be prepared to spend the time on it to get the best result. The lather has to be good to give the right level of slickness and glide as well.

Also,watch your angles. If you angles are too steep or shallow you can end up with razor burn. You should aim for around 30 degrees, or approximately two spines widths from your skin.

You also need to make sure your razor has a good edge and that your stropping is well executed. And dont skimp on the stropping! Make sure you give it a good 20 passes on the material and 50 - 60 on the leather beforehand. And do some stropping after to clean the edge and keep your razor in good shape.

The four elements of a great shave are:

- A shave ready razor
- Good stropping
- Good prep
- Good technique.

If one of these is missing, your face will tell you..! Make sure you spend the time getting all of these elements right, and you'll get the best shaves you ever had and no irritation!

Good luck!

Are you doing a through preparation ? I wash my face vigorously with hot water, rinse and do it again. Lather in a bowl and create a good amount of slick cushioning lather. Watch my blade angle and little or no pressure.

I don't try to get it all on the first pass. Here is a tutorial from the SRP Wiki on the gradual stubble removal technique with multiple passes. Some of the above info may help.

Hello, BigIan,

The advice coming your way by these learned gentlemen is sound.

I might also add that you avoid going over the same spot with the same angle excessively. A reasonable amount of repetition is okay; however, too much repetition can also cause razor burn.

As Jimmy notes, reduce the beard gradually. Each pass will remove a little more.

Keep at it.

Regards,

Obie

i think main reason for razor burns are dull blade as a result person uses more passes and pressure.
Second will be preparation problems.
third your skin needs to get used to the straight razor.
hope this helps

Originally Posted by BigIan

Hi i`m new to all this and never thought about pre shave other than a wash/shower.
I suffer from razor burn quite often, i have tried the post shave moisturisers, but they leave my skin feeling greasy and horrible,

Would a pre shave oil/moisturiser help prefent shaving rash but still leave my skin feeling normal?

I think one thing i forgot to mention is that i have not yet used a straight razor, I should hopfully be getting one for my birthday next minth if the Mrs takes the hint,.

Originally Posted by BigIan

I think one thing i forgot to mention is that i have not yet used a straight razor, I should hopfully be getting one for my birthday next minth if the Mrs takes the hint,.

Hello again, BigIan,

Might one assume, then, that you are using either a double edge or a multi-blade cartridge razor?

In that case, I would beware of excessive number of stroke over the same area. Also, keep a light pressure.

Regards,

Obie

BigIan,

I had all sorts of razor burn when I shaved with a cartridge and was never able to get rid of it. Once I switched to Str8 it started improving to the point that I am at now. I am only getting razor burn when in a hurry and end up using to much pressure.

As was suggested make sure the prep is good and use as little or no presure at all.



Lu

p.s. Like your avatar

To tell you the truth when I first started with a straight and in earlier years when I had an electric or used other systems if I got razor burn no product ever really seemed to help. You can use something like thayers medicated witchazel which is loaded with menthol and some other stuff and it will mask the burn for awhile but I know of no product which will eliminate it.

If your using a DE use less strokes and less pressure.