Thread: Best way to prevent razor burn?

I just started using the straight razor. Anyone know how to help prevent razor burn? I'm desperate.

Lighten up on the pressure with the razor. Also lessen the angle of the blade in your face.

Don't shave! (rimshot, please.)

+1 Thesus is spot on.......one additional factor for me is lather with enough cushion. Ideally I don't feel the edge on my skin. Well I do feel it but there is no sense it is harsh or scraping. I have found if my lather is off or I use the wrong soap I can get burnt. The right soap is what is right for your skin.

Originally Posted by rjp86

I just started using the straight razor. Anyone know how to help prevent razor burn? I'm desperate.

Welcome to SRP.

Yes it is all about pressure - but sometimes your face just has to get used to using the tool. It happens with DE's too. Try not to shave the day after a bad burn. That'll only make things worse.

Eventually you'll get the pressure thing down, and your face will forget what burn is.

If you have infants in the house or have friends with infants, the butt paste that you put on a kid was the best stuff I ever found to ease the pain. Made shaving the next day fine as well.

Has your razor been professionally honed or does it only have the factory edge? That can make a huge difference.

The only other thing that comes to mind is pressure, like others have mentioned. As little as possible! If you can, pretend your only scraping the lather off & avoid going against the grain for a while.

Pressure is a very good answer.

But also watch your prep. Take your time and make sure you face is thoroughly soaked. When you think it is soaked enough, apply more water just as well

I also find that moisturising often between shaves and using a facial scrub the day before that can also help ease irritation.

I'm going to add blade angle as well. Pressure is hugely important, but the angle you're shaving at is also very much so. Make sure the razor is no more than 30 deg, that is, the spine of the razor is about 2 spine-widths up off your skin. Pressure, angle and lather all work together to give you a great shave, or a horrible one. When I started I got a lot of burn, but then one day my pressure and angle were correct and it was an A-HA moment.

Ed

Pressure and sharpness. But less sharpness results in more pressure, so I guess pressure, really...

You are shaving with a blade that is supposed to be "razor sharp".
If you have to use pressure to cut whiskers, the razor is not "razor sharp" or shave ready.
If you solve the sharpness issue, the pressure issue goes away with it.