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I just got a DE over the weekend from antique shop, so I decided to give it a spin. I'm happy with the results for the most part, except my neck is very irritated. I used the same exact prep and lather etc, that I use for my straight. Angle and pressure were contant, so I don't get it! Could it be the blade? and if it is, why isn't my face irritated as well?
My neck is more sensitive than my face, the neck is the hardest area for me to shave as most people also. And from straight to deal brings the potential harshness from the machine honed blade opposed to a smoother more forgiving edge.
Ok, so should I not use a de on my neck, or is there a pre or post treatment that may help?Quote:
Originally Posted by bill3152
Maybe I should add that the blade that I am using is from the drugstore, not a brand named blade.
I never had good luck with store brand blades. It sounds like your just starting out with a DE, remember to use a light touch, the weight of the razor should be enough. As far as blades go better blades can be had over the no name brands, although they maybe repackaged name brand? Walmart carries Wilkinson sword DE blades. I started off with a drugstore brand, infact 3 years later I think I still have them buried somewhere and they sucked! I bought Derby's and liked them, Then Astra's liked them even better, and Feather's like them also.
Just ran out of Feather's so I'm back to the Astra's. I can send you a pack of Derby's and a pack of Astra's if you would like? PM me your address if your interested.
PM sent! Thank you!Quote:
Originally Posted by Trimmy72
Usually when you get irritation it's because either your angle is too aggressive or there is too much pressure. Work on those two factors.
Stretch the skin and try using cold water at least on the neck area.
I also had neck irritation when I first started Str8 shaving, as most starting out my technique was terrible. After reading many, many posts on SRP my technique improved, but I still had irritation on my neck (I'm really prone to razor burn or bumps on my neck). Here is my remedy that has cured my burn and bumps.Quote:
Originally Posted by billyc4362
Cold Water Shave
1) Face and head prep - cold water
2) Remove excess water leave face and head damp not wet
3) Proraso White pre-shave rub in completely and leave on
4) Soak brush in a sink of cold water
5) Strop my razor
6) Load my brush with Proraso white shaving soap (cold water)
7) Face, head lather and shave
8) During shave rinse razor with hot water
9) Repeat steps 7 & 8 for ATG and XTG passes
10) Rinse with cold water and apply Proraso pre shave as a AS
11) If I have to add water to brush or face/head I do it with cold water
Since I have started this technique I have had no irritation at all, especially in the neck area. I shave everyday!!! (weekends off...LOL) I was hot water preping and had irritation every-time, since I switched to cold water shaving my irritation (barring bad technique) has disappeared. Hope this helps
I'm definitely gonna give that a shot. I'm gonna give my face and neck a day or two off before I try it.
Another approach is this one my dermatologist suggested when I complained about neck irritation. I have been using a non foaming, non soap called Cetaphil. Designed for problem and sensitive skin. I found that there are a lot of brands with the same ingredients for less money. He said to coat my neck on the thickish side and then shave. It has a slippery component to it that made my razor glide over my neck and took off the beard nicely. Rinse and you're done. My go to process any time my neck gets sensitive and irritated.
I have sensitive skin and get excellent shaves from a DE every time.
First, try a reputable blade or better yet get a blade sampler. Second, your angle and pressure probably aren't as perfect as you think they are, so really concentrate on shallow angle and basically zero pressure. Third, try to avoid ATG on your neck.
Most people forget that DE's have their own learning curve and skill set. Stick with it, it will get better :)
Billy,
Ryan's advice is sound. The only thing I can add to it is this: try to limit your strokes over the same spot. Remember you shave in passes. If you go over the same spot numerous times on one pass, by the time you have finished your second or third pass you will have shaved the sensitive areas raw. This can happen especially on the neck.
The double edge razor is a formidable shaving too. If used properly, it will give you fabulous shaves.