Gillette Fusion Prolide or DE Shaving, Skin way too sensitive!

No matter what shaving product I use, my neck ALWAYS breaks out, wheather it's skin irritation, razor burns, bumps, you name it I got it. More with Proglide, less with a DE. BUT, there is one pro and con to using the Proglide and a DE razor,

Fusion Proglide Power (being turned on) the shave is quick and convenient, no cuts, but the neck skin breaks out after shaving.


Wilkinson Sword Classic razor with Astra SP or WS DE, the shave is a bit slower, less irritation on neck than the Proglide, but going ATG.. the cuts!! the cuts and nicks are horrible, 45 degree angle, 40 degree angle, warm water, hot water, cold water, any angle, any water, the cuts and nicks WILL happen!

So, I don't like having irritation on my neck therefore I use the DE. But then I get cuts.. which I don't like.
I don't like the nicks and cuts, so I use a Proglide, But then I get irritation, which I also don't like.

ALSO, I use a soap to make lather.

Can anyone please tell me what other techniques I can use. Thank you!!

- Peter

Sounds to me like you are using too much of an angle and too much pressure with the DE. You can put the DE with the handle straight out and the head flat on your face, then slowly rotate the handle down till you just feel the blade and that should be you starting point for angle. You do slight adjustments from there. It should not be anywhere near a 40-45 degree angle. For pressure just let the weight of the blade rest on your face and guide the razor with the handle. It only takes a very, very light touch.

Bob

Do you use, or have you thought of using a pre-shave product, like the Proraso Pre-shave...might work for you?

Hey Phrank, I actually never used a pre shave oil, I was thinking about making a home made pre shave oil from olive oil I saw on the internet.

Or, it's like $7, try some of the Proraso pre / post shave cream.

When I first started straight shaving, I definitely got a lot of irritation on my neck area, a big red blotch on both sides of my neck.

Two things I figured out, 1) at first, the pre-shave cream really helped, and 2) and this might apply to you, I realized that I was lathering far further down my neck than I needed to, when in fact, my beard ended further north. So I adjusted where I put the blade on my neck, stopped shaving so far south, and that immediately improved my shave. So have a look at where your beard line in fact ends, and only shave that area.

Could be a combination of #1 and #2 for you, but for me, the big one was #2, shaving farther down my neck than I needed to go...YMMV.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!

;)

Have a read of this, and go easy with the DE's. Consider an adjustable DE, so you can set the blade harshness to how you like.

To some this will be sacrilege, but just dont to the pass that cuts you up. I sacrificed some smoothness for comfort a while back, and slowly my technique is improving so that it doesn't matter.
Phrank is right about proraso, it definately soothed my neck and face in the early days.

Of course Ed hits Occams Razor on this, simplest explanation/answer is the best...just don't do the pass till you improve.

Hanging head down in shame, feeling small and minimized, thank-you Ed....

:D

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Of course Ed hits Occams Razor on this, simplest explanation/answer is the best...just don't do the pass till you improve.

Hanging head down in shame, feeling small and minimized, thank-you Ed....

:D

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Phrank, I've been on the receiving end of one or two of Ed's 'Occam's Razor Comments' as well, so I know from where you speak! LOL

Amazing how in this hobby, there are times we tend to over think.
I Really Dig This Forum!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

Phrank, I've been on the receiving end of one or two of Ed's 'Occam's Razor Comments' as well, so I know from where you speak! LOL

Amazing how in this hobby, there are times we tend to over think.
I Really Dig This Forum!!!!!!

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Really...I started shaving with what they call a DE razor, I have a Gillette Aristocrat razor, had it for weeks now, can't bring myself to use it. For one, don't want to "lose" a straight shave and still have memories of cutting the crap out of my face, having my good old Dad show me how to put little tiny pieces of toilet paper on all the nicks and cuts.

Pathetic, I know, at the store I get some supplies from, they sell straights and DE's, and they get this puzzled, baffled look on their face when I tell them I'm terrified of DE's but love straights...they don't seem to understand, for me at least, you have far more control over a straight.

One day, maybe, I'll use the DE...haha!

Cheers!

Glow,

I had the same issue as you years ago, and I suspect the cause may be the same. With the way my neck whiskers grow I discovered that doing a North to South downward pass was actually going ATG; the whiskers lay really flat there and I was cutting them below skin level which resulted in some nasty razor bumps. I quit shaving ATG in that spot and the problem was solved. Using a straight razor helped as well, but a DE works fine too. :)

I would suggest mapping your beard and avoid ATG shaving in the problems areas and see if that clears it up. If you don't use a SR I would highly recommend a DE over the Fusion. One blade is better for your face than 5, and with a light touch you should be able to achieve an irritation-free shave.

Ryan82,

That was my biggest mistake I've ever done, I have never mapped out the way my beard grows until recently, and I was doing a north to south on my neck the whole time. And now I'm doing it right, I really like DE shaving but I also like my Fusion razor, I just hate all the cuts I get from DE when going ATG. Sometimes I think I should sacrifice smoothness over irritation, but I like being smooth. And I need to go ATG on my neck, because when I do it on my face and not my neck it just looks funny, face is baby bottom soft, and the neck still has a bit of stuble. The real problem I might have is that my beard hair is extremely coarse.

I understand your frustration. I've had to sacrifice closeness for comfort too, where my face is BBS but the very bottom of my neck is less so. I have dark coarse whiskers, but in reality it is around the collar line and is probably only noticeable if someone is standing a foot away from my face - and other than my wife no one should be that close anyways lol :)

Using a DE is much like using a straight razor. Proper prep, low & constant angle and zero pressure are all required to get a great shave from a DE. Using the right blade for your razor helps tremendously too, so if you haven't tried a blade sampler that would be another recommendation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

I understand your frustration. I've had to sacrifice closeness for comfort too, where my face is BBS but the very bottom of my neck is less so. I have dark coarse whiskers, but in reality it is around the collar line and is probably only noticeable if someone is standing a foot away from my face - and other than my wife no one should be that close anyways lol :)

Using a DE is much like using a straight razor. Proper prep, low & constant angle and zero pressure are all required to get a great shave from a DE. Using the right blade for your razor helps tremendously too, so if you haven't tried a blade sampler that would be another recommendation.

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"...closeness for comfort...", sounds like a vintage add for shaving!!

:hmmm:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

Phrank, I've been on the receiving end of one or two of Ed's 'Occam's Razor Comments' as well, so I know from where you speak! LOL

Amazing how in this hobby, there are times we tend to over think.
I Really Dig This Forum!!!!!!

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The bottle.one wasn't it?

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

The bottle.one wasn't it?

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Yes, Ed the bottle one.
On the update side of things, I have. GEO Trumper bottle of balm for this weeks travel.
I'll let you know how it goes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

Yes, Ed the bottle one.
On the update side of things, I have. GEO Trumper bottle of balm for this weeks travel.
I'll let you know how it goes

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So, are you going to decant it into an alternative screw top bottle :) ?

A few quick answers:
Wanna try shave oil?.....Use Olive oil or corn oil from the kitchen. Does the same as the expensive "shave oils" but is much cheaper. If you find you like the oil, PM me, I'll send a recipe I use.

If you want to see if the DE will cause the same bumps as the Multi-blade I suggest you not shave for as long as it takes for your skin to completely heal and then try the DE single pass, until you learn the angles. You may have to shave more often but as you learn the DE, you'll get a better shave. Also, I use DE blades from Wilkinson that cost $1.99 for ten blades. As a result, I never use one more than twice which means your never going to use a dull blade.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

So, are you going to decant it into an alternative screw top bottle :) ?

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No. Don't need to. It comes in a small plastic bottle that fits very nicely in my travel case.
BIG THUMBS UP.

I don't know how this fits in with the conventional wisdom but I find a few laps on a strop with your DE blade can help smooth things out a little. Not talking about dull blades here. May be that the blades I'm using are initially too keen or something as they tend to be more comfortable on the second shave and so on, but in the end the strop helps on every shave. You can do it with the blade in the razor depending on the razor but I wouldn't try it otherwise. Only needs a few laps because the blades themselves are so thin/flexible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dadsavage

I find a few laps on a strop with your DE blade can help smooth things out a little. Not talking about dull blades here. May be that the blades I'm using are initially too keen or something as they tend to be more comfortable on the second shave and so on, but in the end the strop helps on every shave. Only needs a few laps because the blades themselves are so thin/flexible.

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Palm stropping works well too, preferably with the blade out :)

Also to the OP, what sort of DE do you use? Adjustable razors aside individual razors can be gentler or harsher. Despite how lovely it is, for example, I rarely shave with my grand-fathers open comb Gillette as a closed comb razor gives a much gentler shave.

Did you try different blades? Get a sample pack, check if another brand does the trick. I went through a few brands before I settled on Israeli personna (which I have to get online ironically, given my location...). different blades perform differently in different razors for different people.
YMMV
Grizli

From your original question--no I didn't read all the replies--in my personal anecdotal experience, a straight razor was significantly easier on my neck than the shavette I was using. And now I use an electric razor--a norelco for sensitive skin. AT790 CareTouch. And there is my courtesy ad of the day. Just for time, and it's tolerable to the neck, though it leaves some hairs behind.

And the shavette--a "parker" used regular de blades and I tried many, many, many of them. I read up a bunch and ordered a bunch of different kinds. To my memory Crystal, Feather, and another that I can't remember were my favorite, but all were way harsher than straight razor steel.

Hey everyone so just a quick update, I went back to the safety razor, and before I shaved, I used a hot warm towel and left it on my face for about 2 minutes or so (next time will do it longer) took some advice from you, and my shave actually was really good. All it takes is a light touch. I guess I have been shaving with cart razors for way too long, and now I have to learn and adjust to safety razor shaving. Next time when I shave I will wash my face with face wash from nivia, cause once I washed my face very good, and didn't use a hot towel, and the shave was a beaut. I still had a little bit of cuts, I THINK I have a few ingrown hairs on my neck and plus I'm still learning to DE shave, so NOT the blades fault. So for people with very sensitive skin like me, I think the most important is pre-shave preparation.

Gents:

In the way I do see things I do think that you have to start thinking on not shave your face every single day. Start one day in between. The second thing is to make a very good face preparation such a very hot water in your face for 2 minutes. Every single time you finish with one pass you have to start with a hot towel for the second pass as a preparation again. Then is very important to use a pre post shave cream. I do think that in your particular case you have to used before begin with a pass, even thou you make either 2 to 3 passes, the point is to use the pre post before begging with one of those passes. In regards angle I do think that you have to do it straight down not feeling the blade at all during this period. VERY IMPORTANT NOOO PREASURE. In regards the pass don't do short strokes you have to start doing long strokes. In the neck area you have to it with the grain even thou you do 3 passes every single one needs to be do it with the grain. From the after shave time it is necessary for you to use an alum block and let it dry in your face a little. From the after shave lotion goes it is very important to use the lotion you use but the application needs to be from the top to the bottom or in other words straight down not from left to right or against the grain. I do recommend after shaves like Alt Innsbruck or others that could live your skin as dry as possible.
I hope this helps, when you feel that you dominate the skin then you could start thinking on the possibility to shave on daily basis.
thanks
Ken

Watch Mantic59's videos on YouTube. He got me up and running real quick.

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Originally Posted by Wayne1963

Watch Mantic59's videos on YouTube. He got me up and running real quick.

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+1. I'm sure Mark's vids helped more than I know when I started using DE's too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glow

No matter what shaving product I use, my neck ALWAYS breaks out, wheather it's skin irritation, razor burns, bumps, you name it I got it. More with Proglide, less with a DE. BUT, there is one pro and con to using the Proglide and a DE razor,

Fusion Proglide Power (being turned on) the shave is quick and convenient, no cuts, but the neck skin breaks out after shaving.


Wilkinson Sword Classic razor with Astra SP or WS DE, the shave is a bit slower, less irritation on neck than the Proglide, but going ATG.. the cuts!! the cuts and nicks are horrible, 45 degree angle, 40 degree angle, warm water, hot water, cold water, any angle, any water, the cuts and nicks WILL happen!

So, I don't like having irritation on my neck therefore I use the DE. But then I get cuts.. which I don't like.
I don't like the nicks and cuts, so I use a Proglide, But then I get irritation, which I also don't like.

ALSO, I use a soap to make lather.

Can anyone please tell me what other techniques I can use. Thank you!!

- Peter

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This will more than likely be perceived as me being a jerk but I see no way beside being blunt- out simply you don't know how to shave. Period.

Good new is A) you already know this
B) you found us
C) we have all been right where you stand

Chuck the pro glide, work on shave prep, pre shave and post shave.... Use you DE and focus in you stroke and angle until you get it right. Once you get that down it might be time to take off the training wheels.

We re all happy to help, glad ur here.

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Originally Posted by Glow

Can anyone please tell me what other techniques I can use. Thank you!!

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Hello, Peter
have you mapped your face??
Original Shaving: Face mapping
When you know your beard path ... start to apply the correct use of the "other" hand and the facial mimic.
And remember the Mark (aka Mantic59) tip: short strokes, buffing, scything, stretch the skin, use mimic.

Now I'm using a Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power ... at 50th shave for my Provember challenge ;) ... and there is any problem.
Another thing, do not for a while ATG/XTGR ... and when your skin will react no more, not do these every day.
Whit all these techniques, now I've not shaving issue with any kind of razor (SR, shavette, SE, DE or multi).
This is my technique:
IschiaPP Face Mapping and Passes - Daily or BBS


Hope will help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glow

No matter what shaving product I use, my neck ALWAYS breaks out, wheather it's skin irritation, razor burns, bumps, you name it I got it. More with Proglide, less with a DE. BUT, there is one pro and con to using the Proglide and a DE razor,

Fusion Proglide Power (being turned on) the shave is quick and convenient, no cuts, but the neck skin breaks out after shaving.


Wilkinson Sword Classic razor with Astra SP or WS DE, the shave is a bit slower, less irritation on neck than the Proglide, but going ATG.. the cuts!! the cuts and nicks are horrible, 45 degree angle, 40 degree angle, warm water, hot water, cold water, any angle, any water, the cuts and nicks WILL happen!

So, I don't like having irritation on my neck therefore I use the DE. But then I get cuts.. which I don't like.
I don't like the nicks and cuts, so I use a Proglide, But then I get irritation, which I also don't like.

ALSO, I use a soap to make lather.

Can anyone please tell me what other techniques I can use. Thank you!!

- Peter

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I don't know how old you are, but I had 40 bad years of shaving experiences with electric and multiblade razors. Don't follow my footsteps.

When I tried my first DE razor at the Age of 54, I couldn't believe how much better it was, both in terms of closeness and comfort.

Throw that Fusion away, please!

Gillette Fusion Proglide?!
Oh....I apologize for using foul language on this site. :cen:rofl2:

I've found that RazoRock AS wax works wonders for a bad shave. A cheaper option to these two -Proraso and or Prep pre/post shaves, is Noxzema, only Noxzema comes in a much larger tub and cost less, reduces irritation and will reduce redness of the skin.
I know pressure can be a major culprit, but the blades you use can make a huge difference also. I would stick with the DE too maybe change the blade at least or try a different brand of DE blade.
Here's some rules I follow
Keep your face wet
Lathered
No pressure
watch your angle
If your getting cut one of these is most likely the problem

Im definetly NOT quitting DE shaving, it's just the cuts that kinda hinder me from DE shaving. Both carts and the DE to me have their pros and cons.