Thread: Shaving for a while with a DE and still have irritation?

like the title says, i have been shaving for a while with a DE and still get burning for a while after.

right now, i am using a Tweezerman badger brush, Prorasso cream (first time using it was tonight, worked awesome and dang that Menthol or whatever it is in it was a big surprise), and a Gillette adjustable set on 5 i believe.

i have been using a nivea post shave balm which helps, but i still get some burning with it.
the burn last longer when i use the sensitive skin stuff v. the regular stuf

oh, for this particular shave, it was the 3rd shave with the blade. i got a big sampler kit, the best so far for me has been bic DE blades though, i'm not using them now though.

so does anyone have any advice for me in this case?

anything i can do differently that might help?


Ps: if it matters, i started using a straight a while back and stopped when I went to college and have been using a DE for probably a year now

Generally it is too much pressure that causes irritation. We all have different skin sensitivity so that has to be taken into consideration but pressure is usually the culprit if the razor, be it DE or straight, is sharp and proper lathering, stretching, shave technique is used. Here is an article on 'the multiple pass shave technique' which may be helpful.

Hello, crazyengineer,
Jimmy makes an excellent point about excessive pressure. Also try to limit the number of times you shave over the same spot. For after the shave, rinse with tepid water, then cold, and then apply Thayer's Super Medicated Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, followed by your aftershave balm. That might help. Finally, try moving to a different blade. I always found the Bic blades quite harsh — of course, they might not be the same for you. Either way, try Gillette 7 O'Clock "Shap Edge" in the yellow packs, or the Israeli Personna in the red packet.

jimmyHAD,
reading what you have written, it is probably how I stretch my skin, I have never been able to to it well.

Obie,
The bics have given me the most comfortable shave so far, but i am not using them, i am out and finishing a large sample pack that I got.
the 7 O'clock razors are about the same as the bics to my skin actually, i went from bic to the gillettes, i may have to get both and compare them side by side again

Also, I am a college student and it is kind of hard for me to order things, is there anything that i could get from local super market, walmart etc... that will help?

will a pre shave help? (i generally shower before a shave)

thanks for any advice

Hello crazyengineer,

There is some good advice above. Like Obie I have always found the Bic blades to be a little rough for me, but you will find that blades are a very personal and subjective choice. You really should not go over the same spot more than 3 times in different directions.

Not much or no pressure is the way to go and maybe dial that razor down to 4. I prefer an alum block to witch hazel personally and that helps my skin more than anything. I always rinse after a few minutes with cold water and then use a balm and aftershave of choice.

I hope that helps.

Will N.

Crazyengineer,
Pre-shave might help. Make sure you don't get the oily ones. The pre-shave I recommend is by Castle Forbes, but it is pricey. Many gentlemen use Proraso. I have used it and it's quite good. Edwin Jagger also has a good pre-shave. If these are out of your range, a good preparation will do wonders.

I would also consider changing the adjustment on the razor for a less aggressive shave and watch the shave angle too.

Too much pressure is usually the problem.
A lifetime of training apprentices and watching people use handtools leads me to the conclusion that some guys just have a 'feel' for whatever tool they use, from a wrench to a razor. Many do not. For some it will always be stripped threads, prematurely worn out automobiles and shaving rash.

+1 to most of the replies so far!

If you're making yourself a great lather and re-applying it for each pass, sounds like you're on the right track. I have never used a pre-shave treatment of any kind and I've had success with every blade I've tried. Pressure, the amount of times going over the same spot, adjustment setting, and technique may all be playing in to your dilemma. Let us know how things improve for you.

-Steve

+1 to others replies.

I found Prorasso menthol too irritating at times Although initially soothing, the Nivea also irritated my skin as well. For now I'd stick to low-risk products known to be easy-going. I use MWF and clubman aftershave when the going gets tough. Very light on pressure. Set DE to 3-4 and change the blade every other shave. As always a great lather is essential. GL