Thread: Preventing Razor Burn

So I just got into SR shaving and have only shaved twice. Both times though I've had some moderate razor burn on my neck afterwards, everywhere else was fine. Now my question was, my neck hair is very random and I've always just shaved with disposable razors from the bottom to top (lower neck to chin) and now when I switched I heard most people just go down the neck, so that's what I tried. Could the razor burn be attributed to the fact that I switched which direction I shave the neck, or is it solely because of blade angle, pressure, etc... Thanks!

Micah, neck hair grows, generally in every which direction. You need to map the different directions and adjust your shaving patterns on your neck. As you do that you can, as many shavers have done, finish off the neck with a DE, SE or disposable as they learn the neck area. And pressure is of utmost need since, again, in general, neck skin seems to be more sensitive than the rest of the face. Stretching the neck skin so you can use lighter pressure is also very good. A little irritation can occur even for the experienced shaver. All in the learning process.

Richard

Probably a combination of the two. Try less pressure and when more confident go back to your natural direction. Balms seem to sooth alot better than after shaves, that may help too.

Razor burn can usually be attributed to a heavy hand and incorrect angle while you're learning, so try focusing on and adjusting those two.
As Grazor said, a good balm will help soothe the burn after the shave and you can find decent ones on the cheap. Unless you're like me and want to use a Bay Rum or something of the sort to give a true indicator of how the shave went...lol.

I burned myself with my first DE shave. Learned right then, lighten up, AND don't go over any spot twice without a re-lather.

And learning to "get light" and having to learn about angles is why i still recommend the DE as a stepping stone to SR shaving.

As noted above definitely as a beginner it is usually to much pressure, angle of approach, not stretching the skin and the fact that our necks are tender and just more prone to irritation at first I think.
So lighten the touch, flatten your angles out a bit more with plenty of lather you will come around I copped the neck irritation many times in the first month or so learning this with the against the grain.
It is a lot of minor hand manipulation to learn at first just take your time you will appreciate it all in the end

I remember the first time I used a straight. When I was done I thought I needed to call the Fire Department.

Like everyone has said it's a matter of learning to finesse the razor with angle and pressure. I wouldn't worry about mapping and how to approach growth patterns. When you start out just worry about how to manipulate the razor properly and what angles to use where and how much pressure to exert. After you have all that down then you can go beyond the simple strokes and worry about the nitty gritty.

Pre-shave can make a big difference too, I know that I get better shaves with less razor burn if I take a hot shower right before shaving. Stick to one pass on you neck for a while, 'with the grain'. Like has been said, a soft touch helps a lot too.

CrazyCloud

When new to the SR, the temptation is to keep going over the same area again and again until you get a BBS, which is frankly impossible without damage to your skin in the beginning.

Just do two passes one N/s and one S/N on and than leave your neck alone. I wouldn't even bother going over again with a D/E or otherwise unless you want irritation. Im sure you won't be able to see the stubble remaining but you will feel it. This is a DFS, and is acceptable…

As you progress your touch and angle will improve and it will get much easier. Also your skin will get used to the blade.

Try and stay with one soap or cream and consider a pre shave in the early days, as it will help. If you keep changing soaps all the time, some will irritate your skin but you won't know which ones to blame or if your technique is still lacking. get a good balm too, and use it.

Expect to have good and bad days, but most of all enjoy the experience. Practice makes perfect, but remember let your skin rest after irritation it if you can, and just aim for a DFS for now. The BBS will follow in time.

Enjoy

As you've only shaved twice, trust me, it will get better and you have MANY lessons to learn along the way.