Thread: Top Lip

Hi All,

My first post here and I'm looking for a wee bit of advice. I've been straight razor shaving for about 4 months now and it's fabulous but I'm having a problem shaving my top lip. The rest of my face is fine but my top lip is really sore and it feels as though the razor is pulling when I try to shave. I've tried hot towels, steam, pre shave lotions but every time, it's sore. Could it be just sensitivity?

It can definitely be sensitivity. The area under the nose tends to grow coarse hair and can be painful to shave. Something to try might be to lessen the angle. WTG for me does very little there and the obtuse angle I need when going WTG tends to pull a bit. XTG and ATG is what I have to use with a shallow angle (spine pressing against skin) and a sharp razor.

HAHA this truly is one of those areas where we all have different faces. I cannot go against the grain for my top lip because it gets very red and angry. I go with as best as I can. It is a little awkward because my nose is in the way. Then I go across the grain, which is quite easy. Basically we all have to find the stroke that our face likes that achieves a smooth comfortable shave.

Try keeping your angle very low and try approaching from different angles. You will find the sweet spot. Skin stretching is difficult in that area as well, and it is important for me to get a good shave. I find myself making very strange faces in order to get the skin stretched just right for my mustache.

Gents, thank you very much. Like you RezDog, I tried ATG once and never again. I'll persevere with different angles and pressures and see how I go.

Originally Posted by brianm

Hi All,

My first post here and I'm looking for a wee bit of advice. I've been straight razor shaving for about 4 months now and it's fabulous but I'm having a problem shaving my top lip. The rest of my face is fine but my top lip is really sore and it feels as though the razor is pulling when I try to shave. I've tried hot towels, steam, pre shave lotions but every time, it's sore. Could it be just sensitivity?

I'm a cold water shaver (ambient temperature) and when someone says their skin is irritated, I suggest cold water shaving. I think heat increases the sensitivity.

Ok, didn't think of that! Are you lathering up with cold water?

I clicked on the upper right hand corner of the main forum page and typed "upper lip". This is probably the most detailed of the ten pages of results.

Shaving against the grain on the upper lip - The Fool's Pass - Straight Razor Place Library

Of course as always YMMV.

I just do two with the grain passes on my entire face and am quite pleased with the results. I wouldn't use much pressure as well. My hardest part was my chin. My facial hair is so hard and thick I can leave scrapes on my wife's arm if I go more than two days without shaving.
Good luck and keep us updated, but don't give up.
On a side note the soap/cream you use can make a world of difference also. I prefer mine on the thick side. Some might call it dry but that is what gives me the closest most comfortable shave.

Maybe the blade is getting close to needing a touch up??? I know certain parts of my face (upper lip, neck) are the first areas that tell me that my edge is going away while other areas continue to shave without issue. Just a thought.

When do the "fool's pass".... I use both hands.... Holding the razor on both ends. And slowly move the blade upwards getting as close to my nose as possible/ comfortable. I sometimes also move my face in small/slight downward motions as I hold the blade still. Haven't sliced off my nose yet. Don't sneeze while doing this.....lol

Originally Posted by Willisf

When do the "fool's pass".... I use both hands.... Holding the razor on both ends. And slowly move the blade upwards getting as close to my nose as possible/ comfortable. I sometimes also move my face in small/slight downward motions as I hold the blade still. Haven't sliced off my nose yet. Don't sneeze while doing this.....lol

He said he wasn't doing that. Just with WTG. I personally haven't ever felt the need to go against the grain. To much irritation afterwords.