Thread: What the neck?! XTG vs. ATG - Redux

So I was watching Lynn's DVD again this evening to try to glean a few more tips for my next go-round. I noticed he did XTG on his cheeks and ATG on his neck. Is this common practice? I know I've seen many-a-warning about the ills of going ATG. Are there any videos that show XTG on the neck? I'd be great to have a visual reference. I have really sensitive skin, my bread is so far down my neck, and I'm still developing my technique, so I'm a bit hesitant to do an ATG pass on my neck at this point.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Links?

I've thought about the same thing, man. I also have very sensitive skin, and my beard also grows down almost all the way down my neck. I'm a newb (~6 weeks) and I still get the same patch of redness on my neck with 1 WTG pass, so I doubt I'd even be able to get another pass in on it!

I'd definitely like to see some video of neck shaving in depth as well.

Actually, you pretty much have to go against the grain on the neck. Its a whole lot easier to get the correct angle as well as getting the blade stroke all the way to the jawline. Take your ime be careful, good luck!

I played with my razor and angles... you're pretty much stuck with WTG and ATG for neck, unless I'm missing some physics magic somewhere. Lucky for me I can usually go ATG on the first pass, it's not what I would call comfortable(but lets be real, you're dragging steel across your face), but it doesn't bother me too much.

Just as a general tip that I used even before shaving with a straight. When you are in the shower, take your conditioner and condition your 'growth'. You know how when you put it in your hair it makes your hair really soft and pliable? Same idea with facial hair, only you won't be able to feel it with your hands. Hope that helps guys.

My beard grows pretty far down my neck as well. A few tips:

1. Make sure your lather is nice and moist before you go ATG on the neck (maybe a bit thinner than you're used to). I also use a pre-shave conditioner (Proraso) before each pass, but I have a pretty tough beard. You may not need it, but for me it definitely helps.

2. Make sure your blade is well honed and stropped. It's really easy to nick yourself going ATG with a dull edge. I like to strop between passes, it seems to work better for me.

3. Figure out the correct blade angles for YOUR neck. Everyone's beard grows at somewhat different angles in certain parts of the neck (especially at the base), and some small patches on MY neck actually need an extra ATG pass using a stroke and blade angle slightly different from first ATG pass. It took me about 3 months to get to the point where I could do it without irritation on a daily basis, but then I'm a slow learner.

It truly takes time, practice and patience. If you can't muster all three, then it's easy to get discouraged.

I gave the ATG on the neck a go this morning. It went off better than anticipated. A bit irritated, a couple small nicks, but nothing serious. BBS in a few spots even! (Moral victory) I think it'll just take the skin a while to get used to it. The hardest part was using the left hand on the right side. I don't have much trouble with my left with the other strokes, but the upward ATG proves to be a bit more daunting. Patience, patience, patience; practice, practice, practice.

Don't forget that everyone's beard grows in its own way. The hair on my neck grows left-to-right, so what looks like an ATG stroke (by going up and down) is actually XTG. To go truly ATG I'd have to keep the blade vertical and go right-to-left... which is pretty tricky at the best of times!

I find the neck is a sensitive area to shave, so a light, deft touch is usually appropriate. And remember, it can look BBS even if it doesn't feel BBS -- better than feeling BBS but very sore!

[Edit: oops, didn't see stangman's response until after I posted... basically, what he said!]

What's BBS?

Baby Butt Smooth

Fred

Originally Posted by drfred

Baby Butt Smooth

Fred

Ah ok! Moral victory indeed then.

I love those spots!