Thread: Taking one on the chin

Hi All,

I'm looking to get some different perspectives on shaving the chin and jawline area. These are notoriously difficult for me to shave properly due to their angular nature. How do the rest of you stretch the skin and what other techniques do you use? Also, I have what my wife calls a 'bum chin' and it is difficult to shave in the divot.

I too, have a "divot" in my chin and a wire-like beard. When I first started with a str8 , I started using both hands-since I didn't know how to reach around without cutting myself.

I shave my chin in 3 sections. The first is a stroke parallel with my jawline. I start on top of my cheek working down around my moustache and then moving the razor midline shave my right cheek and chin on the stroke-if that makes sense

That leaves 2/3 to go. At that point I go at the center of my chin from the lip down and AROUND and UNDER my chin. I find with a sharp blade and good lather-all I do is "jut" my jaw forward and shave down.By contorting my skin, I can stretch it enough to allow the pressure of the blade to cleave the whiskers in the divot or cleft of my chin.

The last third is finished with my left hand again parallel with my jaw. At times, I may go ATG under my chin, with the edge up. Don't even attempt this unless you have good control of the blade. But this is necessary if I miss any whiskers on the down stroke. Hope it helps and most of all-makes sense.

Best of Luck.

First off, don't take your mind off that area for even a split second. You'll otherwise get an interesting 1 inch scar to sport forever...oh wait, that's me

First and foremost, your blade needs to be sick sharp, otherwise you're going to have one hell of a time. Since practicing with Shavettes, I've come to the realization that it's always easier to shave tough areas with a sharper blade. That being said, here's my approach to the chin:

Make a scythe/ J motion from your burns all the way down to the tip of your chin. Obviously not in one stroke, but you get the idea. You can go backwards in order to get it all, especially around the tip of your chin. If you do this on both sides, you'll be left with a chin mohawk.

Practice good beard reduction down your throat to get the 'hawk. I typically start just where my chin curves down into my throat. This shouldn't take long and should be relatively easy.

Last is the divot. My divot area doesn't really stretch or move, so I think we might be in the same boat. The key for me is to stretch it and jut my chin out to get maximum tautness, then very lightly shave 'em off. Pressure is the absolute key here. Go slow and just start reducing them until they're gone. It's hard at first to get it right since you can't rest the razor on anything, but your chin will thank you later. If the hairs right in the divot are giving you trouble, remember that you can tilt the blade and make a rotational motion that will cut the hairs.

Pressure is really the key to everything though. Once you can get your pressure (more accurately the lack of pressure) right, the rest will just be figuring out the easiest way to get rid of beard. If you feel like you're having a tough time with your technique, I highly suggest getting a shavette and some good quality DE blades for it. You can always be sure your blade is ready to cut off your ear without you knowing it, and it's light enough to let you focus entirely on technique.

This also segways into possibly the best beginner's advice to have come from this board: your aim is beard reduction, not BBS on the first pass. You want to reduce it until it eventually is gone, which means light on the pressure. The rest will take care of itself

Unfortunately, I shaved before reading your response. I will take these techniques back to the woodshed with me and, hopefully, be able to get that damn chin smooth. Thanks for the advice.

Well, a total of 9 shaves now and, following Lynn's advice, I am still just doing the cheeks and jawline. I shift my jaws to the left or right depending on the side to get the jaw line. This helps give me a more flat plane to shave with. One great thing though, NO NICKS the last 2 times!! No, it's not BBS, but it is comfortable with no nicks or razor burn. I'll take that right now. If all goes well through Friday I'll tackle my neck areas this Saturday. I'll have more time available to work on those skills. Then it's on to the most difficult areas.

Originally Posted by dward

Well, a total of 9 shaves now and, following Lynn's advice, I am still just doing the cheeks and jawline. I shift my jaws to the left or right depending on the side to get the jaw line. This helps give me a more flat plane to shave with. One great thing though, NO NICKS the last 2 times!! No, it's not BBS, but it is comfortable with no nicks or razor burn. I'll take that right now. If all goes well through Friday I'll tackle my neck areas this Saturday. I'll have more time available to work on those skills. Then it's on to the most difficult areas.

Sounds like a plan. It takes a while to be comfortable with the chin area. Take your time.

I don't have a chin divot, but I have to stretch my skin very tightly in one direction, then the other, then both during my against the grain pass depending on the exact location of the chin I am shaving. The hair is so stubborn in that area growing every which way and resisting my effort to slice through it

Barber manuals recommend shaving the chin with the heel region of the blade, probably because with hollows the blade will be stiffer. This might help.

Originally Posted by dward

Well, a total of 9 shaves now and, following Lynn's advice, I am still just doing the cheeks and jawline. I shift my jaws to the left or right depending on the side to get the jaw line. This helps give me a more flat plane to shave with. One great thing though, NO NICKS the last 2 times!! No, it's not BBS, but it is comfortable with no nicks or razor burn. I'll take that right now. If all goes well through Friday I'll tackle my neck areas this Saturday. I'll have more time available to work on those skills. Then it's on to the most difficult areas.

Congratulations on the improved shaves.
You are making the right move by taking your time and working on your technique.
Keep on keepin' on!

Originally Posted by jayhou8004

Hi All,

I'm looking to get some different perspectives on shaving the chin and jawline area. These are notoriously difficult for me to shave properly due to their angular nature. How do the rest of you stretch the skin and what other techniques do you use? Also, I have what my wife calls a 'bum chin' and it is difficult to shave in the divot.

With practice will be very easy.
It consists of 3 points.
1º Razor very sharp
2º The straight is always inclined to make a 30 ° cutting guillotine. This extends to all areas.
3º Chin is cut from east to west.

Look at the chart

Regards

Dioni