Thread: Shaving with an Extra Hollow

Background: I've been shaving with a SR about 1.5 years. I get no irritation from my 5/8 Dovo, but do get some on my neck on day 2 & 3 from my 6/8 Dovo.

The 5/8 extra hollow I just bought shaves smooth and close, but results in a prickly sensation on my neck on day 2 and raised dots on my neck on day 3. It's about as much irritation as I get from the 6/8 Dovo (or maybe even a little more).

Any idea why I'm getting irritation with the extra hollow ? I'm not sure which part of my technique needs adjustment... I'm getting a significantly closer shave with the extra hollow - so I'd like to get it to work out.

Hey John,

The prickly sensation the next day is likely the whiskers poking through the skin, and the red bumps the day after that are razor bumps. Razor bumps are inflamed ingrown hairs, and are caused by shaving too closely (cutting the whiskers below skin level). They do heal in time, but it's best to take a few days off from shaving to allow your face to recover.

The source of irritation could be caused by several factors. First, pay attention to the direction of your growth. ATG is the usual culprit; it can be tempting to shave really close, but it's best to avoid ATG in certain areas if irritation occurs. Second, ease up on the pressure when using an extra hollow. They are notoriously pressure sensitive, and a light touch is definitely required. Third, adjust your pre-shave routine - the better prepared your beard is for a shave, the better your skin will react. Fourth, try some alum post-shave - it helps to disinfect the skin and keep dirt out of your pores.

Good luck.

I absolutely agree with Ryan here. I recently have had two people I've mentored thinking that they were shaving with little enough pressure, but one I suggested that he lighten his hand and he reported that it made a huge difference in his shaves. The other I shaved and he was amazed how the razor actually tickled with how little pressure I was using.

It's not the razor's fault. You have to examine how you are using it. You got the best advice here already so there isn't much else I can say.