Thread: Effing Razor Burn.....Suggestions please!

Good recommendations above!

As stated, you might try a straight razor. I had always suffered from razor burn on my neck as well until I started using a straight. It might not have cleared up 100% but it's barely noticeable now.

In addition to the alum block (I've never used one) try lightly massaging your face with witch hazel after you shave. One of it's properties is to reduce irritation, and I find it works great for razor burn, nicks, etc.

Closing the barn door after the horse leaves isn't the answer. If you get razor burn trying to treat it is difficult. I know of no product that will really treat moderate burn. The best product I can think of is Thayers superhazel.

Burn means damaged skin so you have to figure out what is causing it. I'd be willing to bet you are using too much pressure on the razor even if you think you are not. I've been using straights for years now and use a DE on a regular basis too and recently bought a Muhle R41 open comb and I'll tell you I thought I was using minimal pressure with a straight but using that razor has showed me that is simply not the case and I've had to reevaluate the pressure issue. You might also want to check the angle you are using.

I got exactly the same problem for many years, and my neck looked exactly like yours.

Switching to a DE and only shaving WTG with light pressure stopped the razor burn. But I assume you have the same issue I have: a tough, full beard that needs something more aggressive than WTG if you don't want a shave that makes you look like haven't shaved yet. I experimented with different XTG directions on my neck. The hairs there grow straight up. If I shave them in a somewhat sideward direction, it shaves much closer. I can't go ATG on my neck with a DE. No matter what razor or blade, it always creates irritation. I think what happens is that the blade, being fixed at an unchangeable angle, grabs the hair and pulls it up a bit before cutting it, probably catching a bit of the skin at the base of the hair.

My big change came when I switched to a straight. I can shave closer with that than ever before, including a XTG / ATG stroke that I do on the neck, leaving it very smooth without irritation. The key factor I think is that you can lay a straight flat against the skin so that it cuts the hair where it leaves the follicle without pulling it upwards and catching a bit of skin.

So these are some key things to do:
use light pressure, just the weight of the razor, don't press it into the skin. Pay attention to the direction of growth and only do WTG for now, adding new factors one by one to see what works and what doesn't. Once you can get some kind of shave, never mind close for now, without irritation, consider trying a straight.

Also, are you using a good shaving soap? That can make a big difference too.

Originally Posted by jawman

2) Drape hot towel from towel warmer over face and neck

I'd go easy on the heat, I find cool water best to lather with. If you have sensitive skin, opening up the pores prior to applying chemicals and a blade is probably not wise. As a bonus you'll find that the hair stands up straighter and is easier to cut. I agree with those that have indicated that too much pressure may be part of the problem.

Originally Posted by EucrisBoy

Are you shaving against the grain? Try just shaving with the grain in that area, then later on experiment with shaving across the grain. Just doing WTG and XTG passes with no pressure can make a huge difference. It works for me. Also, try to map out the beard growth on that area and figure out what directions your WTG and XTG passes will be.

I never go against the grain. I'm always going with the grain but to the left and right (the worst) of my adam's apple my hair grows sideways, if not up. I find that even if I go with the grain, I can't effectively get a good swipe with whatever razor i'm using...

Originally Posted by justinA

Have you tried an alum block or thayers before the towel? I have really sensitive skin, the only thing that has ever made a noticeable difference was to use an alum block immediately after shaving before touching my face with anything, after I let it dry I rub which hazel on my face followed by ASB. I have seen a real improvement since starting to use the alum block.

I also never shave against the grain on my neck only with the grain, comfort over closeness for me.

Alum Block? I'll never heard of it. Immediately after putting the cold towl on, I will spray a toner, which feels nice but doesn't quite do the trick. I'm afraid it's my technique rather than the products. But I'll try it. Which one do you use?

Originally Posted by THG

You know what I've found... Pulling the skin tightly isn't always best for me. Especially under the chin, I get a much better and much more comfortable shave when I put my head/neck down and make the pass with my razor. I had exactly the same problem until I started doing this.

But how would i get the hair to stand up if I don't pull my skin taught?

Originally Posted by avatar1999

Good recommendations above!

As stated, you might try a straight razor. I had always suffered from razor burn on my neck as well until I started using a straight. It might not have cleared up 100% but it's barely noticeable now.

In addition to the alum block (I've never used one) try lightly massaging your face with witch hazel after you shave. One of it's properties is to reduce irritation, and I find it works great for razor burn, nicks, etc.

So what's the recommended order of shaving? When do you put on the alum block and when do you put on the witch hazel?

Many great ideas posted. When I have mentored two of my friends and they get this I fall on a couple of things.

1) You might need a different blade. As mentioned previously try a sample pack and see what works best. If the blade is uncomfortable as you shave then don't expect it to get better, it's not wine so it won't get better with age. If you have the sample pack, toss the razor you're using and try another. Also, if you have a sample pack it never hurts to take notes. Use a blade and write down how it felt, smoothness of the shave, irritation... etc. Then compare notes and go from there.
2) Be mindful of the pressure you are using. The weight of the razor should be all you need. If you have sensitive skin then applying added pressure will cause burn no matter the blade you use. Just enough pressure to keep the razor on your face but not too little that the razor skips or tugs hairs.
3) Focus on a good pre-shave routine. Trying different ideas and techniques may be the ticket. There are many different things to try but a hot shower before and good lather goes a long way.
4) Post shave is just as important. Blot dry. Never rub dry. One of my buddies noticed when he applied an aftershave balm the skin would throb... the problem later went away when he reduced the pressure on his DE.

The alum block is used after the shave is complete and helps close the pores. Simply wet it and wipe on. The hazel is a natural astringent and can be applied after the alum block.

Originally Posted by jawman

But how would i get the hair to stand up if I don't pull my skin taught?

I have no idea. It just works for me. I'm going ATG or XTG when I do this, by the way, so I guess the blade just gets under the hair.

Oh, also... I remember for a long time when I started, I would kind of do a "sweeping" motion when the razor came from under my jaw to close by my neck. Maintain a constant angle without doing any sort of sweeping motion.