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

You may also find that its worth trying a range of blades (get hold of a sampler pack) I find some cause me irritation. For example Gillette Superthins, Wilkinson Swords and Astras are fine for me but Feathers, Treet Stainless and Gillette Bleues cause me burn.

I'd also agree with trying alum, its the on consistent thing in all my shaves.

As mentioned before, it seems to me that you may be using too much pressure.

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.

Yep, i get that when I use DEs sometimes. Try a str8t. You can control the agressiveness by the holding angle. I also use noxzema (in a tub) as pre shave. It is thick and provides a cushion.. The best thing is you can buy it for cheap anywhere.

I'd concentrate more on the causes of your problem than treatment of it. You want to change your routine so you won't have to treat the razor burn at all. I'd start by eliminating all your pre-shave routine except some warm water splashed on the face and then just shave WTG once to see what happens. That should be diagnostic in itself.

#1, move on up to a straight. I too am razor burn sensitive and have found that the only thing that worked for me was an alcohol based aftershave, especially during the summer months. Even when I started shaving with a straight I would get it if I didn't use alcohol based AS. The alum block is now a part of my arsenal as well.

My routine: After the shave I will rinse my face in cold water, rub the alum block over the my wet face and blot dry. I finish getting ready (teeth, deodorant, etc.) and last thing before I leave the bathroom is apply my AS.

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.

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 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.

Also: try different soaps and creams.
I tried several soap, and most gave me really irritated skin. Especially hard soaps do this.
I now use Taylor of Old Bond street, St James collection shaving cream.
That has made a world of difference, and it is why I never use anything else.