How often should I do a 3 pass straight shave?

[EricofAriamis]

Hey guys. I am a sucker for a butter smooth shave and I usually do a three pass every other day to two days tops. I recently started a daily 3 pass shave and it's burning me up. Should I cease and desist? Is this normal? For those that straight shave daily, how many passes can you get away with? Give me some suggestions please and thank you.

[JimmyHAD]

Most of the time I stay with two passes to avoid irritation. This is with straight or DE. Doesn't make a difference. Fortunately for me two is usually enough. Occasionally I'll lather from under the jawline down the neck and do a third pass but rarely. I also found that shaving every other day, rather than my usual daily, is beneficial for my skin.

[EricofAriamis]

Thank you very much! I am starting to think the same, when I was doing it every other day on a 3 pass, we all got along just fine, now that I started daily, it just hurts and my skin feels dryer even with proper moisturizer and balm, etc. I think I shall take it a step down and just do a 3 pass occasionally and a 2 pass every other day. Thanks again Jimmy!

[Foxhill]

I do a 3-pass every day. But that's MY face, not YOURS. We're all different.

[ScottGoodman]

About how many shaves would you estimate you have under your belt? I ask this because of your join date and your face may not have adjusted to the straight yet. With your three pass shave, what directions do you go? Everyone's face is different, but if my face is feeling sensative I will go 2 wtg passes followed with a ATG. This has actually become more and more of a staple of mine.

If I go every other day like Jimmy mentioned, I can easily go with 3-5 passes for that bbs every time I shave...but I'm one of those that can't handle much of a stubble & usually break down and go ahead and shave. If it's cool/cold where you are, the cold air will actually dry out your skin as well & you may consider a aftershave balm like Nevia to feed your face some moisturizer.

[EricofAriamis]

Thanks a lot shooter. I have about 40 straight shaves under my belt. I am fairly young at 26 and yes it is winter time here unfortunately, so I do use a Nivea aftershave balm. I just have very fast beard/stubble growth and this straight shaving bug bit me hard. I wish I could shave 30 times a day. :P

[holli4pirating]

I never do three pass shaves, my skin just can't handle it. You'll have to find what works for you. You'll probably find that you get less irritation as you improve your technique and find the best shave routine/products for your face.

[ScottGoodman]

You answered a whole lot there my friend. You are a young shaver (age means hardly anything, just referencing your shaving experience) and your face is still probably not yet adjusted to a straight. If you can't stand not shaving every other day, give your face a break every other day with a couple wtg passes. This way you will not look scruffy and your face can do some healing between those three pass shaves. Some can't handle a ATG shave at all, even with experience. It's just up to you, your face, and skills. Back off a little, have patience (yes, it's very hard to have patience with your newly found skill), and nurture the experience. You have passed the hard part, you just need some "finishing".

[Mephisto]

I rarely do a three pass. I am really happy with a two pass with some clean up. I get it pretty smooth though, lasting well into the evening. I do not think it is a rule that you have to do 3 passes. Basically, I think that you will know when to do more as your experience increases.

[EricofAriamis]

Will do sir and thanks for the advice. Time to give it a bit of rest. When I usually wait a day or two and do the three passes, I can go ATG very well, I just suppose the daily thing will have to wait until my skin gets fully accustomed to the blade.