I'm very new as well to this sport. I have what I consider a good prep....correct me if I'm wrong please! I have trouble on my neck. Specifically the whole neck! My whiskers grow to my left ear and not up or down. I take a hot shower. Use a exfoliating face scrub that says it softens the whiskers. Put on some lotion and face lather. Any suggestions? Just when I think I got the right angle...pinch....or I get done and my neck has the burn. :beer2: