Thread: Tips from Barber on Sensitive Skin

I switched to SR, and DE for several reasons. One was the cost replacing razor cartridges, and the other was my sensitive skin. Once I started using the SR, and DE and ditched the multibladed razors the condition of my skin improved and the sensitivity I felt subsided. I could only shave every other day with a SR or DE. When I shaved daily my face became very irritated. Last week I went to my barber and we were talking about shaving. He told me he could give me a shave, and explain what he was doing so that I might better understand how to shave. Normally I would probably have said no, but this man has been my barber since I was 13.
These are the tips he gave me for sensitive skin. Make sure the razor is sharp. "Not just shave ready, but sharp enough to cut a falling hair", (quite an exaggeration, but point taken). Apply oil, followed by hot towel. This hot towel will heat the oil, and soften the hair. Follow this one with another hot towel. Lather, then shave. As he was shaving he mentioned that quite a few guys will stretch their skin to shave, but only stretch by pulling up around the temple to do the whole cheek. Which works, unless you have overly sensitive skin. In this case shave like a barber would. Stretch about two or three inches of skin between your pointer finger, and thumb. Shave this area with two light passes. Do this for the whole face. When it comes to the neck, do not lean forward stretching out your head to see in the mirror. Get a good adjustable mirror to set on your vanity so your neck is in a relaxed position and follow the same steps to shave your neck as you did the face. Once he was done with my shave I have to admit I was very happy with the outcome. Comfortable, with very little to no irritation. I have been doing this at home now and discovered that my sensitive skin is no longer burning and irritated. It does take longer to shave, and it was a little awkward at first, but it is worth the extra time. Hopefully this might help others, or someone can also elaborate on this even more.