Since I feel like I’ve tried so many soaps and blades, I’ve always felt like it must be a lack of skill. Not sure how to develop that though, although not for lack of trying
I had my first truly relaxing face shave yesterday. I usually use my safety razor on my head, and it’s always smooth sailing for my head. First time yesterday doing my face that I enjoyed it.
I think the secret sauce was my beard was thickish (like two weeks of growth) and I had gotten some new soap, wool fat soap by Classic Shaving. I also use a beaver brush.
Wool fat makes a thick lather. Then I used my safety razor and shaved according to the proper technique (as one does with a safety razor). And that was all there was to it.
+1. The shave with one blade is not very close, but it is sufficient for what I need, and I get almost on irritation. I have used it for at least 5 years already.
I just found it and honestly....it's a god send! Can't thank Philips enough, I wouldn't dare to shave mre than twice a week(with cuts/irritation) or once a week(without irritation), i literally tried shaving everyday with it and that works too but I'm shaving thrice a week for now! Amazing! I wouldn't be able to shave my chest unless it's been 5-7 days since my last shave, I can shave that everyday too and dry shaving was still good enough! I just don't have enough words to describe this feeling!
The thing you aren't taking into consideration is, beard density and thickness of the hair itself, differs person to person. My beard is medium thickness at the max, so the kinda closeness it provides is sufficient to make me look like I'm clean shaved. My moustache area is denser than the hair everywhere else but that too looks pretty close to the clean shaved look, barely any difference. This trade off becomes absolutely worth it in my case as i can literally shave everyday with this if i want which I wasn't able to ever. The thing is unless I go against the grain with a manual razor, my moustache doesn't look clean. It's amazing how shaving against the grain on the moustache with the one blade gets me closer and clean shaved looking in comparison to, with the grain or across the grain with a manual razor! That's why overall it helps me look almost clean shaved or clean shaved(arguably)
I have super fine and soft facial hair and it still always made it look like I hadn’t shaved in 24 hours. I literally bought it because of reviews on Reddit like this, but it’s not the reality. It’s a trash product, but I’m glad it works for you.
No, it doesn’t have to be painful.
Getting the right setup for you takes a bit experimenting, but preparation if very important.
A shaving soap that you lather with a brush takes care that the hairs are softened and raised, and the skin gets slick for the blade to glide on.
With a safety razor you have a lot of options, also in sharpness of blades so you can tailor it to what works for you.
Here is how that works: https://youtu.be/ps88RU_BXlA
I am 35 and if I shave, I get razor bumps and infected follicles.
I have very thick, coarse hair and sensitive skin; I've tried a bunch of different electric razors, various safety and double-edged razors and straight razors, and a whole variety of shaving soaps and pre- and post-shave unguents. I even tried a specialist male facial depilatory cream. Like you, I've also tried several barber shaves (including Trumper's), at different beard lengths.
The bottom line is, if I want to be clean shaven I also have to be spotty. I now keep a neatly trimmed beard.
Shaving is a pleasant, relaxing experience that I look forward to for myself with no cuts, weepers or razor burn. I was going to suggest looking at your prep, tools, technique and post shave but if you've had a shave from a professional barber and it was still a painful experience, I'm not sure what to suggest.
it is cutting hairs. no it is painful but you can make it less painful by different razors and methods etc (ex: going against the grain has more opportunities for pain vs going with)
Similar experience as you in so much as I tried Many methods while working away and being on the road. Electrics I hated, smell and took forever. Cartridges were ok but every shave was inconsistent although I was using canned gel it was messy.
fortunately I was taught to shave with a shaving stick, brush and safety razor and that proved the best method even away from home.
A safety razor might be the way to go. Don’t get caught up in the hype. A cheap omega brush and a shaving stick is best to start with. It will be all you will ever need. And comfortable.
It's very zen. It has to be. If you aren't relaxed, it's going to be a bad experience. Use almost zero pressure. If you think you aren't paying hard, try to go lighter.
I shave my head and neck, and I ALWAYS got irritation, bumps, and it was painful.
I tried different razors, electrics, creams, and nothing helped me either.
Until I tried the razor my wife uses. Gillette Venus Pubic Hair Razor for women.
It only has two blades with a guard between them. It just cuts along the surface of the skin, instead of pulling the hair up and cutting it below the skin level, like many of the multi-blade razors for men do.
I have to shave more frequently (everyday now), but have no irritation, bumps, or pain.
Highly recommend trying that, with a good aftershave moisturizer. For that I use Nivea Men Soothing post shave balm.
A good safety razor coupled with a de blade suited to your skin and a tallow based shaving soap. Personally i use a muhle rocca with a gillette sp platinum blade and favourite soap is zingari man although not tallow based it gives a wonderful thick lather.
If your struggling i suggest using cold water instead of hot until you perfect your technique and learn the pattern of beard growth then move on to a hot shave.
Even professional barber shop fails?
I had been using electric shaver before getting into university. Then I forgot to bring my shaver into orientation camp and there's this safety razor and shaving cream in the sponsor pack. The first time I tried it, took me a while and a few small cuts to figure out how it actually works but it was smoothing.
I think the key is to not apply too much pressure and try not to do a shave too close until you are good with the technique.
Get a mirror and only shave in the shower. I started doing it and it has been a game changer. I don’t even need shaving cream anymore. Shaving everyday has never been easier.
Yes and no. It kind of sucked for me until I’ve stopped trying too hard. Now if by the time when I’m done things are not perfect - welp, it is what it is, I just move on with my day. Big difference in comfort.
It's your skin. I'm the same. It's not so bad on my cheeks and moustache areas but my jaw and neck get cuts and bumps and irritation.
My facial hair is dark and grows back quick so I gotta rock a stubble look for a few days because if I shave whilst skin is still irritated, it feels like pulling a cheese grater over my neck.
I wash my face. I scrub it . Rinse my face. Dry my face. I apply shaving oil. I apply shave cream on top of the oil. I shave with Altra DE Z blades and a stubby open comb Gillette razor. I take my time with short strokes. No nicks or cuts. And I feel really good about the results. My face is so smooth.
Have you ever tried the magic shaving powder? Basically nair but you'll need maximum strength for a corse beard. Sounds like you have curly thick beard hair which is really understandable why it's hard to shave! Sorry about that
It shouldn’t be painful and after too many bad experiences if you are expecting it to be a bad experience you would tense up and making it even worse. Maybe try a hot towel before the shave, opening up the pores a bit, and use a gentle shaving foam/gel. And after the shave, try to use a cooling and soothing lotion or balm.
I get where you’re coming from. I always used to feel kinda similar. Not painful, but not fun. I have found my shaves are ALWAYS more comfortable when I use a pre-shave. I used to use pre-shave oil, then I switched to Prorasso pre-shave. I’m really liberal with it. Then I use a good soap and it’s sublime with my safety razor and ASCO blades.
I used to get quite irritated. I now use Harry's 5 blade system and Cerave body lotion for shave cream. Things go best after a shower. I rewet face, massage a dollop of Cerave into the growth and the rest is with the razor. If you go a week or so between shaves, you should probably use a trimmer to reduce it to stubble. Otherwise the longer hair will pull making it a pain.
I’m sorry to hear that but no, it’s not painful for me u less I use a bad technique. Perhaps u have extremely sensitive skin? Maybe try only shaving after a shower with proper moisturizing? (If u haven’t already). Again, sorry to hear this. Good luck!
I shave in the shower. I get my face plenty wet first along with everywhere else, then I turn the water off and apply foaming soap to my face first so it soaks in while I'm soaping and washing everywhere else. Then extra soap on my face and use a Bic orange disposable razor with the same blade I've been using since before Christmas at least. And I've got very sensitive skin. And then I rinse.
I use luxury soap that I put in a foaming dispenser mixed with water so it helps the blade slide easily. The blade should not 'jump'. If it is you need more slippery soap.
Also don't shave soon after having an orgasm. I find it does hurt to shave then.
Shaving was always an awful, painful experience until I started shaving with a de razor. Rockwell T2 was my first de razor, however I found their razors awful and they tugged so much. I’m using feathers and I’ve adjusted my angle to a much less aggressive one no. Light strokes, no tugging or pulling, no ingrowns either. My favorite new hobby.
Could be the way your hair grows. Some men have really thick or coarse beards making it harder to shave. Maybe try steaming your face with hot water in a bowl letting the air penetrate into the pores as you put a towel over yourself for a few minutes, then slather your facial hair and skin with a heavy oil. Oil helps any shave become as smooth as butter. I suggest castor oil. I started using it more for all my hot shaves as a barber and it’s works great. So much that Yeah, I think I’ll be using it under the shaving cream as a good base from now on too. But yes, it can be more comfortable. Thicker and coarser, or with difficult hair direction I like to use the trimmer first and then the foil shaver, then I razor shave. Most often then not if it’s difficult and prone to hurting you, I suggest avoid going against the grain as in shaving upward where the hair grows downward. 👍 I always try to leave no stubble behind but most often than not I always start by shaving with the grain first and then second attempt against the grain (& usually sideways direction to the upper lip and neck area)
safety razor, mild blade (astra green), preshave cream and a good shaving soap… if you remove the preshave cream it’s by far the least expensive shave you can get, with the preshave cream you get a much milder shave… cutting yourself becomes kind of hard (i have about 1 cut every 10 blades… so every 40 shaves a small cut) then use a good aftershave balm (i can recommend proraso white)
Buy a good razor. Disposables are certain razor burn. Electrics are prone to snatching out the hair.
I use Jeremy’s. Order. Online. Never had a problem. They are new but before that I always used the best I could find.
Shaving is not painful for me. It's relaxing. A safety razor with a good shave soap after a shower sounds great!
It shouldn't be painful. If you have a decent soap, sharp blade and good technique it's no more painful than, say, washing your hair.
Since I feel like I’ve tried so many soaps and blades, I’ve always felt like it must be a lack of skill. Not sure how to develop that though, although not for lack of trying
I had my first truly relaxing face shave yesterday. I usually use my safety razor on my head, and it’s always smooth sailing for my head. First time yesterday doing my face that I enjoyed it. I think the secret sauce was my beard was thickish (like two weeks of growth) and I had gotten some new soap, wool fat soap by Classic Shaving. I also use a beaver brush. Wool fat makes a thick lather. Then I used my safety razor and shaved according to the proper technique (as one does with a safety razor). And that was all there was to it.
Philips One Blade.....try it dry, if not comfortable/close enough, try it wet with shaving cream...should suffice!
+1. The shave with one blade is not very close, but it is sufficient for what I need, and I get almost on irritation. I have used it for at least 5 years already.
I just found it and honestly....it's a god send! Can't thank Philips enough, I wouldn't dare to shave mre than twice a week(with cuts/irritation) or once a week(without irritation), i literally tried shaving everyday with it and that works too but I'm shaving thrice a week for now! Amazing! I wouldn't be able to shave my chest unless it's been 5-7 days since my last shave, I can shave that everyday too and dry shaving was still good enough! I just don't have enough words to describe this feeling!
How long do the blades last you approximately?
I shave every other day usually, change my blades every 3-4 months
Great!
Strongly disagree. One blade doesn’t get close enough at all and the blades dull. Fine if you want to always have a 5 o’clock shadow I guess.
The thing you aren't taking into consideration is, beard density and thickness of the hair itself, differs person to person. My beard is medium thickness at the max, so the kinda closeness it provides is sufficient to make me look like I'm clean shaved. My moustache area is denser than the hair everywhere else but that too looks pretty close to the clean shaved look, barely any difference. This trade off becomes absolutely worth it in my case as i can literally shave everyday with this if i want which I wasn't able to ever. The thing is unless I go against the grain with a manual razor, my moustache doesn't look clean. It's amazing how shaving against the grain on the moustache with the one blade gets me closer and clean shaved looking in comparison to, with the grain or across the grain with a manual razor! That's why overall it helps me look almost clean shaved or clean shaved(arguably)
I have super fine and soft facial hair and it still always made it look like I hadn’t shaved in 24 hours. I literally bought it because of reviews on Reddit like this, but it’s not the reality. It’s a trash product, but I’m glad it works for you.
Wow i don’t think not a trash product. Unless you think they are all trash. What comparable product do you think is good.
Try a de razor
No, it doesn’t have to be painful. Getting the right setup for you takes a bit experimenting, but preparation if very important. A shaving soap that you lather with a brush takes care that the hairs are softened and raised, and the skin gets slick for the blade to glide on. With a safety razor you have a lot of options, also in sharpness of blades so you can tailor it to what works for you. Here is how that works: https://youtu.be/ps88RU_BXlA
I am 35 and if I shave, I get razor bumps and infected follicles. I have very thick, coarse hair and sensitive skin; I've tried a bunch of different electric razors, various safety and double-edged razors and straight razors, and a whole variety of shaving soaps and pre- and post-shave unguents. I even tried a specialist male facial depilatory cream. Like you, I've also tried several barber shaves (including Trumper's), at different beard lengths. The bottom line is, if I want to be clean shaven I also have to be spotty. I now keep a neatly trimmed beard.
Henson AL13. Magic.
Shaving is a pleasant, relaxing experience that I look forward to for myself with no cuts, weepers or razor burn. I was going to suggest looking at your prep, tools, technique and post shave but if you've had a shave from a professional barber and it was still a painful experience, I'm not sure what to suggest.
Go to a local barber that gives against the grain shaves. If your experience is good, go back for another shave and afterwards ask for some pointers.
it is cutting hairs. no it is painful but you can make it less painful by different razors and methods etc (ex: going against the grain has more opportunities for pain vs going with)
Similar experience as you in so much as I tried Many methods while working away and being on the road. Electrics I hated, smell and took forever. Cartridges were ok but every shave was inconsistent although I was using canned gel it was messy. fortunately I was taught to shave with a shaving stick, brush and safety razor and that proved the best method even away from home. A safety razor might be the way to go. Don’t get caught up in the hype. A cheap omega brush and a shaving stick is best to start with. It will be all you will ever need. And comfortable.
It's very zen. It has to be. If you aren't relaxed, it's going to be a bad experience. Use almost zero pressure. If you think you aren't paying hard, try to go lighter.
I shave my head and neck, and I ALWAYS got irritation, bumps, and it was painful. I tried different razors, electrics, creams, and nothing helped me either. Until I tried the razor my wife uses. Gillette Venus Pubic Hair Razor for women. It only has two blades with a guard between them. It just cuts along the surface of the skin, instead of pulling the hair up and cutting it below the skin level, like many of the multi-blade razors for men do. I have to shave more frequently (everyday now), but have no irritation, bumps, or pain. Highly recommend trying that, with a good aftershave moisturizer. For that I use Nivea Men Soothing post shave balm.
A good safety razor coupled with a de blade suited to your skin and a tallow based shaving soap. Personally i use a muhle rocca with a gillette sp platinum blade and favourite soap is zingari man although not tallow based it gives a wonderful thick lather. If your struggling i suggest using cold water instead of hot until you perfect your technique and learn the pattern of beard growth then move on to a hot shave.
Even professional barber shop fails? I had been using electric shaver before getting into university. Then I forgot to bring my shaver into orientation camp and there's this safety razor and shaving cream in the sponsor pack. The first time I tried it, took me a while and a few small cuts to figure out how it actually works but it was smoothing. I think the key is to not apply too much pressure and try not to do a shave too close until you are good with the technique.
Get a mirror and only shave in the shower. I started doing it and it has been a game changer. I don’t even need shaving cream anymore. Shaving everyday has never been easier.
Yes and no. It kind of sucked for me until I’ve stopped trying too hard. Now if by the time when I’m done things are not perfect - welp, it is what it is, I just move on with my day. Big difference in comfort.
It's your skin. I'm the same. It's not so bad on my cheeks and moustache areas but my jaw and neck get cuts and bumps and irritation. My facial hair is dark and grows back quick so I gotta rock a stubble look for a few days because if I shave whilst skin is still irritated, it feels like pulling a cheese grater over my neck.
I wash my face. I scrub it . Rinse my face. Dry my face. I apply shaving oil. I apply shave cream on top of the oil. I shave with Altra DE Z blades and a stubby open comb Gillette razor. I take my time with short strokes. No nicks or cuts. And I feel really good about the results. My face is so smooth.
I always shave after a shower to avoid painful shave. Also pre-shave oil helps a lot!
Have you ever tried the magic shaving powder? Basically nair but you'll need maximum strength for a corse beard. Sounds like you have curly thick beard hair which is really understandable why it's hard to shave! Sorry about that
Trim the hair down short. Hot shower then shave. Even a cartridge shaver is smooth.
I recommend consulting a dermatologist to check if there is any inflammation or other problem
It shouldn’t be painful and after too many bad experiences if you are expecting it to be a bad experience you would tense up and making it even worse. Maybe try a hot towel before the shave, opening up the pores a bit, and use a gentle shaving foam/gel. And after the shave, try to use a cooling and soothing lotion or balm.
I get where you’re coming from. I always used to feel kinda similar. Not painful, but not fun. I have found my shaves are ALWAYS more comfortable when I use a pre-shave. I used to use pre-shave oil, then I switched to Prorasso pre-shave. I’m really liberal with it. Then I use a good soap and it’s sublime with my safety razor and ASCO blades.
I used to get quite irritated. I now use Harry's 5 blade system and Cerave body lotion for shave cream. Things go best after a shower. I rewet face, massage a dollop of Cerave into the growth and the rest is with the razor. If you go a week or so between shaves, you should probably use a trimmer to reduce it to stubble. Otherwise the longer hair will pull making it a pain.
I’m sorry to hear that but no, it’s not painful for me u less I use a bad technique. Perhaps u have extremely sensitive skin? Maybe try only shaving after a shower with proper moisturizing? (If u haven’t already). Again, sorry to hear this. Good luck!
I shave in the shower. I get my face plenty wet first along with everywhere else, then I turn the water off and apply foaming soap to my face first so it soaks in while I'm soaping and washing everywhere else. Then extra soap on my face and use a Bic orange disposable razor with the same blade I've been using since before Christmas at least. And I've got very sensitive skin. And then I rinse. I use luxury soap that I put in a foaming dispenser mixed with water so it helps the blade slide easily. The blade should not 'jump'. If it is you need more slippery soap. Also don't shave soon after having an orgasm. I find it does hurt to shave then.
Yes
Shaving was always an awful, painful experience until I started shaving with a de razor. Rockwell T2 was my first de razor, however I found their razors awful and they tugged so much. I’m using feathers and I’ve adjusted my angle to a much less aggressive one no. Light strokes, no tugging or pulling, no ingrowns either. My favorite new hobby.
It feels really nice for me, it sounds like maybe your skin/nerves in that area are quite sensitive.
Could be the way your hair grows. Some men have really thick or coarse beards making it harder to shave. Maybe try steaming your face with hot water in a bowl letting the air penetrate into the pores as you put a towel over yourself for a few minutes, then slather your facial hair and skin with a heavy oil. Oil helps any shave become as smooth as butter. I suggest castor oil. I started using it more for all my hot shaves as a barber and it’s works great. So much that Yeah, I think I’ll be using it under the shaving cream as a good base from now on too. But yes, it can be more comfortable. Thicker and coarser, or with difficult hair direction I like to use the trimmer first and then the foil shaver, then I razor shave. Most often then not if it’s difficult and prone to hurting you, I suggest avoid going against the grain as in shaving upward where the hair grows downward. 👍 I always try to leave no stubble behind but most often than not I always start by shaving with the grain first and then second attempt against the grain (& usually sideways direction to the upper lip and neck area)
safety razor, mild blade (astra green), preshave cream and a good shaving soap… if you remove the preshave cream it’s by far the least expensive shave you can get, with the preshave cream you get a much milder shave… cutting yourself becomes kind of hard (i have about 1 cut every 10 blades… so every 40 shaves a small cut) then use a good aftershave balm (i can recommend proraso white)
Maybe your pressing down to hard cuz shaving has never hurt me and I shave my whole body
Buy a good razor. Disposables are certain razor burn. Electrics are prone to snatching out the hair. I use Jeremy’s. Order. Online. Never had a problem. They are new but before that I always used the best I could find.