Shaving (ouch!)

[Aiyanna]

My apologies if there is already a post created that this exact post would fit under, I didn't see one so I thought I would create one

Shaving can be a real pain (quite literally). Obviously I want the shave to be as close as possible, so I use a razor. But sometimes even with shaving cream or soaps it hurts and it leaves little less-than-pleasing-to-the-eye red bumps on my face/neck area. I've looked this up in discussions before and a lot of people recommend just moisturizing like crazy. Is this a good idea? Is there a specific moisturizer I should use? Share with me the tips and tricks of the trade, please!

Thanks in advance!

❤️
Aiy

[tracy_j]

There have been things written about this in other posts, but I don't remember one specifically on the redness and bumps.

 

I don't use a wet shaver, as I never have so it's somewhat un-natural for me. I use an electric shaver or epilator, but do suffer with ingrowing hair in some parts of my body so am selective, and do cut shorter in some places than others.

 

To assist with rashes I do use tea tree and witch hazel products. An example of one I use is here: https://www.boots.com/beauty/facial-skincare/serum-and-treatments/boots-tea-tree-and-witch-hazel-night-gel-75ml-10125610

 

I also use their similar foam face wash, but all over my body https://www.boots.com/boots-tea-tree-and-witch-hazel-foaming-face-wash-150ml-10125605

 

They really seem to help.

 

I do also moisturize with normal bodycream, but have not noticed quick results with this alone.

 

I presume similar products are available where you area.

 

Tracy

 

 

[Terry]

I've always (well, for many years now) struggled getting a clean shave. For the neck I've already completely given up. I've just had my second laser session, and everything in that area will go. In particular the skin rash is just too annoying. It is a very common thing though.

 

The best way to get a clean shave without causing skin irritation that I found is proper, traditional, wet shaving. That means no disposable or cartridge razor and no aerosol cans. I use a good old-fashioned safety razor and make my own lather with a shaving cream for sensitive skin and a shaving brush.

 

The whole procedure goes like this:

Start soaking up the shaving brush in warm water. Wash my face with a facial cleansing oil and warm water. Then further warm up the face with a hot towel. Then lather up the shaving cream. When I'm ready with that I apply a pre-shave cream, again for sensitive skin. Then I apply the lather with the shaving brush. The proper shaving goes in short strokes, always making sure there is enough lather and the blade is clean. In between I clean the razor with hot water. So that is all just for one stroke with a sharp blade (as opposed to five or whatever strokes with the blunt blades that are used in cartridge razors). Which means when I'm done with one round, I need to apply lather again (never use the razor without) and start again in short strokes. Typically the first round is with the grain, the second and the following ones are against the grain. When everything is done, rinse off with cold (!) water to close the pores. Then I apply an aftershave balm.

 

Obviously this takes quite some time, but it's the best shave I can achieve, and I did try a lot before. I'm never entirely satisfied yet, but that's due to my skills (missing out bits etc.). I'm new to it and it takes some time to learn. Getting better each time though.

 

(Oh, I should also comment that shaving with a safety razor is totally not "ouch" - you would think the sharp blade would cause more injuries than a cartridge razor, but it's actually the opposite. It's simply because you have much more control, and rather than dragging hairs out together with some skin, you actually cut the hairs.)

 

If you're willing to give it a try, I can strongly recommend this site, which helped me understand the process and choose what to buy.

[Charlize]

I use a Panasonic ES-LA63 wet/dry in the shower.  First i wash my face and body and after showering i reshape my face and neck prior to shaving.  It is the closest shave i've ever had and i've had no problems with redness or infections etc.  

I have a very light beard in color and now after some years of HRT it grows more slowly.  I've found that while i can feel a little roughness a day later it is virtually impossible to see anything.  

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Aiyanna]

Thank you all so much for the information! I'm bound and determined to make shaving as easy as..well, I don't have a simile, but easy nevertheless. Y'all are amazing 

❤️
Aiy

[Terry]

Today I've achieved a much cleaner shave than usual. What I did to get there must have looked incredibly silly - I went all over my face several times with the fingers to properly understand what exactly "with the grain" and "against the grain" is at each spot. It was absolutely worth the effort - this alone has improved my wet shaving skills quite a bit.

[Nikki22]

On 6/18/2018 at 10:19 PM, Aiyanna said:

Thank you all so much for the information! I'm bound and determined to make shaving as easy as..well, I don't have a simile, but easy nevertheless. Y'all are amazing 

❤️
Aiy

I only have a patch, and use a 4 blade razor...put vaseline/cream on,  soak with a hot towel, and the result often last for days...being on HRT helps slow growth, and I've had spot electrolysis in this last area, so it's thinner...will probably just get it finished by electrolysis, but effect/cost seems prohibitive...going for 3 treatments before hair is really gone seems like a rip.

[KymmieL]

I have always had a rash/red bumps etc. In the crease where my legs and pelvis meet. Ever since I began shaving that area. While I have found powder (Gold bond) helps rid it. But lately I have been using what I call a scrunchy and body gel. Now I rarely get the rash. I think that it exfoliates the area. 

 

Kymmie