hey bro,what i do is i go front to back first with the headblade. and then i relather, and go up the sides with the gillette proglide. i know you said you get burn/bumps when you go up, but maybe try switching shave gels and/or razors? also, spend more time on the prep (soaking with warm water, etc). and once you rinse with COLD water, try rubbing an ice cube in the areas prone to bumps. hope that helps you
I go front to back, then back to front, with my HB. If I really want to get that area even more smooth, I reapply cream, and take a regular razor, pull my ear down, and shave up. Be careful not to nick your ear... you'll regret it. I usually don't bother doing this because the only way that area doesn't feel smooth is I move my fingers straight up. If I feel that area any other way, it is smooth from the first 2 HB passes. I use generic Atra twin blades, BTW.