My head really is a minefield, and I can't seem to clear it!

[VictorMackey]

Brace yourself for horrifying images

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8947/img0167di.jpg
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/434/img0169gw.jpg

I started clipping my hair down with no guard a year ago and every since then, I've gradually been getting more and more spots.

Since I've been using a Mach Fusion and Gillette shaving gel, I've been getting the above.

I don't know if it's form shaving, or my previously crappy diet, or both.

But I've taken steps to clear it up by regularly drinking water every day, and eating more fruit and veg and cutting the crap.

In the mean time though, anyone had any similar issues like mine? It's really a shame because I enjoy sly and don't wanna stop shaving.

Please help me, sly brothers!

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Okay, I don't think this is diet.  First, are you using an astringent such as hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, whatever after you shave?  Second, are you changing your pillow cases regularly, not less than once a week--and that pillow, when was the last time you bought a new one?  Third, use some benzoyl peroxide lotion, about 1/4 teaspoon and hydrocortizone lotion [lotions not cremes--the lotion is absorbed and leaves the dome non-greasy], same amount after shaving before your after shave balm--needless to say, without any oil?  Are you using an exfoliant rub or a loopha sponge when you shampoo?  Also, are you washing that dome two or three times a day with a mild, non-oily anti-acne soap?

If you've done all or most of this, see a doctor, could be a skin condition called rosecea--and there are topical medications. 

Generally speaking a keeping it clean, keeps it clear. 

[Razor X]

If you've done all or most of this, see a doctor, could be a skin condition called rosecea--and there are topical medications. 

There are also oral meds you can take.  You might need them at least on a short-term basis to get that cleared up.  I'd contact a dermatologist right away and get it seen to.  They can find something that will work a lot quicker than you will on your own.

Good luck.

[Noodles]

In addition to what Saintc and Razor has recommended to you, (plus other forthcoming valuable input from other SBG members as they offer their suggestions and advice) IMHP, it seems that you may be trying to shave too close to the skin and your skin just can't handle that right now and you're not giving it a chance to heal. Give your skin a little breathing room.

I would guess (from your photos) that you are shaving every day and against the grain. Try shaving every other day and only with the grain for a week or so and so that your skin can start to heal. Standard Electric Razors generally won't shave you as close as a blade razor, but it they will allow you to maintain a decent sly look while your scalp is on the road to repair. (The Conair CleanHead is a great alternative to manual razors - NO nicks, cuts or irration while giving you a nice, smooth, clean, close shave - More info on the CleanHead here --> http://www.iknowheads.com. Once there, click on the "How To Use" link at the top of the page to see a demo).

Once your skin is healed, you can then gradually work toward getting that "bone close" look you currently have, but the KEY WORD here is "GRADUALLY". By continuously shaving your scalp as close as you currently do, your scalp doesn't have the proper time it needs to heal itself, before it gets "ripped" open again in the next shaving session (it also appears as if you have a bad ingrown hair problem).

I can pretty much identify with your situation because in my "early sly days", I too went through the agony of what you are experiencing right now. But all hope is not lost. You CAN make it over this "hurdle", just as I have, (and countless other SBG members also) but as I suggested, I think giving your scalp the healing time it needs will be a big benefit on your road to recovery.

BTW, how often are you changing the blades on your Fusion? Sometimes we fall into a situation whereby we try to get "one more shave" from a dull blade and 9 out of 10 times, we end up with a scalp full of nicks, slices, cuts, and lots of skin irritation.

If you prefer using a manual razor vs an electric, I recently tried the Schick Quattro Titanium 4 Razor. Doesn't shave quite as "bone close" as the Fusion, but still delivers a dam good shave. Check out the pics I posted after using this razor on a recent thread. Just type in "AAUGH" in the search box, then scroll down the posts until you see  the pics.

Keep in mind that the proper preparation BEFORE and AFTER SHAVE CARE (as Saintc and Razor have suggested) can play a VERY BIG part in RESULTS that you can be extremely satisfied with!!

Keep us updated on your healing process. If you have any other questions, you know we're only a mouse click away from helping you in any way we can.

- Cap'n Noodles -

[VictorMackey]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to reply, guys.  I shall now answer all your questions as best I can:

Okay, I don't think this is diet.  First, are you using an astringent such as hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, whatever after you shave?

Not only am I not using them, I haven't even heard of them =\ 

Second, are you changing your pillow cases regularly, not less than once a week--and that pillow, when was the last time you bought a new one?

I don't know how old the actual pillow is, but I generally wash my bed sheets and pillow-cases once a month!

Third, use some benzoyl peroxide lotion, about 1/4 teaspoon and hydrocortizone lotion [lotions not cremes--the lotion is absorbed and leaves the dome non-greasy],

All these fancy chemicals and lotions you've mentioned do sound great and I am grateful for you recommending them, but as a part-time working student, I am concerned with how much this is all gonna cost.

same amount after shaving before your after shave balm--needless to say, without any oil?  Are you using an exfoliant rub or a loopha sponge when you shampoo?  Also, are you washing that dome two or three times a day with a mild, non-oily anti-acne soap?

Again, none of that, sir.  It all sounds expensive though O_O

There are also oral meds you can take.  You might need them at least on a short-term basis to get that cleared up.  I'd contact a dermatologist right away and get it seen to.  They can find something that will work a lot quicker than you will on your own.

Good luck.

Thanks, my friend.  I have been thinking of seeing a dermatologist and it's just getting around to it. 

In addition to what Saintc and Razor has recommended to you, (plus other forthcoming valuable input from other SBG members as they offer their suggestions and advice) IMHP, it seems that you may be trying to shave too close to the skin and your skin just can't handle that right now and you're not giving it a chance to heal. Give your skin a little breathing room.

Well I'll be honest, I do drag the razor into the skin to be honest, but that's because I'm trying to get it silky smooth. I can't stand it when I rub my fingers over a spot and it's a little rough.

I would guess (from your photos) that you are shaving every day and against the grain. Try shaving every other day and only with the grain for a week or so and so that your skin can start to heal.

Okay, that's the one thing out of all suggestions that I have been doing.  I don't shave every day.  It's something like every 5 days.  Alarmingly, the shave before the pictures above was like over a week before that shave happened.

Standard Electric Razors generally won't shave you as close as a blade razor, but it they will allow you to maintain a decent sly look while your scalp is on the road to repair. (The Conair CleanHead is a great alternative to manual razors - NO nicks, cuts or irration while giving you a nice, smooth, clean, close shave - More info on the CleanHead here --> http://www.iknowheads.com. Once there, click on the "How To Use" link at the top of the page to see a demo).

Thank you kindly for the suggestion, but I sadly just don't have the money for something like that!

But all hope is not lost. You CAN make it over this "hurdle", just as I have, (and countless other SBG members also)

I hope not, because I love going sly.  I want to eventually be nice and slim with a smooth and clean head!

BTW, how often are you changing the blades on your Fusion? Sometimes we fall into a situation whereby we try to get "one more shave" from a dull blade and 9 out of 10 times, we end up with a scalp full of nicks, slices, cuts, and lots of skin irritation.

Oh that's definitely me.  The last one I used lasted a month, and I got about 6 head shaves out of it and about 10 face shaves.



I think that about covers everything.  I hope to hear your replies again, gentlemen.  I thank you kindly for the great replies.

Sorry it took me a while to reply, but I've been so busy!

[Razor X]

I don't know how old the actual pillow is, but I generally wash my bed sheets and pillow-cases once a month!

I'd strongly recommend changing the bedclothes more frequently, as in once a week and changing the pillowcase twice a week.  Without hair to act as a buffer, any dirt, oils from your skin, etc that gets on the pillowcase comes into direct contact with your skin and can cause irritation.

[Basqueman]

When I 1st started shaving I experienced getting the bumps.   Thru reading all the posts about what other sly guys had gone thru to deal with their bumps, I added a few steps to my shaving routine.  1st thing I do after soaking in hot water under the shower is to use an exfoliant scrub on my scalp. This removes all the accumulated dirt, oils, and residue from moisturizers.  Then I apply a shaving oil and then lather up my head with a shaving cream.  I'm convinced that paying close attention to lubrication is one of the best ways to prevent irritation.  After I get out of the shower I immediately use medicated after shave balm.  I use Clear Head from the Headblade folks and I use an aftershave balm for sensitive skin from Nivea.  They work great.  Using this routine cleared up the my razor bumps and has kept them from recurring.

[Redgrave101]

Hmm liking the routine Basque. Doesn't sound too complicated or involved to many hard to find products.
I may have to look into stealing your routine