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Love being Sly but so sick of pathetic bumps, acne, horseshoe shade! by VictorMackey on 06 Apr, 2011 17:00
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I need some serious help because I'm at the end of my tether here
I've been shaving every 2-3 days for months now and none of my problems are going away.
Firstly, I use a mach fusion and change the blade every week (I use it for my face and head) and I use a shave gel called "mint source" that has aloe vera in it and makes your head feel like it's in ice when applied.
I love the feel of shaving and watching it go back to Sly, but it's same ****ing thing every time I check myself with the small mirror against the big one and gaze at the back of my head... horseshoe shade, even with ATG, and red spots all along the side of my head, and finally the horrific red rash across the back of my neck with bumps everywhere!
It's pissing me off so much because I see Sly customers at work and their domes are perfection with just minuscule horseshoe, even under light, and absolutely crystal clear skin!
Going bald at 22 wasn't enough, but I had to have the worst skin ever to boot.
Please help guys. I'm begging here. I'll get some pics up in the morning as it's late here in the UK now.
EDIT: It's on my mind and getting me down that much, I can't sleep, so decided to get the picture now. Atrocious...
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/5413/grrr.png -
#1 by D.A.L.U.I. on 06 Apr, 2011 18:18
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Can't help you with the shadow--but assuming you've tried the over the counter 10%benzoyl peroxide, you're changing sheets and pillow cases etc., maybe you should visit a skin doctor--probably something they can take care of easily. Keep the faith. The shadow, well it's better than a grown out "horseshoe" or toilet seat.
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#2 by VictorMackey on 06 Apr, 2011 18:25
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I suppose I could try that stuff you mention. What is it again? And I could try changing the pillow cases every week instead of two.
But I've been looking up and it looks very much like a case of ingrown hairs. How do I stop that from happening?
EDIT: Sorry that reply seemed terse, but as you can imagine, I'd be pulling my hair out if I had any right now! -
#3 by D.A.L.U.I. on 06 Apr, 2011 18:30
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I suppose I could try that stuff you mention. What is it again? And I could try changing the pillow cases every week instead of two.
Benzoyl Peroxide, 10%, and 1% Hydrocortizone both in the lotion formulation--after you've shaved and used an astringent like hydrogen peroxide, mix about a pea sized amount of each in your palm and rub in the scalp, concentrating on the inflamed area. the Benzoyl Peroxide works on the acne part, the hydrocortizone reduces inflamation. And YES, at least once a week, even more. Wash that dome at least twice a day with a mild anti-acne soap available at the drug store or chemists as I believe you guys on the other side of the pond call it. I'd also use a loofah sponge pad, not the sponge itself, available where they sell skin products and give a rub down in the shower to make sure the pores are open. If it is ingrown hairs, only shave with the grain--some people are prone to those.
But I've been looking up and it looks very much like a case of ingrown hairs. How do I stop that from happening? -
#4 by VictorMackey on 06 Apr, 2011 18:37
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I suppose I could try that stuff you mention. What is it again? And I could try changing the pillow cases every week instead of two.
Benzoyl Peroxide, 10%, and 1% Hydrocortizone both in the lotion formulation--after you've shaved and used an astringent like hydrogen peroxide, mix about a pea sized amount of each in your palm and rub in the scalp, concentrating on the inflamed area. the Benzoyl Peroxide works on the acne part, the hydrocortizone reduces inflamation. And YES, at least once a week, even more. Wash that dome at least twice a day with a mild anti-acne soap available at the drug store or chemists as I believe you guys on the other side of the pond call it. I'd also use a loofah sponge pad, not the sponge itself, available where they sell skin products and give a rub down in the shower to make sure the pores are open. If it is ingrown hairs, only shave with the grain--some people are prone to those.
But I've been looking up and it looks very much like a case of ingrown hairs. How do I stop that from happening?
Jesus, so ATG may even be out for me and thus more visible horseshoe? Just great. Just bloody great. What's more, when I try to shave WTG (which is from the bottom of the neck and up at the back of the head), it seems it's not actually shaving and the hair doesn't come off.
As for 10%benzoyl peroxide, is it common and will all chemists sell it?
EDIT: Sorry, I meant WTG at the back of the head being from the top of the head downwards to the bottom of the neck. What I said is what I'm doing now - ATG -
#5 by D.A.L.U.I. on 06 Apr, 2011 18:49
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As for 10%benzoyl peroxide, is it common and will all chemists sell it?
Very common over here, it's the most effective non-prescription anti-acne preparation I know of--& I've had lousy skin all my life so I use a lot of stuff. And, if you've got a good chemist, there may be medications there that aren't prescription as they are here since the States has some of the most restrictive medication requirements. Ask him, he may be your best resource on such matters there. -
#6 by VictorMackey on 06 Apr, 2011 18:54
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Is that you in your pic, saintc? Also, is there anything else you could think of that may help? I appreciate you taking the time to help btw. Oh and how long should I wait before touching my head again now? Don't want to upset these ingrowns.
Why are they only in a specific spot? I'm feeling all over my head now and the only ingrowns are where they always are - right side of the back of my neck, where the redness is. Why only there and nowhere else? -
#7 by sailor61 on 06 Apr, 2011 19:17
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From your description of the location of your problem it sounds as if some of your problems are with the gaurd hairs on the back of your neck. For some reason these are particularly tough to razor off - they seem to always be coarser than the rest of the hair. I've found that if I work too hard at getting them I end up wiith an inflamed mess.
In addition to what SaintC has suggested, make a concious attempt to NOT apply more pressure in the area. Apply your shave cream and let it sit as long as you can before shaving - lather will help to soften the hair before the blade gets to them. Limit the number of passes with the razor.
I've just learned to tolerate them - no matter what angle I take with the razor the damn things are still there, so its a compromise. I shave them as well as I can and tolerate the stubble. Rest assured that what you can feel with your fingers seems far more obvious than what someone can actually see.
As to the shadow, there really isn't much any of us can do with that, we tolerate it. Its the base of the hair shafts that remain in the follicles that cause the shadow - until MPB takes them they'll be there. -
#8 by VictorMackey on 06 Apr, 2011 19:21
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Thanks for the reply, Sailor. I suppose I could take my time rather than just sticking the gel on then cracking straight on with hacking away at my head.
With this shave, I even tilted my head forward so the neck area was fully extended and skin was nice and taught but it's made it worse if anything.
I know this is going to seem ridiculous, but have you guys ever considered wax? I am thinking of using it just for the small island of hair on my forehead.
Again though, how long should I wait before next shaving? -
#9 by sailor61 on 06 Apr, 2011 19:35
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I would let it go for several days, at least. Not positive but think the more irritated it gets the more likely you are to get ingrowns.
Have you tried shaving in the shower? The warmer the hair the softer it is. And, if you've got sensitive skin, you should NEVER just lather it up and scrape it down - it needs to sit a few minutes to soften the hair. Also,not all shaving creams/lathers/gels are created equal - it's trial and error to find the right one for your skin.
Another thing to try might be a shaving oil (Shave Secret is widely available here in the States). You massage a few drops of into your scalp BEFORE applying your lather, it aids in lubricating the skin. Also Gillette Thermal Scrub has some hair softening properties.
There just isn't any good way that I know of to get the little buggers with a razor. My guess, and I may be totally wrong, is that alot of the trouble you're running into is a result of you being in a rush to get through the process. I know it sounds stupid but relax and start to enjoy the process, you can not hurry a really great shave. -
#10 by VictorMackey on 07 Apr, 2011 03:44
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I would let it go for several days, at least. Not positive but think the more irritated it gets the more likely you are to get ingrowns.
Have you tried shaving in the shower? The warmer the hair the softer it is. And, if you've got sensitive skin, you should NEVER just lather it up and scrape it down - it needs to sit a few minutes to soften the hair. Also,not all shaving creams/lathers/gels are created equal - it's trial and error to find the right one for your skin.
Another thing to try might be a shaving oil (Shave Secret is widely available here in the States). You massage a few drops of into your scalp BEFORE applying your lather, it aids in lubricating the skin. Also Gillette Thermal Scrub has some hair softening properties.
There just isn't any good way that I know of to get the little buggers with a razor. My guess, and I may be totally wrong, is that alot of the trouble you're running into is a result of you being in a rush to get through the process. I know it sounds stupid but relax and start to enjoy the process, you can not hurry a really great shave.
The last two times I have shaved it in the shower, mate. It's just gone worse if anything, but that could be to do with the fact that I was rushing because of the electricity bill.
Next time I shave, I'm going to make sure nobody is around, and I'm going to fully take my time, with just letting the razor move against the skin, slowly chipping away at the hair, rather than just digging it into the skin and dragging long strokes.
I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try a before and after care either. Because all I'm doing now is wetting my head and sticking on the shaving gel, then as soon as it's on, getting straight on with it.
It's really getting me down though, guys. I want to be sly because my balding pattern is the most ridiculous ever with this stupid island of hair on my forehead to go with the horseshoe and having to leave it grow like this is so frustrating.
While I have the ingrowns like this, the answer to this seems obvious, but for when they fade, should I be shaving every day? Because I can leave it up to 5 days after a shave before doing it again.
EDIT: Would this be any good, guys?
http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shaving/head-shave/post-shave-bump-treatment.php
What about with the head slick shave gel too?
And would changing from a mach fusion to something else help? Do any of you rate head blade? -
#11 by sailor61 on 07 Apr, 2011 08:09
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I use the Clearhead and like it - however it is very pricey. (even more so in the UK from the listing you sent) There are other similar products around, not sure of the brands inthe UK. You might try messaging one of the other guys on your side of the Atlantic to check onlocal brands etc. Another option would be to go and talk with your local chemist or a mens care counter in a large dept store cosmetics department. Also try a traditional barber shop that does headshaves - splurge for the experience and ask their advice.
Try the Headslick - it's a great shave cream but it still needs to sit for a few minutes. As for razors Im one of thos guys who can not master the Headblade so I stick to a disposable triple blade (Extreme 3). The Headblade might be a solution for you since you will quickly learn not to press with it - if you do it may well gouge badly.
Regardless of what you're shaving, it requires an investment of time. I don't mean hours but you need to add a few minutesto your routineto allow things to soften up. This time may not get rid of all of your issues but it should reduce them.
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#12 by banmuir on 07 Apr, 2011 10:02
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Hi. I'm sorry to hear about the hassles you're having - especially as it was one of your posts that made me bite the bullet and stop the excuses.
I also get frustrated that not everywhere is as smooth as I'd like. My hair is dark and thick (in places) so the shadow is frustratingly visible - two problem islands right above my forehead! The missed stubble is there, but I've discovered that it's a lot less obvious to others (until they rub my head). I've also realised that I'm on a learning curve, and am using the 30 days to try different things.
I shave at the sink after a shower, which is where I first do a head scrub and let things soak a bit. I enjoy making a warm lather with shaving soap, but have been experimenting with HeadSlick this past week - with a brush, with hands, tried the baby oil (don't like that at all!), shaving prep products, so far aloe vera gel works the best for me for prep before the shaving cream.
I'm sold on my HB sport. I used my Gillette Fusion for my first shave, then it was the HB from the next day onwards. At first it was two passes with the HB (with re-lather in between) and then touch-ups with the Fusion. Now I generally do two passes with the HB only (did attempt a one pass shave once, but wasn't too happy with the result through the day). I'm starting to experiment with blades - the Contours cut me to ribbons - those were my very first nicks, so I changed back after just a few strokes with those. I'm on the look-out for Sensors. One hassle with my Fusion blades is that the trimming blade on the back plays havoc with my ears when negotiating tight corners!! Fortunately my ears obligingly stand out to give me room to manoeuvre.
I had a rash on both sides of my head when I cut my hair and was concerned that the shaving would aggravate it. It has mostly calmed down. I end up looking a bit like the pictures that Doug posted a while back - not perfect, but not a major problem.
I really enjoy the shaving routine, and while I'm getting it done more quickly, it's not my intention to rush -- in fact I just enjoy the whole experience and take as much time as I want. I found that I now wake up about an hour to 40 minutes earlier than my alarm and get started anyway. Strangely the back of my head and parts that can't be seen in the mirror get the best shave. I shave my face in the shower without a mirror, and now tend to close my eyes while shaving at the basin (to stop my eyes from trying to direct my hands).
With my first shave I got so confused over WTG / ATG / XTG. So I would sit on my bed (before shaving) and run my fingers over my head (with eyes closed, of course) planning the shave and working out a strategy the fitted the grain and bumps. A good way to get to know my head! Also discovered that I have more lumps and bumps than were first apparent. Also found an inconspicuous mole.
I finish off with a warm rinse, then a cold one. The sides of my head are usually an angry red colour, and my scalp generally feels raw. Then it's the ice cube. I've done it every day, and love it. Every morning is a totally different brain-freeze experience. Some mornings the ice just seems to melt away and I'm ready for another one, other mornings that darn thing can't melt fast enough. (An ice cube when getting home on hot afternoons is brilliant!!).
I then use a gel "razor bump" product with aspirin. Once things have settled down (about 3-5 min) I use moisturiser or aloe vera gel. Weekends I use aqueous cream with sunblock.
Last night I started to experiment with a light WTG shave in the trouble areas. Those areas were easier to deal with this morning, although my head has felt much oiler today, so will try it a few more times and see how it works out. Hang in there, vary things a bit - it will either feel better or worse than what you had been doing, keep adjusting accordingly. -
#13 by VictorMackey on 07 Apr, 2011 12:15
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Wow, thanks for all the helps, guys. I've taken it well on board and will try soothing my head with different things rather than just rushing through it.
I know I said I was going to rest my head, but I had another shave today. I did it all WTG though and I can honestly say it doesn't feel that nice. Looking at myself in the mirror, it looks like it's been completely shaved, but when I feel my head, it's patchy as hell, with smooth bits and stubbly bits. That back of my head (the problem area) honestly feels like it hasn't been shaved, which is what I said above - WTG utterly sucks for the back of my head and feels like it's removing nothing.
I really do hope I can one day shave ATG there with no problems. -
#14 by D.A.L.U.I. on 07 Apr, 2011 12:19
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I really do hope I can one day shave ATG there with no problems.
That will happen, but let the area calm down a little. I know a really smooth finish feels great, just bear with a little velcro while the skin clears up a little.