Razor burn/stinging

[outsider82]

Hi guys,

Haven't been round for a while (about a year or so)... Anyway, Im going to be back on the sly band wagon soon but i wanted to ask the group what i should do to remedy the razor burn situation.

Back when i was shaving my head consistently, I would on the odd occasion shave every day. This would cause my head to sting for most of the day and considerably after shaving. My routing would be shower in the morning getting my scalp all warm and moist. I would shave at the sink using a mach3 against the grain, trying not to go over areas too many times. It would feel great, lovely and smooth like a freshly polished billiard ball. That was until I had to rinse my head and it would proceed to sting like mad. I would then apply some head slick matte or sorboline cream to moisturise.

If i shaved every other or every 2 days I still experience stinging but only after the shave when I would apply the moisturiser.

I really want to get back into shaving my head again but my previous experiences with a stinging/red scalp took the shine off it (pardon the pun).

Does anyone have any suggestions? I was considering trying another blade because i've always uses mach3 in the past.

Pete


P.S. Keep in mind that I'm in Australia so not all products from the US are here in our stores.

EDIT:

As a result of the above descriptions my routine was never very consistent, could it be that i never gave my head a chance to get used to it?

[Sir Harry]

My suggestion would be to take a cloth/cottonball and dab either some alcohol/aftershave before rinsing(I wouldn't necessarily rub it over until you get used to it)...The few times I did let a barber shave my head that's what he did...It burnt slightly but it became more of a tingle...I don't know how often you shave, but sometimes if someone waits too long between headshaves the hair becomes a little tougher and the pores may become more sensitive with longer hairs pulled out...Another thing...I would wash with a Sea Breeze/Noxzema (if available over there) Traditional shampoos sting and they actually can dry your hair out....good luck

[kalbo]

Based on my experience, I get the stinging sensation if I shave over one area too much or if I applied too much pressure on the razor. Try to go easy on your scalp when you shave your head.

[Laser Man]

A couple suggestions: keep your head well lathered and don't shave the same spot without reapplying lather, less pressure on the razor, warm rinse to get all shaving cream and hair off, then a cold rinse to close the pores (I take a cup or two of cold tap water and douse my head.)  After that, a mild astringent like witch hazel (or if you can find it, ClearHead.)  I'd lay off alcohol or anything with a high alcohol content because it will dry your skin. 

After shaving for a while, your scalp toughens up and you'll only have minor irritation in spots - usually more sensitive areas like the temples.

[DCdome]

Try adding a drop or two of a shaving oil (such as Shave Secret) to your shaving cream before applying it to the dome.  Shave Secret is available at Walmart.

[outsider82]

Thanks guys Certainly some food for thought. Unfortunately as I don't live in the US some of the products spoken about on SBGs aren't available in Australia. I've decided i'm going to try the same razor but a lighter stroke, I have known myself to be a bit over enthusiastic when it comes to shaving my dome in the past. Failing that i'll try a different blade then soap/oil.

On a side note, I was at my local supermarket and was looking at Gillette Fusion blades and I was blown away at the price difference between Mach3 and the Fusion refills. A packets of 4 Mach3 cartridges is AU$12.95 where as a packet of 4 Fusion cartridges is AU$29.95... Perhaps i should look at the Schick blades instead.....

Pete

[warhawk]

hey pete:  i would definitely try the schick hydro5 razor.  it is a quality razor.  also... after your head shave... i would do a 20-30 second cold water rinse and a ice cube rub.

WARHAWK

[buddha]

One of the guys here reviewed sme stuff called Osage Head Rub. It's an aftershave and I think it's made bu Clubman Pinaud. A

[Slynito]

Indeed the Fusion blades are pricy here in the US too...perhaps begin shaving with the grain and clean up with witch hazel as it has less alcohol. Good luck!

[outsider82]

Indeed the Fusion blades are pricy here in the US too...perhaps begin shaving with the grain and clean up with witch hazel as it has less alcohol. Good luck!

Very good point about the direction of shaving. I've been browsing the "Shaving routine" thread for ideas and have found several people use the with the grain then against the grain method. Might be worth a try.

Im not sure i can get witch hazel here, i've not seen it in the shops.