The post-shave burnnnn... eventually stop or a warning sign? *pics*

• The post-shave burnnnn... eventually stop or a warning sign? *pics* by Chief86 on 21 Dec, 2011 06:58
• Mornin boys
  
  Just done shave #... well 6 I guess, its been a week  
  
  I had a very sensitive often flakey scalp before going sly... Its been acting 'well' since I started shaving. I've been doing it every morning with the line of thinking that it will help toughen up the scalp and mitigate a lot of issues. I did give it a day and a half break over the weekend though. I've managed to come down from a solid 50-60 minutes the first time to about 25/30. I'm thinking I will hover around 20 mins per shave for a while which seems like a good comfy time. I'm not in a race to get below 10... I just want to keep looking this good and learning my head.
  
  
  Anyway... yesterday My scalp got pretty flakey post shave... I also noticed the burn that I get when I apply post-shave lotion was SUBSTANTIALLY more painful/fire-like. This was the first day I decided to use headshed in the shower as opposed to headwash. I am thinking there may just be an ingredient in headshed that my head was not a fan of... I'm gonna shelf that stuff for a while.. maybe bring it out when things are more normal.
  
  Anyway my question: Do YOU recall having the post shave burn when applying lotion? Or is this a sign I'm doing something wrong??
  
  
  P.s. Thanks to those of you who recommended the gilette atra plus blades replacement for the headblade. I deeeefinitely underestimated a new blade in general my first shave... Actually why don't I upload a pic.. it was a hilarious morning for me  
  
  
  
  
  I just finished my 3rd or 4th shave with the atras... and No cuts today!  
  
  
  
  
  
  As you can see... it still looks very pale/new/fresh? I'm hoping this goes away in time... but I'm not sure as it is pretty darn cold where I live in ontario canada and I'm note expecting an abundance of sun anytime soon. Open to any suggestions on this
  
  *edit, had to do images properly*
  
  hope you enjoyed the post haha
  
• #1 by D.A.L.U.I. on 21 Dec, 2011 07:17
• What are you using as a "post shave lotion"?  I suggest you get  some anti-acne astringent lotion and some cotton pads and after you finish shaving and rinsing completely wipe the melon down with that.  Also, pick up some anti-bacterial soap, a mild one like Cuticura and use it two to three times a day--warm, not hot, water.  Finally, there are lots of post shave balms out there, I like Nivea Extreme, after the astringent, use a dab of that.  And, the hats--are they clean, or old and grungy?  Remember there's nothing between the dirt and grime of the world and your scalp anymore--keep it clean!  Otherwise looks good--your shaving time will probably wind up in the 7-10 minute range within a month or two. 
  
• #2 by valldo on 21 Dec, 2011 07:43
• I don't know what after lotion you use but I would recommend it to be without alcohol, just read thru the label. After my first head shave I used the after shave lotion I was using for my face, which contained alcohol, and it burned like hell.
  Nowadays I use a splash of witch hazel and after some natural aloe vera lotion, I even squeeze the juice out of my own aloe vera plants and rub it in
  
  
• #3 by schro on 21 Dec, 2011 07:52
• I've never used headshed or headwash, so I can't comment on whether or not these products produce a burning. I had not used Headlube in a while and applied it recently.....I did feel a little burn, but it went away pretty quickly.
  
  As far as the flaky scalp goes, just stick with shaving your head. Your scalp will get used to it, and you will get used to not dealing with a flaky scalp (believe me, I dealt with the same condition). Saint is right, keep the dome clean.
  
  Also, Bald Guyz Moisture Gel is a great post shave, as is generic Aloe Vera Gel. You can get it at Walgreen's. I'm certain most major chains carry it.
  Good Luck and Welcome!
• #4 by Paul the Headblader on 21 Dec, 2011 07:57
• hey.
  do it simple: a shaving foam/gel ( I suggest some Gillette thingy, it worked very well for me), a straight razor and an aftershave (something calming).
  I'm sorry you're going through this, I'd like to help you but it never happened to me.
• #5 by Slynito on 21 Dec, 2011 08:16
• I splash on some, T. N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel (14% alcohol) and after it dries rub on 100% aloe vera...works for me. Best of luck to ya.
• #6 by Laser Man on 21 Dec, 2011 08:17
• A couple things: HeadShed is an exfoliant that contains finely ground shells to scrub your scalp.  HeadWash is a mild body wash.  If your skin is sensitive, don't use HeadShed every day because it is slightly abrasive.  HeadWash should be fine since it's pretty mild.  
  
  Before applying any lotion, make sure your scalp is well rinsed (warm to get off any remaining cream, cold to close the pores), pat it dry with a towel (don't rub it!), and apply a mild astringent like witch hazel as SaintC suggested.  Avoid anything with alcohol, not just because it burns, but it also drys your skin further.  I'd advise laying off of any after-shave lotions until your scalp calms down.  This is like a science experiment: don't change too many variables at once, otherwise you won't be able to figure out what's causing the problems.
  
  As for timing, when I started, it took me a solid 30 minutes.  Now, in the shower, I'm done in about 10 minutes or less.  You'll get the hang of it and shaving will become second nature!
• #7 by Chief86 on 21 Dec, 2011 09:07
• Thanks guys... man you're all so quick somedays.
  
  
  

  Quote from: npsbg on 21 Dec, 2011 08:17

  A couple things: HeadShed is an exfoliant that contains finely ground shells to scrub your scalp.  HeadWash is a mild body wash.  If your skin is sensitive, don't use HeadShed every day because it is slightly abrasive.  HeadWash should be fine since it's pretty mild.  
  
  Before applying any lotion, make sure your scalp is well rinsed (warm to get off any remaining cream, cold to close the pores), pat it dry with a towel (don't rub it!), and apply a mild astringent like witch hazel as SaintC suggested.  Avoid anything with alcohol, not just because it burns, but it also drys your skin further.  I'd advise laying off of any after-shave lotions until your scalp calms down.  This is like a science experiment: don't change too many variables at once, otherwise you won't be able to figure out what's causing the problems.
  
  As for timing, when I started, it took me a solid 30 minutes.  Now, in the shower, I'm done in about 10 minutes or less.  You'll get the hang of it and shaving will become second nature!
  

  
  I definitely see what you mean about the sci experiment... and I guess it does stand to reason that I should lay off using headlube for a while as the cetyl alcohol (which I now see it does contain) is probably drying out my already normally dry scalp!
  
  So.. I have a few store calls and accounts that happen in walmarts today... I will peruse the shaving section for some kind of post shave gel with aloe vera (or 100% aloe vera??? )
  I'll look for Bald Guyz Moisture Gel at walmart, fingers crossed.
  also.. I've seen witch hazel mentioned umpteen times by people..  should I pick up a product containing this as well to do in between post shave and applying lotion?
  
  I'm from canada so no walgreens but we do have walmart as I said.
  
  I think for the rest of the day I'll use a very gentle non comodegenic moisturizer on my head.. should keep it alright for the remainder of the day. On an ironically funny sidenote... Tomorrow I have drink plans with my ex I haven't seen in about 6 months. She knows I had plans to someday go sly but probably didn't expect it this soon. I hope I can work out any of the 'dryness kinks' today... want it to look as good as it can for a week later. Then again... and as usual in life (with any of the girls you SHOULD be interested anyway), she likes me for whats in my head not on it 
  
• #8 by kalbo on 21 Dec, 2011 16:43
• Hi Chief, based on personal experience, the scalp have its moments when it is sensitive and produces a strong burning sensation post shave. I get that sometimes. There are days when everything is perfect, smooth and no irritation. All the guys have given good advise. Choose which combination works best for you.
  God luck on your date.
• #9 by Slyfive on 23 Dec, 2011 02:41
• Every couple of days I have what I like to call a 'home alone moment'. Where it stings so bad I pull a face like Macaulay Culkin in the classic aftershave scene. It's usually when I've rushed a shave or re done an area too many times.
• #10 by KDusk on 23 Dec, 2011 13:48
• The secret is to hydrate BEFORE shaving. It may sound gross, but try rubbing a little bit of extra virgin olive oil onto your scalp (I use extra virgin coconut oil, but it's not available everywhere), let your scalp and skin absorb it for a couple of minutes, then apply the shaving cream and start shaving.
  
  Your irritation should be almost non-existent this way. If you still think it feels too dry/flaky, rub a little bit of oil onto your head after shaving too and wipe off the excessive oil with a tissue.
  
  DON'T use alcohol-based substances since they'll only dry out your skin and worsen the burn.