did I get it all?

[thinkingaboutit]

I am on day two of the 30 day challenge. The first shave yesterday left me feeling smooth and slick. Today, though, I feel like I didn't get as much off. As I run the hands across the scalp (particularly the top-sides and especially the neckline) I feel some very fine sandpapery hairs. I tried going for them when I shaved but they're still there. Against all good judgement and the advice of others here, I even went against the grain. Still some sandpapery spots. Any thoughts? Is it something that improves with experience?

I am using shaving gel and the first two shaves were with a Schick Hydro 5. Tomorrow I am going back to try the Mach 3 - even though the cartridges are damn expensive. I know I have had better experiences with the Mach 3 on my face so I imagine the head will be the same.

I'm using Jergens Natural Glow post-shave and I have to say it feels great all things considered. Thanks everyone.

[Quetzalcoatl]

Where are the sandpapery spots?  If they are in contours of your head that are slightly concave, it will be harder to get completely smooth without irritation.  To either site of my spine where it goes into my skull and below my jaw muscles by my ears are concave and I honestly don't bother with them.  Don't want to roll the dice with razorburn at stake.

[mrzed]

Yes, it improves with experience. And even then some shaves are better than others.

[Laser Man]

The spot where the sides and top meet take a little practice to get very smooth because it's the most curved part of your skull and the blades are only making contact with a thin strip of skin.  Don't rush things because it's easy to get nicks, ingrown hairs and razor burn here.  When you are comfortable with the razor, try shaving up the sides and onto the top.  That way, the blades are following the curve of the scalp and will catch the fine stubble.

[clarinetguy]

This is to be expected. It takes time I that area and some days the shave will feel smoother than others. Take it slow.

[Andrei]

I think a lot of difference comes from the blades.
A new blade is supposed to cut sharp and I expect a great shave. When I'm not getting a good enough shave then it means it's time for a new blade.
If you've changed the routine that can also affect the shaving quality.

[Mr Jules]

Yes, it improves with experience. And even then some shaved are better than others.

Agree with that. I have days when the shave is better than others.

[thinkingaboutit]

I think a lot of difference comes from the blades.
A new blade is supposed to cut sharp and I expect a great shave. When I'm not getting a good enough shave then it means it's time for a new blade.

So to that point today I used the Mach3 and did a much better job. Only concern is how many times I went over the same spot against the grain - the hair is gone but I hope not at a cost to my skin. So far so good.

[greatnessinc]

Just accept that there will be blood at some point, even veteran shavers will encounter the occasional nick.  Just take care and pay attention to what you did differently if you do experience a nick and or cut.

[bbcguytom]

Sometimes I don't get all of it underneath the ears (I try to very cautiously) -anyone else have that problem?

[Frontier Guy]

Just above my ears are the two regular spots which are particularly difficult. At this point I don't worry about them - visually it's not detectable. Everywhere else is satisfactorily smooth. Like everything else, you have to choose your battles and weigh how much time/energy you want to invest.