New to shaving. How often should I change my razor?

[mickeystamina]

Hello I am new to this forum. I have found it very helpful and inspiring to read stories and advice from members. A little about me I am 30 years old and have been "buzzing" my hair for years but I had never gone completely sly. The front part of my head was getting very thin so I decided it was time to go full sly. I love the feeling of freshness and smoothness I get. I have been shaving every other day for the past 6 days. On my last shave I started to feel a little irritation on the back of my head. I shave wtg and atg I get a little irritation on the areas i shave atg but I'm assuming that's normal for newbies.  I use the headblade atx with the 4 blades, aveeno shaving gel and Nivea after shave balm. It makes my skin feel very smooth. My main question is how often should I change the blade on the atx? I assume that's what's causing irritation. Is the irritation gonna be less with time? Any tips and feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome, Mickey! On average, the blade should be changed when the color strip changes from blue to a light yellow/white. However, if you want your blades to last a little longer, I would suggest cleaning the hair out first, and then sitting your blade in baby oil until the next use. I've gotten about five more shaves out of an ATX blade by doing this than by not leaving it out. As far as irritation, try rubbing your head with an ice cube after you shave. Some of the other members may chime in with more suggestions; good luck, welcome to Sly and enjoy the forum!

[Lynchy]

Welcome mate,

Everyone's different.

Personally I change the blades weekly, so typically 6-7 shaves.

[geeman]

as above...though I have just purchased one of those blade cleaning blocks from amazon, around £10....cleans all the build up off, been using the same cartridge for 2 weeks and still shaves like a new blade

[darre]

I mostly shave with the grain because I have very sensitive skin - so it lasts alot longer that way. I use a gilette sensor excel (I think it's called) on my Headblade Sport and it lasts for 3 weeks or so. I shave every other day mostly. I guess the durability is cut in half when shaving against the grain.

[baldjoeg]

Mickey,

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys.

I would suggest using some Witch Hazel after you shave and then some Aloe Vera gel. That should help.

Before I shave I rub on some  baby oil and shavers secret. I hope that this helps you out. You can find both at Walmart.

I hope that this helps.

Take care.

[Tyler]

I've found that it's best for me to change my blades once a week.  I choose to do it on Mondays to start off the week with a fresh blade.

[benlen]

I find that I can sometimes (with my Schick Hydro 5) get a blade to last up to two weeks (and the blades I use on my face up to a month).

As for irratation, it's a combo between a blade that is getting dull & newness to shaving.

I suggest sticking with going against the grain. You'll get better results, a smoother dome all day, and shaving against the grain will hone your technique. 

[mickeystamina]

Thank you guys for the great information, it's very helpful. I found the baby oil works awesome for me, using it before a shave and dipping the blade while not using it. Just ordered some scrub and shaving gel  from headblade see how it works out on me. Thanks for the advice guys. This forum is awesome!

[Mikekoz13]

Welcome Mickey!

You might also try using some higher quality shave cream. I recommend shave soaps with a nice brush. You won't believe the difference. Anything out of a can is generally not very good.

[Haz_pro]

I use a DE razor and change the blade every shave. The blades are so cheap that I don't mind.

[kalbo]

Welcome aboard Mickey. You wear bald really well. Glad to know you found what works best as your shave routine. Keep shaving and stay happy.

[geeman]

I also use a de...but have a fusion pro glide as a back up....I use it weekdays on the head if im in a rush...I've been using the cleaning block I bought off amazon, its been 3 weeks on the same cartridge and still as sharp as when I first used it...but as haz_pro does, I use a new de blade every time

[Thebaldnation]

Hey MIckey welcome to SBG, your gonna love this forum, this is an awesome group of guys, I use the Schick hydro 5, I use to live and breathe the Mach 3 but started to use the hydro 5, I gate more shaves with it, I also use the headblade cream, I love it, a little goes along way, I get about two weeks out of one blade shaving every other day. Sometimes every day, I still get a little irritation but the more you shave the less irritated it will get, welcome to SBG!!

[ChadF]

Hello my friend. Just thought I'd add a little bit of insight on this topic. I personally use a Gilette Fusion Pro Glide. I can, no joke, get about 1 1/2 months out of my blades by making sure after shaving that I blow the water out of my blades. I make sure it is completely dried with a towel, and then I wrap the blade in toilet paper, or tissue. It saves the gel strip for about 2 weeks, but the blades for much longer. Rust is what dulls your blade. No water = no rust = sharp blades. As for the irritation on the back of your neck, try shaving with the grain in that area as opposed to against. I had the same issue when I first started shaving long ago, and since I stopped going atg, no irritation at all. Also, it helps if you rinse your head with colder water too. It closes your pores. As for my pre-shave, I clean my head with St. Ives Apricot Scrub, and rinse it off with hot water. I use Aveeno shave gel as well, with a brush to apply. After my shave, I make sure to clean my head good with the scrub again and then rinse with cool water, pat dry, don't rub, and be on your way. Occasionally, if it's hot out I also wipe my head with a Witch Hazel after cleaning to help with the oiliness if that is an issue. I really recommend giving this a try. Hope this helps!