First Time....some questions

[Joe442]

Hello all,  as you may have read from my previos posts, I've had a barber maintaining my sly with an electric razor for about a month and a half now.  I've been digging that because it's smooth and there is no irritation but as you can imagine, it gets expensive after awhile!  I've been reading up all along here on everyones different shave routines and finally decided to buy a bottle of headslick and a Mach 3 and give it a try on my own!  I started with a hot towel, applied the headslick and did the deed front to back...and repeated the process a second time finishing up by applying some Jeri's hair tonic that I purchased from my barber as it's like an aftershave/moisturizer.  It went well and is a smooth shave howver I have a couple questions.  Will going over it against the grain cause irritation? And if so what can I do in my routine to prevent that from occurring?  While the dome is smooth, rubbing my hand against the grain left me feeling the velcro effect on the back and sides.  I'm trying to avoid the razor rash/red bumps!  Secondly, what is a good interval to change the Mach 3 blade?  How many shaves are you guys typically getting out of this razor?  I just did this on my own for the first time yesterday and so far so good with no irritation or anything....just trying to hone my routine and get some feedback!  Thanks!

[champ007]

Hey Joe,
I am somewhat confused about the hot towel/shower shave remark. I shave in the shower with hot water. Give the scalp time to open up the pores... steam helps to keep them open. I would definately get some St Ives Apricot scrub- CVS makes a generic brand that is just as good- and rub that in first and rinse. This will help to soften the hairs for the against the grain shave.
When you shave against the grain, make sure the headslick stays consistant. This will help to keep the "burn" down. Just give yourself ample time until you get it down.
As far as the hair tonic- make sure it doesn't have alchohol in it because it could burn or dry your scalp. I use Bald Guyz moisture gel and others use plain aloe, just make sure you know whats in it.
I use a mach 3 but only for my face and around my ears. I shave my face every other day and around my ears everyday. I keep the blade rinsed and shake the water off and air dry when I am done- basically just point the blade up after I get out the shower. I keep a blade for about 2 weeks or less. I can tell when I need to change it by the shave I get.
Hope this helps.

[nomad]

Joe, if you have a sensitive dome you might want to go with the grain a few times before going against it to let it get used to the blade.

I change my blade whenever i feel it pulling more than cutting. It differs on how much you shave.

[buuckkweet]

After you shave your noggin, try rubbing a little aloe vera gel, or some witch hazel.  That keeps my melon free of bumps and razor burn.

[Southworth14]

Joe--Going against the grain one time should not cause you bumps and irritation as lon as you make sure that your head is clean and your have given your pores time to open.  I only shave against the grain and have had no problems with bumps or irritation.  I change the Mach 3 blade after 5-7 shaves.  Hope that this helps.

[Shaf]

Joe though your routine is frustrating u a little it's a very sensible, patient one that at least isn't causing bumps etc just yet. As the guys have said give it a go. Providing your getting good lubrication which u will with Headslick, your M3 will glide well against the grain. Think u already know this but a good prep like the hot towel or more commonly soaking your head with alot of hot water should negate the vast majority of any irritation As Buuckkweet  said follow up with something like aloe or witch hazel, I'm sure it'll be fine.

[tomgallagher]

Welcome to the group Joe.

[IRONHORSE]

First, welcome!  And in answer to your question, I'd say stick to going with the grain for awhile, to get your head used to a blade shave again. After your scalp has toughened up a bit, then you might try going against the grain for that ultra smooth shave. In my experience, it takes a bit of time for you to be able to go over and over and get that "baby's butt smooth" that I shoot for. But ... It sounds like you're on the right track! keep us posted!