Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Morthen on May 25, 2010, 06:00:16 PM

Title: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 25, 2010, 06:00:16 PM
I'm a total newbie at shaving my head still because I KEEP GETTING RAZOR BURN.. and im tired of it, My shaving routine typically is after I get out of the shower I wet my head with warm water. Apply edge shaving gel, go once all over my head WTG, rinse, Reapply edge, then go ATG

I noticed though I don't get the desired smoothness on just one pass ATG i have to do it a few times, I think this is causing the razor burn.

How do you guys get a super smooth shave without hacking your head up
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 25, 2010, 06:10:13 PM
Do you finish up with an astringent, then a non-oily after shave balm?  If not, you might want to do so to eliminate anything like bacteria or the like that might be causing the irritation.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 25, 2010, 06:15:21 PM
Do you finish up with an astringent, then a non-oily after shave balm?  If not, you might want to do so to eliminate anything like bacteria or the like that might be causing the irritation.
I don't, I just put some moisturizer on after that kinda soothes the irritation.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 25, 2010, 06:31:39 PM
Then I'd suggest an astringent after shaving, hydrogen peroxide is cheap and effective as is witch hazel.  Then a oil free after shave balm, I am partial to Nivea Extreme--very light aroma, but no oil to clog pores, finish w/ sunscreen. 
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Razor X on May 25, 2010, 07:00:32 PM
It takes a while for your skin to toughen up and get used to the blade.  Try to avoid shaving over the same area repeatedly (I know it's difficult   :)  ) while you're skin is still adjusting.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 25, 2010, 07:57:43 PM
It takes a while for your skin to toughen up and get used to the blade.  Try to avoid shaving over the same area repeatedly (I know it's difficult   :)  ) while you're skin is still adjusting.

its so hard not to lol. I hate the sandpapery feeling of stubble
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: BillOnBass on May 25, 2010, 08:09:00 PM
This is good advice.  It takes your skin time to adjust, just as it did when you first started shaving your face. 

Also, try running the blade at a more flat angle against your head when going ATG.  Make sure the rubber/lubricated strip is making good contact.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: SBG Math Guy on May 25, 2010, 08:37:21 PM
very simple,  get a proper shaving cream or shave gel.  I admire both Headslick and Bald Guyz shave gel.
Try one of those and see the difference.  When I started shaving my head about 22 months ago I used a cheap shaving cream and I paid the price.  That's what's happening to you right now. 
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Gambrinus on May 25, 2010, 08:45:40 PM
Cold water rinse is the only thing that I can add.  It helps to start closing pores.  I do exactly like you do.  Except I cold water rinse in the kitchen sink after I'm done.  And I use an aftershave balm without alcohol.  If you are on the cheap, Gillette makes an aftershave lotion that works for about 2-3 bucks.  For a little extra, I like Prairie Creations or Art of Shaving Aftershave balm.  
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: omegapd on May 26, 2010, 12:36:35 AM
 If you are on the cheap, Gillette makes an aftershave lotion that works for about 2-3 bucks.   

 I picked up the gel version of this today (the gel is in a blue tube and the lotion is in a white one). $2.12 at Wal Mart and it works just as well as anything else I've tried.  O0
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 26, 2010, 06:50:27 AM
Then I'd suggest an astringent after shaving, hydrogen peroxide is cheap and effective as is witch hazel.  Then a oil free after shave balm, I am partial to Nivea Extreme--very light aroma, but no oil to clog pores, finish w/ sunscreen. 
How would you apply the Hydrogen peroxide, just with your hands? or what? I have some of that.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Gambrinus on May 26, 2010, 07:13:37 AM
 If you are on the cheap, Gillette makes an aftershave lotion that works for about 2-3 bucks.   

 I picked up the gel version of this today (the gel is in a blue tube and the lotion is in a white one). $2.12 at Wal Mart and it works just as well as anything else I've tried.  O0

I like the gel too, but it has alcohol in it.  Plus they smell good. 
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: ynmaker on May 26, 2010, 07:16:15 AM
I have not had much of a problem with burn.  I shave once a day w/ headslick and HB and follow with cold water, witch hazel, and neutrogena razor defense. 
I met a guy over the weekend who has been shaving for 18 years.  He said he has the best luck with Fusion razor and Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe lotion as a shaving cream.  He claims the lotion makes the razor glide easier and the Fusion is very forgiving.   I asked about clogging the razor, and he said hot water rinse and tapping on the sink keeps it clear. 
I have not tried it yet.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: omegapd on May 26, 2010, 11:13:58 AM
Then I'd suggest an astringent after shaving, hydrogen peroxide is cheap and effective as is witch hazel.  Then a oil free after shave balm, I am partial to Nivea Extreme--very light aroma, but no oil to clog pores, finish w/ sunscreen. 
How would you apply the Hydrogen peroxide, just with your hands? or what? I have some of that.

 I'd do some reading on the effects of peroxide before using it- it's probably safe for the occasional head splash but not sure over the long haul. Plus, it'll appear to whiten or bleach your skin after a few uses. You can get Witch Hazel at any Dollar Store for less than $2. It'll be near the rubbing alcohol (and probably peroxide).
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 26, 2010, 12:53:05 PM
Cold water rinse is the only thing that I can add.  It helps to start closing pores.  I do exactly like you do.  Except I cold water rinse in the kitchen sink after I'm done.  And I use an aftershave balm without alcohol.  If you are on the cheap, Gillette makes an aftershave lotion that works for about 2-3 bucks.  For a little extra, I like Prairie Creations or Art of Shaving Aftershave balm.  
I do a coldwater rinse after every headshave too, I don't think its a bacteria thing as much as it is a sensitive skin/ too many passes on the same spots and stuff..
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 26, 2010, 02:09:05 PM
the top of my head shaves easy because its thin. but the sides and back (particularly the sides) give me a hard time and I feel like I gotta keep going over those parts over and over before its smooth, and i think this is causing my razor burn.

how do you guys get a smooth shave in those coarse spots where the hair is thicker without getting razor burn?
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 26, 2010, 02:49:20 PM
Then I'd suggest an astringent after shaving, hydrogen peroxide is cheap and effective as is witch hazel.  Then a oil free after shave balm, I am partial to Nivea Extreme--very light aroma, but no oil to clog pores, finish w/ sunscreen. 
How would you apply the Hydrogen peroxide, just with your hands? or what? I have some of that.
cotton pad, available at a pharmacy.  A pack of 100 is a buck or two.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Gambrinus on May 26, 2010, 08:40:20 PM
the top of my head shaves easy because its thin. but the sides and back (particularly the sides) give me a hard time and I feel like I gotta keep going over those parts over and over before its smooth, and i think this is causing my razor burn.

how do you guys get a smooth shave in those coarse spots where the hair is thicker without getting razor burn?

Sometimes you have to just let it be.  Sometimes mine comes smooth, other times not.  I use some of my wife's hair conditioner on occasion.  I put it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse.  I have used olive oil under my shave cream.  It's messy, but it works.  I'm assuming you a sink shaver.  You might want to try shaving in the shower.  I just think that lubrication and getting your hair soft  is your problem.  There are a bunch of tricks to try.  That's the fun part.  Look on Youtube for Mantic's shave videos.  Most of them are for safety razors, but a bunch of it is about technique and prep.  He has a truckload of knowledge.  Stick with it.  You'll get it.  O0
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 27, 2010, 06:33:36 PM
I think it is just my skin adjusting mostly. I shaved today and the only thing I did differently was make sure I had the blade with the lubricating strip flat on my head as possible. and I put a little more pressure when shaving the sdes. From what I can tell its the smoothest shave ive had with no irritation!
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: tomahawk275 on May 28, 2010, 06:41:11 AM
I'd say let the weight of the razor do its own thing. Do not apply too much pressure.
Use a badger shaving brush also before shaving. Shaving brushes helps lift the hair from the skin and that is what most men do not know. ;)
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 28, 2010, 07:10:47 AM
I'd say let the weight of the razor do its own thing. Do not apply too much pressure.
Use a badger shaving brush also before shaving. Shaving brushes helps lift the hair from the skin and that is what most men do not know. ;)
the pressure helped take it off in one pass, doing multiple passes was causing the irritation, the pressure taking it off in one swipe stopped the irritation. also was the smoothest shave ive gotten so far
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Gambrinus on May 28, 2010, 07:17:34 AM
I'd say let the weight of the razor do its own thing. Do not apply too much pressure.
Use a badger shaving brush also before shaving. Shaving brushes helps lift the hair from the skin and that is what most men do not know. ;)
the pressure helped take it off in one pass, doing multiple passes was causing the irritation, the pressure taking it off in one swipe stopped the irritation. also was the smoothest shave ive gotten so far

You were definitely not getting enough hydration and lubrication of the skin.
Title: Re: Razor burn :(
Post by: Morthen on May 29, 2010, 05:20:47 AM
I'd say let the weight of the razor do its own thing. Do not apply too much pressure.
Use a badger shaving brush also before shaving. Shaving brushes helps lift the hair from the skin and that is what most men do not know. ;)
the pressure helped take it off in one pass, doing multiple passes was causing the irritation, the pressure taking it off in one swipe stopped the irritation. also was the smoothest shave ive gotten so far

You were definitely not getting enough hydration and lubrication of the skin.
I don't know what else to do about it, I'm currently broke at the moment so I can't really go out and buy anything. and I can't shave in the shower, I just can't lol, if I don't see what I'm doing it will be a bloodbath.