Shaving against the grain - beginner

• Shaving against the grain - beginner by lukas1135 on 05 Sep, 2017 09:28
• Hello , im new to shaving head started on 25th august. I was shaving daily with the grain but i didnt like the sand-paper feel when i rubbed my hand over the head. Yesterday i shaved my head against the grain, went pretty good no cuts or razor bumps , loved the smooth head feeling so today i decided to shave against the grain again but it didnt go as well as yesterday. I got one little cut and few little razor bumps. Is it too early for shaving my head daily or is my skin just too sensitive for daily shave . Does it get better ? Will my skin get use to it ? Should i let my head heal or can i keep shaving my head everyday? Using gillette fusion proglide razor and proraso white shaving cream and having a shower before shaving my head.
  
  Ps: It was the second shave with that razor cartridge
  

  ---

  
• #1 by chuck63 on 05 Sep, 2017 13:04
• I'm a beginner myself.  I have some receding and thinning hair, but I like the feeling of being bald.   I shaved mine again on Sept 2nd and this is my third try at it.  The last time, I kept it up for a couple of weeks before I let it grow back.  I've always shaved against the grain because it gives me a closer, smoother shave.  I've had a minor nick or two and a few bumps.  I use cortisone cream to clear them up. 
• #2 by slybeard on 06 Sep, 2017 08:07
• For some guys, it takes more for the skin to adjust to an "against the grain" shave.    Give your scalp a few days to recover by saving with the grain, and then try again.  If you skin is too sensitive, an ATG shave may not work out for you.
• #3 by Ramathorn on 12 Sep, 2017 10:30
•  I have been sly for 13 months now, and have found that the older the cartridge, the greater chance of skin irritation. I only try for 5 or 6 shaves before replacing the cart. The duller it gets, the more passes and more pressure required to get a baby butt smooth shave.
   I am also sure if you take your time, you can avoid cuts, nicks, and weepers.
   I also use an alum block and or witch hazel immediately after shaving. They have helped me reduce the chance of razor bumps and irritation. Give it some time and your technique will improve. Keep on being sly. 
  
  
  
  As a side note, I have found the fusion cartridges very expensive and have switched to safety razors for most days. I still use my Fusion on days when I don't have the time for a DE shave.
• #4 by reddog on 12 Sep, 2017 11:47
• It took about a month of shaving before my head got conditioned for atg shaving. I used Bump Patrol for awhile for the irritation.
  
  I like the DE safety razor too. It takes more time because you have to be careful and concentrate, but I can make multiple passes atg now without irritation. It's just satisfying to lather up your head with a brush and shaving soap and shave it with my 1954 Gillette safety razor.
  
  BTW, Ramathorn, you have an outstanding looking bald head!
• #5 by lukas1135 on 14 Sep, 2017 04:25
• If you shave everyday, do you skip shaving wtg?
• #6 by reddog on 14 Sep, 2017 11:49
• Yes, I just go atg.
• #7 by amatlock2778 on 15 Sep, 2017 10:23
• I tend to do a pass both with and against the grain, also, since im bbc with hairs that grow all directions on top, ill also sometimes, when i want extra smooth shave, do a pass each way from side to side. Been at it for almost 2 years now, and still get the occasional nick or irritation, but theyre fewer and further between than they used to be.