face turns red no matter what tools or techniques I use when shaving my head

• face turns red no matter what tools or techniques I use when shaving my head by baldandbrave91 on 21 May, 2025 20:04
• I appreciate any help or support. I have tried the noreclo 2000, the viking safety razor, the leaf blade, the andis foil blade as well as the phillips one blade. No matter what I end up getting redness on my forehead and cheeks whenever I shave my head bald. I usually do it every other day. I either go with the grain or against the grain. I've tried dry shaving, vanicream, prorasco shave soap, as well as nivea shaving cream. How do I know if my tools, technique or skin are the issue?
• #1 by O2BSly on 22 May, 2025 00:48
• Hi baldandbrave91 and welcome 😊
  
  Could just be the thrill and excitement of shaving your head.
  Only kidding
  
  On a more serious note, sounds like it could be related to dryness and or allergy
  
  I would try the following -
  
  Wet shaving only,
  Using a gentle and fragrance free aqueous cream instead of shaving cream,
  Rinsing off thoroughly at the end, with tepid (not hot) water and rubbing your head and face with an ice block after,
  If you are using aftershave, stop using it
  
• #2 by Semi-Sly on 22 May, 2025 10:56
• Quote from: baldandbrave91 on 21 May, 2025 20:04

  I appreciate any help or support. I have tried the noreclo 2000, the viking safety razor, the leaf blade, the andis foil blade as well as the phillips one blade. No matter what I end up getting redness on my forehead and cheeks whenever I shave my head bald. I usually do it every other day. I either go with the grain or against the grain. I've tried dry shaving, vanicream, prorasco shave soap, as well as nivea shaving cream. How do I know if my tools, technique or skin are the issue?
  

  I would suggest that you wetsuit gave only because foil razors can really pull on the skin and make it burn. I would use a multi blade razor like a Mach 3 or something like that I would use a gentle shaved cream that has aloe in it like a shave butter and I would not use a strong aftershave on your skin after you shave use something more gentle Like Seabreeze or get an Allen block that you rub on your head after you finish shaving use a nice lightweight moisture on your skin after you shave like Clinique men?s moisturizing lotion, but nothing oiling or or greasy
• #3 by baldandbrave91 on 22 May, 2025 13:23
• Quote from: O2BSly on 22 May, 2025 00:48

  Hi baldandbrave91 and welcome 😊
  
  Could just be the thrill and excitement of shaving your head.
  Only kidding
  
  On a more serious note, sounds like it could be related to dryness and or allergy
  
  I would try the following -
  
  Wet shaving only,
  Using a gentle and fragrance free aqueous cream instead of shaving cream,
  Rinsing off thoroughly at the end, with tepid (not hot) water and rubbing your head and face with an ice block after,
  If you are using aftershave, stop using it
  

  Appreciate the help! https://www.cvs.com/shop/vanicream-moisturizing-cream-4-oz-prodid-509538?skuId=509538&cgaa=QWxsb3dHb29nbGVUb0FjY2Vzc0NWU1BhZ2Vz&cid=ps_bea_ski_pla&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21158449916&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgORKKAfZQ3cbQNxDexjjmrkxlQVl3vXMRUNOuarfYlcAr4moR2C9_eEaAmQ9EALw_wcB Is this the kind of cream you're referring to? A dermatologist recommended this brand but it may have been the shaving cream version. I felt like the foil blade was giving less irritation however it takes forever to shave off the hair. I'm wondering if the weather also has to do with it as the burn or redness has been less severe in the cooler weather. I'm not sure if I should keep trying blades but I'm afraid to since I can't return them and I must have spent a few hundred already. the dermatologist was recommending a single blade over one with two or 3 heads. And I wonder if aftershave actually made it worse. So far I've also tried an alum block. I'm hoping I can figure this out because I'm worried I'm going to look this way for the rest of my life..
• #4 by O2BSly on 22 May, 2025 14:26
• Hi!
  Sorry about your difficulties, sounds like a predicament.
  
  Please note I'm NOT a medical expert, but these are my further thoughts on the topic -
  
  
  If you haven't started taking a break from shaving already, I think you should stop for about a week and see if makes a difference.
  
  When you start shaving again, try keep it down to twice a week.
  
  Yes, it possibly could be related to seasonal allergies. Do you have a history of allergies and or eczema?
  
  Basically when it comes to products I think you should be using as little as possible, and the product as far as possible should be simple, gentle, and natural.
  What I had in mind was something like E45 cream, do you have that in your area?
  
  When washing your head in the shower, I would also suggest you use baby shampoo rather than normal shampoo.
  
  Yes, I think the aftershave definitely could have made it worse.
  
  I don't like to go against what the Dr says, but I'm not sure that using a one blade razor will help, as you might end up doing more passes. I would say maximum 3 blades though. Are you shaving a full head of hair?
• #5 by baldandbrave91 on 23 May, 2025 11:07
• I've had eczema on my face before.
• #6 by reddog on 23 May, 2025 11:58
• When I first started shaving my head, I had alot of irritation, mainly on the sides of my head. Someone here suggested I try Bump Patrol. I got some ar Wal-Mart and it worked great. I used for a couple months until my scalp got used to shaving. I'm one of those daily shavers, here's my routine. I shave daily in the shower. I use plain old Dial bar soap and I use a Shick Extreme 3 disposable razor. After, I use witch hazel on my head( I keep it in the refrigerator). Make sure you don't use a dull razor!
• #7 by O2BSly on 23 May, 2025 13:39
• Seems like it's not a reaction to the actual shaving but to something else, seeing as the redness is on the forehead and cheeks and not on the head
• #8 by baldandbrave91 on 26 May, 2025 18:21
• Quote from: baldandbrave91 on 22 May, 2025 13:23

  Quote from: O2BSly on 22 May, 2025 00:48

  Hi baldandbrave91 and welcome 😊
  do you mean an alum block?
  Could just be the thrill and excitement of shaving your head.
  Only kidding
  
  On a more serious note, sounds like it could be related to dryness and or allergy
  
  I would try the following -
  
  Wet shaving only,
  Using a gentle and fragrance free aqueous cream instead of shaving cream,
  Rinsing off thoroughly at the end, with tepid (not hot) water and rubbing your head and face with an ice block after,
  If you are using aftershave, stop using it
  

  Appreciate the help! https://www.cvs.com/shop/vanicream-moisturizing-cream-4-oz-prodid-509538?skuId=509538&cgaa=QWxsb3dHb29nbGVUb0FjY2Vzc0NWU1BhZ2Vz&cid=ps_bea_ski_pla&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21158449916&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlrvBBhDnARIsAHEQgORKKAfZQ3cbQNxDexjjmrkxlQVl3vXMRUNOuarfYlcAr4moR2C9_eEaAmQ9EALw_wcB Is this the kind of cream you're referring to? A dermatologist recommended this brand but it may have been the shaving cream version. I felt like the foil blade was giving less irritation however it takes forever to shave off the hair. I'm wondering if the weather also has to do with it as the burn or redness has been less severe in the cooler weather. I'm not sure if I should keep trying blades but I'm afraid to since I can't return them and I must have spent a few hundred already. the dermatologist was recommending a single blade over one with two or 3 heads. And I wonder if aftershave actually made it worse. So far I've also tried an alum block. I'm hoping I can figure this out because I'm worried I'm going to look this way for the rest of my life..
  
• #9 by Smooth Jack 😁 on 27 May, 2025 18:29
• Quote from: baldandbrave91 on 21 May, 2025 20:04

  I appreciate any help or support. I have tried the noreclo 2000, the viking safety razor, the leaf blade, the andis foil blade as well as the phillips one blade. No matter what I end up getting redness on my forehead and cheeks whenever I shave my head bald. I usually do it every other day. I either go with the grain or against the grain. I've tried dry shaving, vanicream, prorasco shave soap, as well as nivea shaving cream. How do I know if my tools, technique or skin are the issue?
  

  
  Intriguing. It's just redness, no pain, soreness, itching or burning? How long does it last? As well as your cheeks and forehead is there any redness on the scalp?
  
  
• #10 by Razorhead on 28 May, 2025 10:53
• @baldandbrave91 You might want to try Aveeno Therapeutic Shave gel. https://www.aveeno.com/products/therapeutic-shave-gel-with-oat-for-dry-skin
  
  This is the shaving gel that I use and I don't experience nicks or razor burn anymore. I've been using it for years. Aveeno makes great products for sensitive skin.
  
  Also, use a good razor. I was a huge fan of Mach3 but then I switched to a Fusion 5-blade and it's much easier on the skin.
  
  My technique for shaving and reducing nicks and razor burn:
  
  1. Wash the head in the shower. I just use bar soap. Dove Sensitive.
  2. I used to apply King of Shave Oil -- about 7 or 8 drops and work it onto my head. This part I actually skip now because the Aveeno is good enough. But I have used it with Aveeno. But it definitely helps to prevent razor burn and rash. Especially if you are using less than 5 blades.
  3. Apply Aveeno shave gel.
  4. Shave against the grain. I only do 2 or 3 strokes over the same spot and that's it. As head shavers, we want it perfectly smooth, but we can sometimes feel that pesky hair stubble that won't go way no matter how many swipes we take. Just leave it! the more and more you go over the same spot, the chances of irritation and redness increases. No one is going to notice a missed stubble but they will notice your rash. So leave it. 99% is good enough!
  5. Once done shaving, wash your head again with soap. Gently towel dry or air dry.
  6. Apply witch hazel - an astringent - to your shaved head.
  7. If you want more of a shine, then apply aloe vera. Or for a matte look, use any moisturizer. Aveeno makes some nice ones include those with 15 SPF.
  
  I've found simpler is better along with good hygiene and care as you are making your way through the shave. Basic sensitive labeled soap like Dove, Aveeno Therapeutic, a fusion razor, astringent, aloe vera. All things you can buy in the supermarket. The razors you may want to shop around for - CVS has a pack you can buy or Costco.
  
  For foil shaves, I use a foil shaver when I let my hair grow out and give myself a skin fade. Hygiene is still important. I always shower after I cut my hair. And I also take a cotton ball and dampen it with an astringent to clean the foil. And I use a disinfectant spray that barbers use on their clippers. It's important to keep your tools clean after use to prevent bacteria.
  
  Good luck.