Sensitive Skin: Please School Me

[Redman]

I started shaving maybe 6 months ago after buzzing my head for several years and I love it but I can't seem to shave as often as I like.  When I shave, most of the time my head will freaking break out with razor bumps and I don't want to run a razor again until they're gone.  I use nivea sensitive skin after shave lotion or skin bracer because I'll get burn if I don't but I feel like maybe the product adds to the bumps.  My face does the same but I think I've beat it with the combo of Schick Quattro and Schick Hydro sensitive skin gel.  My partner at work can shave his head daily DRY and have no trouble!  Anyway I digressed, how about some ideas on products and techniques to help combat this and allow me to maintain my sly.  Tips on razors, cream/gels, after shaves, techniques, etc will be happily welcomed.

I assume more blades means closer shave but does it cause more irritation?  I'd really like to get a Headblade compatible setup but don't have to.  Ultimately I wanna go straight razor or DE but that's for later. 

I've seen things about cold rinses, ice cubing, and astringents like peroxide or witch hazel.  What's that about?

Products after shaving, yes or no?  I do love menthol.

As you can see, prowling SBG has me with a lot of questions.  I never knew shaving could be so technical.  Thanks in advance for the help.

[Razor X]

You might want to consider switching to an electric razor like the Philips Headgroom.  I've found that it's a lot kinder to the skin.

[Redman]

You might want to consider switching to an electric razor like the Philips Headgroom.  I've found that it's a lot kinder to the skin.

I'll definitley check it out.  I've used them on my face in the past and they made it feel like hamburger though.  Maybe it's different on the head?

[Razor X]

You might want to consider switching to an electric razor like the Philips Headgroom.  I've found that it's a lot kinder to the skin.

I'll definitley check it out.  I've used them on my face in the past and they made it feel like hamburger though.  Maybe it's different on the head?

Depends on what you're using.  I've been using the Philips Headgroom and have found that it gives a really comfortable shave.

[Laser Man]

You can also try one of the Panasonic wet/dry shavers.  They have a fine foil and very fast blades so the pulling / tugging that you can get from some electrics is non-existent.  I use one after lathering up with HeadSlick cream.  The combo results in a pretty good shave with almost no irritation.  If your scalp can take it, lather up again and try a razor to get even smoother.  I started with a HeadBlade, but recently switched to a Gillette Fusion with five blades.  The result is amazingly smooth with no razor burn or bumps, especially on the sides / temples.  I think the key is to keep your head wet and lathered as you shave to prevent the irritation.

After shaving, rinse with cold water to close up the pores, then use an astringent to tame any irritation and prevent infections if you have minor nicks.

It does seem funny that shaving the head can be so technical, but realize that companies like Gillette and Shick spend millions on research on shaving the beard and zero on shaving the head, so consider yourself a researcher in the quest for the ultimate smooth shave! 

[Redman]

I lurked and searched for the past few days looking at the irritation and bump fighting techniques.  shaved last night and it was by far the best one out of the past 6 months.  I finally have almost zero irritation.  So I'm just going to expand from there and find the best routine I can.

[buddha]

Ultimately I wanna go straight razor or DE but that's for later. 

Wow! Talk about courting irritation!

Have you tried any exfoliators? I use the Walmart house brand which is similar to the St. Ives Apricot Scrub in every way except the price. I don't know why but if I give the dome a good scrub with it after shaving it seems to calm down the skin, for me anyway.

[ali kanoun]

is it better than razors ?  i'm use'n gillette blue 2 and 3 ....... mach and fusion was a bad idea with my sensitive skin .......it makes my skin just like a lizard

[paragon]

I'm currently on the way to switching from Fusion to DE razor only for the face. I've already shaved 3 times with an inexpensive Wilkinson DE razor but after i get the hang of it i'll buy something more manly
Although i'm afraid to try it on my head as i'm 100% sure that i'll cut myself. Shaving with a DE is art. That of course means that as a starter i still have some problems with it on the chin area. But sharp DE blade means less irritation and no bumps.

I've found a guy from Denmark who actually shaves his HEAD with a real heavy DE razor