What do you use to shave?

[PinkFloyd]

Real head-fiers burn their hair off with Q-tips soaked in isopropyl..... razor blades and electric razors are for wimps..... "flame shave" , the closest shave a man can get

The Mach 8 Head-Fi shaver in action

 

[minya]

Does anyone have tips for shaving with sensitive skin?

Like, really sensitive.

I'm talking so sensitive that the tags on the backs of T-shirts can give me friggin' welts sometimes. My face is analogous to a baby's ass.

I usually use a Mach 3 (on occasion, a Panasonic electric, but I'm not too fond of it), and it works well, but I usually have to endure severe pain to shave everything off, especially the area around my chin. It feels less like a "razor" and more like a "rip-hairs-out-of-my-face torture device." I also seem to cut myself at LEAST once per session.

I don't think my shaving technique is THAT bad, either. I think my skin is just... well, baby's-ass-like. Any suggestions?

Appreciated,

- Chris

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by minya Does anyone have tips for shaving with sensitive skin?

Yes, avoid flame shaving

Seriously...... grow an aloe vera plant and rub the juice from the plant on your skin 20 minutes before shaving, it works wonders.

 

[joelk]

So, you can either listen to the guys here about shaving, or go over to Wetshavers and listen to the guys who make an art of shaving.

Some thoughts: I have a drawer full of electrics that I don't use. I'm too lazy to Ebay them off. Electrics burn and pull hairs.

A fast shave is a bad shave. When you rush, you tend to put pressure on the razor causing irritation, or you tend to shave against the grain causing those awful ingrown hairs.

There's no such thing as a good gel or foam. They simply don't hydrate enough. This is one of the truisms that you'll learn from the Wetshavers.

Cartridge razors have no mass in their heads. Again, the shaver is tempted to press against the skin. With the age proven double edge, one allows the mass of the razor to do the cutting. Seriously, with just a bit of practice, you'll get a better, more comfortable shave.

Have fun.

Joel- old guy

 

[xtreme4099]

ITS ALL ABOUT THE SCHICK QUATTRO !!!! BIZNATCHES!

although i hear gillette is working on a comeback unprecendented five blades one.

 

[GokieKS]

I don't know if many of you guys read "Tuesday Morning Quarterback", but I can't help but be reminded by his calling Gillete Stadium "Next One Will Have Five Blades Stadium".

Anyhow, I don't need to shave much, and the Mach 3 is sufficient for my needs. Maybe in the future I'll get a nice electric shaver (though not $150 nice

)...

~KS

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

Does anyone have tips for shaving with sensitive skin?

Well, I wouldn't characterize my skin as really sensitive to the degree you are. But I think my skin is fairly sensitive. What I do is:

1. Shave once over with my electric, using a light powder on my skin to absorb excess oils and allow the razor to skim across more easily. I do this every day.

When I want an even closer shave, for special occasions, I do #1 above, and then:

2. Then take a hot shower. This allows your beard (or whatever is left after #1), to absorb water and swell a bit. After doing my normal washing business, I apply a thin layer of shaving cream, and use the Mach 3 to cut the closest I am comfortable with. Take your time, and be gentle to yourself.

It is imperative that you use a fresh, clean blade. Change it often. Quote:

Cartridge razors have no mass in their heads. Again, the shaver is tempted to press against the skin. With the age proven double edge, one allows the mass of the razor to do the cutting. Seriously, with just a bit of practice, you'll get a better, more comfortable shave.

I admit I am tempted. I will definitely check out that site for more info. Thanks for the tip!

 

[minya]

Thanks for the tips, jpelg & joelk. jpelg, what powder do you use on your face? Would baby powder work?

I have to admit that the "weightlessness" of normal cartridge razors is very problematic for me. Perhaps a double-edged straight razor would actually be easier to use for me. I will definitely look into it.

- Chris

 

[averydonovan]

I used to use a Mach 3 with just water on my face, worked quite well. But I stopped being able to "dry shave" and started using foam or gel. Edge gel really is better than foam. But I always cut myself when shaving no matter what and shaving just takes too long for me. I don't even have fully developed facial hair (and may never have it, either) but it is very thick and extremely fast growing. I literally have a permanent 5-o-clock shadow. My mother had given me a Remington foil razor but it just didn't do the job. My grandfather had been using a 3-head Norelco for years and I figured that if it works for him it'll probably work for me, and I bought a $38 Norelco cordless razor that does a reasonable job. It doesn't get nearly as close as a Mach 3 but is more comfortable and a little quicker, not to mention no cuts. I found that it works best after I shower and let my face completely dry off, a little irritating (I have sensitive skin anyway, though) but it gets the closest shave then but still, as noted above, not as close as a blade. I plan to get something better eventually but for now I'm happy with it.

 

[Ph34rful]

I use a Norelco 8894XL. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...94522?v=glance)
It is a little expensive. But I've found it to be the best of the ones I have tried.

Of course it still can't compare to say... A mach 3. Which is what I use when I need an extra close shave. But overall I have been very pleased with my Norelco.

 

[DLeeWebb]

I have used Braun electric shavers for several years. I have very sensitive skin and have tried almost every type of shaver imaginable. I have found electric shavers to be better than safety razors and I have also found Braun Shavers to be better than other electric shavers. I bought a "Braun 7680" about a year ago and IMHO it can't be beat. "Shavers.com" is a good place to buy and I noticed that the price is less than when I bought it last year. I have made several purchases from them and have been very satisfied with their service. [use the link below and search "Braun 7680."] They have a nice price for the great "synchro" cleaning system and various accessories as well. Definitely check it out, you won't be sorry...

http://www.shavers.com/

 

[pennylane]

I use a Mach 3 with Edge gel in the shower (I have one of those mirror suction things). In the shower is a lot easier than after or before or whatever. But then again, I'm just an asian teenager that shaves like twice a week.

 

[raisin]

A little known advantage of razor shaving is that it acts as a mild dermabrasion treatment every time you shave. Those teenage acne scars will be gone by your twentys, and as you get older the fine lines of aging are kept at bay.

 

[Asmo]

I use mach m3 power (the one with the lil battery and it vibrates or something)

It does about the same job as my mach 3 turbo, but it is a lil smoother, and does not give me any razor burn at all.

worth a try for slightly more sensitive skin.

 

[jpelg]

Quote:

what powder do you use on your face?

I've seen products specifically called 'shaving powder' on store shelves. I don't think there is anything different or special about them as compared to other regular powders. Baby powder, which is very fine, would work. I just like to use simple products with no added scents to irritate, or conflict with my cologne.

Just use a little. I pour a small amount onto a cotton cloth (I often use old, soft T-shirts), and dab lightly on my face & neck, creating a very light, thin layer. You don't want to use very much at all, as this will gum up the razor blades faster too. You will have to clean the blades more frequently because of this. But it really helps the neck area where many guys get easily irritated. No more nasty redness, even in hot weather.

You will need to wash your face afterward, of course. I usually shave before showering, so it's not an issue. Then a light moisturizer helps too. Which one will depend on your type of skin, and what works for you. I am always looking for something new to try, but I am not obsessive or try really expensive products. Baby products are often good for people with sensitive skin, as these have the fewest additives or scents usually, and not too expensive. I just picked up a baby-oil/skin gel combo product ata local pharmacy that I'm trying out. So far it's cool. Also, what you might use for maintenance or daily therapy, you may not use before going out.