Downstairs Shaving

Strain 121

Okay so I'm trying this whole business out. So far so good, I just have one question -

I've heard conflicting ideas on shaving against the grain. When I don't do it, I still have a kind of stubble that is very visible and can be felt when feeling against the grain but is otherwise smooth. I tried it the most recent time and it made it completely bare + smooth. What should I do to make sure I don't get weird irritation/ingrown hairs if I do this?

The Black Hunter

When I went against the grain, it always started bleeding. Just the little raised bits where the hair orginates got capped and droplets formed.

Going with the grain is the way to go for me.

It is devilishly hard to get rid of all traces of hair, just do your best.

JAEF

What are you shaving with?

Derrick

When I do this, I generally trim the hair very low with scissors, shave with the grain, and then shave against the grain. I've not had any problems with in-grown hairs, but then I really never have and I shave my face in the same manner (but not with the same razor :-p ).

onceling

Seems like you're either gonna get ingrown hairs, or you're not. Some people get lucky I suppose.

Anyway, if you're the "are gonna get em" kind here are things that have helped me:

1. Use a scrub + loofah in the area, daily. Don't scrub your skin off, but make a conscientious effort to massage the skin, against the grain. Basically, exfoliate.

2. Take a *look* down there as things start to grow back and make sure you pull anything to the surface that is growing under the skin. (Sounds gross but if you are careful you won't have issues).

3. Moisturise after your scrub. Do it every day and develop a routine.

4. Before you start, make sure the area is warm, dry and clean.

5. When you are done make sure the area is nice and clean again, using an anti-bacterial soap and such.

While the cleanliness isn't really relevant to ingrown hairs, I find that the less irritated/red/infected the skin and pores are, the less problems I have with lumpiness or red irritation that might lead to ingrown hair.

Red Leg

Don't shave against. Usually with the grain, then sideways, still going with the grain, into the uhhh leg crease? gets the hairs that grow a little weird. Use a harder loofah type scrubbing thing and semi-gently scrub afterwards and you shouldn't get any kind of irritation later on. Use an unscented, no alcohol lotion on it. I don't use a new blade. I usually use one I had been shaving my face with that week and is a little dulled. I don't know why this works a little better for me, but it's something that does.