Razor Bumps

dodos

So when I shave I keep getting razor bumps in the same area, that area being at the bottom of the scruff line on the neck under the chin area. What I've heard is that you need to shave with the direction that the hair's going. That's all dandy, but this area doesn't really distinct which direction the hairs are. I mean, I shave it in the same direction as the rest of the hairs in that area - but this area gets razor bumps almost all the time.

I don't think it's because the area is dry because I put moisturizer on the area to try and make the bumps go away. I also use a certain shaving cream that is supposed to help prevent razor bumps. Can anyone help me out? I shave twice a week and I'm getting really sick of being extremely ashamed two days of the week, every week.

Scrublet

I don't want to be creepy, but how old are you? I think I might have used to have this problem and it went away as I got older, shaved more often, and got used to it. I use an electric now. But back when I was still in AFROTC and really needed a closer shave, I also found I frequently had to shave up against the grain to get rid of some of those smaller hairs where you're talking about. This may seem like it would cause MORE of these bumps, but I found my skin got used to it.

Also, if you're only shaving twice a week, electric may be a better choice for you anyways. Just don't go the cheap ass route.

dodos

Not going to disclose my age, but 18-20

Scrublet

I would recommend giving it more time if this is a recent issue, and going and getting a good electric shaver if not (I prefer the three rows rather than the three circles, personal preference).

Horseraddish

your talking about the hairs that grow right where your skin folds inward some from "under your chin" to being your neck right? Personally I always shave that area from the neck up towards my chin which is pointed up to stretch the skin.

What your getting is a shit ton of ingrown hairs and irritated pours best to let shaving creme sit on the area for a little before actually shaving and also using after shave or really any kind of skin product on the area, but if your doing that already think about the blades your using, don't fuck around with old dull blades try nice disposable razors or less uses of regular razors.

Then again I'm polish and I get my 5 o clock shadow 3 days after shaving and I'm closer to 30 than 18....

Scrublet

Horseraddish wrote: »

your talking about the hairs that grow right where your skin folds inward some from "under your chin" to being your neck right? Personally I always shave that area from the neck up towards my chin which is pointed up to stretch the skin.

What your getting is a shit ton of ingrown hairs and irritated pours best to let shaving creme sit on the area for a little before actually shaving and also using after shave or really any kind of skin product on the area, but if your doing that already think about the blades your using, don't fuck around with old dull blades try nice disposable razors or less uses of regular razors.

Then again I'm polish and I get my 5 o clock shadow 3 days after shaving and I'm closer to 30 than 18....

That reminds me...what kind of razors are you using? If you're using a blade razor, the triple blade one from Gillette is the only one in my opinion. Expensive blades? Yes. Suck it up.

dodos

Let me clarify a little. The area where I do get razor bumps is towards the end of my scuff line at the middle of the neck. It's located parallel to the chin, is what I meant.

I'm using a new Gilette Fusion by the way and last week I got one of the worst outbreaks of razor bumps I've ever had. Do I need aftershave? I don't currently use any. I'll try letting the shaving cream sit for a while longer next time.

I believe the Fusion has 5 blades.

Limp moose

ok

Prior to shaving you need to get that skin all moistened up and the hairs NICE and soft. A shower works wonders for this also hold a warm moist towel on that area.

Once the hairs are all lubed up so to speak apply a moisturizing shave cream and let it sit for a bit. Use a Sharp fresh razor and go with the grain. Each neck is different. Mine I go up from the half way point on my neck and down for the other half. If you get bad bumps one way go the other way next time.

After you have shaved apply a moisturizing after shave. CVS or walgreens will have dozens of these. Make sure to apply it liberally to that area.

Continue shaving. The more you shave the more your skin gets used to it. Shave everyday for a month and suddenly your skin doesn't give a crap.

Also if you just happen to have abnormal skin and this doesnt work think about switching to an electric razor. The braun 3 headed deal with a bottle of lectric shave could be the solution to all your shaving woes.

dodos

I shower each time before I shave, although I'll try applying moisturizer to the affected area directly after the next time I shave. It's for dry skin.

Does an electric razor solve all the razor bump problems instantly?

Limp moose

it can because the blades arnt really touching the skin so the hairs are still poking through the skin and not getting ingrown. But depending on your beard its not a real close shave.

I have a thick beard and when I use my electric it gets the job done for about 5 or 6 hours but then I get a pretty hefty five oclock shadow. Where as if I shave with a razor that same shadow won't come for 12-18 hours.

Ie it helps because it is an inferior shave.

dodos

I'd consider it except I would probably go the cheap route...

JAEF

This is what I use. After trying electric razors, badger hair brush with shaving cream, and a handful of other shaving creams, this is the stuff that works best for me. While trying a few shaving gels/creams I stumbled upon something (still have no idea what) that absolutely destroyed me with acne, which after some slaughter with medicine is now thankfully gone. Unless you have ridiculously thick facial hair five blades is fucking ridiculous. The cost of moving into a Merkur is high initially, but the blades tend to last a bit longer and cost significantly less than the rape dollars of the bullshit Gillette/whomever system.

Shaving process:

• Rub face with warm water with hands for 30 seconds.
• Get a spot of shaving gel, mix into partial lather in hands, spread into full lather on face. Massage into face for ~30-60 seconds.
• Where I can get away with shaving with the grain and have it look smooth I do so. You should be using the least amount of pressure that will clear the hairs you're trying to shave. With a heavier blade like the Merkur the razor's weight does most/all of the work.
• You may need to make multiple passes in some areas. If you find it necessary to relather do so.
• Once you're done with your shave wash (and by wash I mean pat water onto your face) with cold water for 10-30 seconds.
• Pat dry with a towel (don't drag a towel across your face if you have sensitive skin) and afterwards I let the skin dry naturally for a minute or two doing something else in the morning routine, then come back and apply (dab lightly) the after shave with no additional water.

Now keep in mind I have a moderately sensitive/dry face so this may not work for everyone. Once you've been shaving for a while you'll be able to see what works for you and what doesn't. It took me a year or so to find and settle into these products and they've been working really well for me.

Kris

JAEF wrote: »

The cost of moving into a Merkur is high initially, but the blades tend to last a bit longer and cost significantly less than the rape dollars of the bullshit Gillette/whomever system.

Yeah, I just bought 100 blades for $20 CDN for the new Merkur razor I ordered. Compare that to 8 Mach 3 blades for $16 on my old razor.

Sakebomb

I use this stuff:


Works for me.

Daedalus

Kris wrote: »

JAEF wrote: »

The cost of moving into a Merkur is high initially, but the blades tend to last a bit longer and cost significantly less than the rape dollars of the bullshit Gillette/whomever system.

Yeah, I just bought 100 blades for $20 CDN for the new Merkur razor I ordered. Compare that to 8 Mach 3 blades for $16 on my old razor.

I've been using that ridiculous quadruple-blade razor from Schick, but only because I found a ton of blades for it really cheap (like, 8 blades for $2.50 cheap) when RiteAid bought out Eckerd.

dodos

So I've seen a much better improvement now after this last shave. I showered (hot water) and then left the shaving cream on for about 3 minutes before using warm water to rinse my razor with. I didn't wash my face in cold water this time, but I will try that in a couple of days and post an update. I also used some moisturizer after I shaved and I saw some improvement after that. if anyone else has any more tips I will gladly consider them.

Gihgehls

I'm on day two of shaving with a safety razor and I am LOVING it. I look forward to shaving now. Hell, I almost shaved again after work yesterday because it was so enjoyable.

dodos

The hell is a safety razor?

Rook

dodos wrote: »

The hell is a safety razor?

See picture above. Before that there were only really cut throat razors.

dodos

Oh. It doesn't look like it has any blades, so how does it work? Can it be bought at most places that do sell razors? Are they expensive?

acidlacedpenguin

straight razor, straight razor, straight razor, yeah!

no seriously, not only are straight razors totally cool and symbols of masculinity (sort of like smoking from a pipe) but they also tend to cure you of your condition: Pseudofolliculitis barbae or "razor bumps."

they're hard to use, but that makes them more manly. Also you're not a man if you don't risk your life during the most menial tasks.

if you still want to be the little girl though, switching down to a lower amount of blades is aparrently the solution to your problem.

Gihgehls

dodos wrote: »

Oh. It doesn't look like it has any blades, so how does it work? Can it be bought at most places that do sell razors? Are they expensive?

Well, there is a single blade in it. It works by you dragging it over your face. It can be bought in SOME places that sell razors. They are more expensive than a modern razor, but the refills are dramatically cheaper, like 50 cents to 1 dollar per blade.

Thylacine

Also, and this sounds like a no brainer, try to be as efficient at shaving as possible. The less times you have to drag the blade over your face can make a lot of difference with sensitive skin.

dodos

Thanks for all the help, I'll look into buying one if the problem persists in the future.

And yes Thylacine - that was a no brainer but still helps to point it out nonetheless.