Yet Another Shaving Thread

If you have sensitive skin, then your best bet is to try products with as little fragrance as possible. re: eShave, I've only tried eShave's avocado/linden soap but it's fantastic. Proraso would be out of the question for you. Also recommend Provence Sante's Verlaine soap.

Although, you might do well with just the hot towel treatment and shaving using just olive oil. I've seen it done before and there's certainly nothing there that would aggravate the skin.

Just remember that you can't afford to re-shave an area without re-applying oil/lather: that mistake causes a ton of irritation and redness. Once you've scraped an area, you've scraped off the protection and need to re-apply oil/lather before you can scrape again.

I have an EJ brush and love it very much. It will work with any cream or soap. FWIW, I shave with the grain and cross-grain (out-to-in). You might try Mitchell's Wool Fat as well, that one's well-liked.

http://badgerandblade.com/ is a good resource for shaving. Nivea sensetive skin aftershave is nice, doesn't smell much, and is good bargain since most of the nice shaving stuff gets pricey quickly, except for blades. For shaving brushes, badger brushes are considered better than boar or synthetic hair. I own a vulfix badger brush, but I got kind of lucky since I ordered a cheaper brush from a shaving site, and they were out and sent a nicer vulfix.

Lots of things here...

Your first few shaves will take a while. Don't worry, you'll be able to do it in a few minutes soon enough (BUT DO NOT RUSH SHAVING! That will only cause problems!) You could be putting too much pressure on your face. Just try guiding the blade, not pushing it down or anything like that. As with the rough feeling, anytime you switch shaving methods your face will have to readjust, I mean, your dragging a blade across your face! Of course it'll be an odd sensation at first! No need to worry about that though.

When shaving, you can work the grain in two steps: with then across. You'll get a great shave that way.

As Thomas said, avoid anything with a strong fragrance due to your skin. I'd say go with West Coast Shave's products as they are an affiliate. I have never used their services but they carry quality products and I have a hard time believing they would become an affiliate with anything less than stellar customer service. You could also go to Art of Shaving if you would like to get a better idea of what you like, although they do tend to be a little expensive, but they are almost ubiquitous in malls now.

With the soap vs. cream distinction, I've found its largely a matter of preference. There are some differences yes, but I'd say get a sample of gel and a small soap, see which one you prefer. I wouldn't concern yourself with the differences. Right now, the distinctions likely won't matter to you and if you get either a soap or gel from a quality manufacturer you will get a great shave either way.

Pre-shave after shave....If you like olive oil that's fine. Since I've started using Art of Shaving's pre-shave oil I have no desire to switch. That stuff is amazing. Never used any other pre-shave oil so not sure if there are better, all I'm saying is I am quite content. Once again, if you have a decent brand's PSO, I'm sure you'll be fine. Aftershave--avoid ANYTHING AT ALL with alcohol. A moisturizing AS is a must. I use Loreal for men's aftershave moisturizer and it is great, cheap, readily available etc. Don't think you are done however! An alum block and styptic pencil should also be purchased. Don't spend more than about 10 bucks or so on the AB and around $5 for the pencil. Put a little water on the AB, rub on your face and it will seal up the skin. A refreshing tingling sensation should be experienced. It will also tell you which areas you cut too close as the sensation will be most noticeable there. The pencil is to stop bleeding/big cuts. Just dab it on those areas.

The eShave kit is a fantastic value although I'd try to find a cheap stand for the brush. Having it suspended with the bristles down is the only way to store it properly. The other products you mentioned are generally good.

To repeat what was said earlier: BandB is a great resource, you've got to reapply cream/soap once you've shaved it off (I think that will solve most problems you mentioned). Seriously, just take your time shaving, learning, and getting used to your new method, it will pay off.

All good advice here! Badger and Blade is a fantastic resource for everything DE shaving-related. One thing that can help is start out using a blade that's relatively forgiving to the skin on your face and neck, and Merkur blades are the ones people usually start with (they're included in a lot of different starter kits, etc.). They're good for conditioning your skin until you're ready for a sharper blade. Definitely don't push on the blade, let the weight of the razor do all the work, and try not to stop and start if you can. And, of course, if it hurts, stop! Product-wise, I love Art of Shaving stuff. I use their lavender shaving cream and occasionally their pre-shave oil. I've also used Origins preshave oil (a gift from my wife) and it works well, too. Nivea extra-sensitive soothing balm (or whatever the name is) is a great value for aftershave. It works well, is $6/bottle, and lasts a long time. My big thing with DE shaving was rushing it. Once I started planning on taking my time shaving, really examining my face and seeing how best to shave each area, things started getting better. It probably took me 6 months to get truly comfortable with the shave and getting that fantastic, close, smooth shave we all want. Try to treat shaving as a pleasurable time for yourself, be patient, and you'll get there!

really thx

two points to consider.

re: aftershave, I use Thayer's Medicated but it's not a miracle worker. Take your time and make sure you don't scrape the same area twice without reapplying lather or oil. That alone should cut your irritation.

Also: start slowly, no against-the-grain passes for a while. Cross-grain should get you close enough. If you're getting ingrown hairs, then you're cutting too close and should back off on the closeness.

You mentioned earlier that you have a several different blades - if you skin is sensitive then I would give Derby's a shot (if you have them). Everybody is different but I have tried about 7 different blades so far and nothing is as forgiving as the Derby for my face. Also, keep in mind use LIGHT PRESSURE. Try holding the razor at the bottom tip of the handle with the tips of your fingers. This will force you to use minimum pressure and should help a great deal. Good luck and don't give up!

There´s already some good advice here. Just to add a couple of things:

1. Start with a relatively forgiving blade such as the Derby or Israeli "red" Personna.

2. Good technique is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Mantic has posted some good videos on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

If you prefer to read about technique:
http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006...ng-experience/

If you're face hurt all day after a shave, I'd put a large wager on you pressing too hard with your razor. You pretty much have to press with a cartridge razor, but a DE requires no pressure. Even when you thin you're putting no pressure on the razor, you are. This is one of the hardest things to overcome and it just takes time using the razor. Finding the correct angle will also help. You want to be slicing the beard, not tugging or scraping it out. I even think this is a much larger problem than the Proraso. Sure, some people just have a reaction to the eucalyptus or menthol, but what you're describing sounds like just a rough shave. Of course, there are plenty of products with little to know scent and others that are designed for sensitive skin.