Having a hard time getting a good shave

site4soreIs · Apr 22, 2007

Hi, I'm looking for the expert opinions of you fine people on a problem that's recently come up. I'm having the worst time trying to get a smooth, clean shave on my upper lip. If I only go over once, with the grain, in a couple hours it's grown back and resembles a bad teenage mustache (yeah, ew). However, if I go a second time, even with shaving cream again, against the grain, getting it completely smooth, when all's said and done, it's bright red, and often bleeding from tiny cuts on the edges of the mustache area.

I've tried all different combinations when shaving with my razor (a Gillette Mach 3), and changing the blades often doesn't do it either. Should I switch my razor to something with more blades? Less blades? Or just go electric? I'm getting really tired of having a red mustache

Brian278 · Apr 22, 2007

In terms of technique, your only other options are to do multiple passes with the grain, or do an additional pass across (as in perpendicular to) the grain. I think you'll see slight improvement with either of these with minimal increase in discomfort, if any.

I personally think the Fusion Power is slightly better in terms of closeness of shave than the Mach 3, but others may disagree. A lot of people will recommend the DE route, but there's definitely a learning curve. In my personal experience the best DE shave isn't any closer than the best multi-blade shave, though the irritation may be less (especially on consecutive days) with an experienced hand.

site4soreIs · Apr 22, 2007

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try it in a couple days (let the bumps go down to make sure I don't just reopen the burn). I've looked into double-edged razors, and I'd love to learn, but I'm not sure what a good, relatively inexpensive DE would be. Merkur seems to be a good choice, but they range from 30 to over 100 dollars!

Brian278 · Apr 23, 2007

Originally Posted by site4soreIs

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try it in a couple days (let the bumps go down to make sure I don't just reopen the burn). I've looked into double-edged razors, and I'd love to learn, but I'm not sure what a good, relatively inexpensive DE would be. Merkur seems to be a good choice, but they range from 30 to over 100 dollars!

If you haven't already, check out badgerandblade.com and shavemyface.com.

Matt · Apr 23, 2007

remind me in a week or so when I am back in Vietnam, and I will send you over a 'Gillette Superclick' DE. Little plastic things, cost next to nothing, and shave as well as my Merkur does. Plus they have this really cool how-to-use instructional comic on the back

tiratela · Apr 23, 2007

You're probabaly not using enough Lube. Try a nice hot towel, pre-shave oil, then a good amount of cream. You should be good to go.. DON'T RUSH the shave.

G'luck!

Matt · Apr 23, 2007

Originally Posted by tiratela

You're probabaly not using enough Lube
If I had a dol.......dont worry

silverfox · Apr 23, 2007

gillete mach III

only for a week!!

site4soreIs · Apr 23, 2007

Originally Posted by m@T

remind me in a week or so when I am back in Vietnam, and I will send you over a 'Gillette Superclick' DE.

Little plastic things, cost next to nothing, and shave as well as my Merkur does. Plus they have this really cool how-to-use instructional comic on the back

Awesome, thanks a lot, I'll be sure to do that!

Originally Posted by tiratela

You're probabaly not using enough Lube. Try a nice hot towel, pre-shave oil, then a good amount of cream. You should be good to go.. DON'T RUSH the shave.

G'luck!
I don't use any pre-shave oil, but I use a decent amount of cream, and when I go back over the upper lip, I reapply some before going against the grain. Is there any oil you could suggest, or are there no huge differences between the kinds?

jett · Apr 23, 2007

have you tried an electric razer? also, how fast are you moving the blade? slower is better!

ted · Apr 23, 2007

I shave with the grain and across the grain. When I tried against the same thing happened to me. Try across the grain after you go with. It's not a perfect solution but it's something.

mensimageconsultant · Apr 26, 2007

You could try an exfoliant at night. It could be dryness, sensitivity.... So far, there isn't enough information with which to determine the root of the problem.

javyn · Apr 27, 2007

Cross-grain passes are best for upper lip. Against the grain is going to grind you up there, even if the rest of your face can handle an ATG pass. Don't worry about getting a close shave with the initial, with the grain pass, just reduce your stubble. Getting close is better done with your second cross/against the grain pass, and will save you irritation.

Aries · Apr 27, 2007

Originally Posted by javyn

Cross-grain passes are best for upper lip. Against the grain is going to grind you up there, even if the rest of your face can handle an ATG pass. Don't worry about getting a close shave with the initial, with the grain pass, just reduce your stubble. Getting close is better done with your second cross/against the grain pass, and will save you irritation.

+1

Also, IME, a DE, or the two blade (sensor excel) are easier to maneuver in the confined area above the upper lip, allowing a closer shave with less irritation, than the wider Mach 3.

KennyGhetzoff · Apr 30, 2007

One word: Kiehls

Having a hard time getting a good shave

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