Men.... lets talk shaving !

[FAST 5]

Hi Guys,
For me, shaving is a big ordeal and a task that I dread doing, all because I have sensitive skin which gets irritated if I shave often. What do you guys think about the new blade by Gillette. here is a pic. What do you think, marketing hype or real deal ??? Thoughts and opinions please.

Fusion ProGlide

AND ...... might as well include Schick's new Hydo blade to compare with Gillette.

http://www.schickhydro.com/products.asp


.

[glowrider]

I will write a big post on the benefits of wet shaving with a single blade in the morning. But, bottom line, these cartridges will rip your skin up.

[FAST 5]

Ive been battling with my skin & breard growth for a long time. No matter what Ive tried, what Ive read ( with repect to tips on shaving ) my skin screams when I have to shave. Look forward to your reply.

[AnthonyK]

In my experience the best way to shave is with a cheap single or double blade disposable razor. The best time is after showering either while still in the shower (wet) or in the mirror.

I've come to this conclusion by trying every razor imaginable over the past 10 years. Single, Double, triple, octuple, hexidecimal amounts of blades with and without gel pads, turbo virbrating nonsense razors to me were all garbage. The second reason I decided to finally listen to my very good friend who owns a company that manufactures razor blades. He insists the Gillette "Good News" cheapy disposable razor contains the sharpest blades available. His advice is to use the razor no more then 2-3 times and throw it away, at that point it becomes dull. He is right. I don't mind shaving anymore and I can shave in under 30 seconds now.

Technique is to NOT PRESS on your face. If the blade is sharp it will do the work. I only shave with the hair, never against it. I'd rather do this and shave daily then shave against the hair and do it every other day. Irritating part is the area below your cheekbone on your neck, right? Here's how I do that, I angle my head down that the skin in that area is loose. The mistake I made too long is the angle my head up to shave so that the skin is tight, that gave me irritation. By tilting my head down and shaving I get no irritation because the blade doesn't get that close to the skin. However, you will say that it's not a close enough shave, it is when you use a sharp razor.

Lather is irrelevant to me, I like to use neutrogena products because of the cleaning attributes. I've also used regular bar of soap with the same results.

[FAST 5]

Thanks Tony......
I know about and have done all that you've mentioned except for, "tilting my head down and shaving I get no irritation because the blade doesn't get that close to the skin." I will give this a try next time I shave.

[unfoundhorsepower]

I buy the Gillett throw aways...I shave every 3 days, triming aroung my Santa beard my neck front and back(wife does my neck in back) they are cheap and do a great job. Costco. Oh, I only use then once.

[MCarRacr07]

I still go to Tony the Barber.....sit in the chair get the hot towel treatment...and a straight edge shave.....then of course that blast of the "green stuff" that burns your nose hairs out!

[glowrider]

You're not the only one, Serg. Except I bring it home with me. This is the definitive guide to how a man should shave if he values his face and wants zero irritation and razor burn.

Ok, I'm a Jew, I've got a heavy beard and need to shave frequently. I've used your mach 9s and fusions. The problem with these cartridge razors is that they are designed for the average man's face. They are rigid and they tug at the skin. You're literally scraping the beard off your face. That's why shaving can hurt, that's why you get razor burn, and in-grown hairs.

So, what do you need to do? A few things. You need to open up your pores, you need to bring your hair follicles as close to the surface as possible and you need to get a proper razor.

Step 1:
You need to get some hot water or a hot towel on that ugly mug for a few minutes. You can do this by just taking a shower, or if you want a more luxurious feel, a hot towel.

Step 2a (optional):
Get some pre-shave lotion/oil. This adds a protective layer to your skin and also moistens the hair follicles to facilitate a smoother shave. If you're going to use the oils, I recommend applying them directly on your skin and then use a hot towel on top of that for 2-4 minutes.

Step 2b:
You need a badger hair brush. Has to be badger hair - badger hair repels water. Get the best you can afford - they last for ever. You'll use the brush to apply your soap/cream of choice. I like mixing my soaps and creams in a heated mug, but you can do this in your hand as well to develop your lather. Get the brush in there and apply the lather to your face in circular motions. By applying the soap in a circular motion with the brush, you are raising the hair follicles ever closer to the skin which will help you get a much closer, smoother shave.

Step 3:
Start with a safety razor (straight razors are for the pros). Something like a Merkur double edge platinum blade is good for beginners. It is a forgiving blade and 10 cost about $7. (eventually you can move up to Feathers blades and straight razors and strops). How much do Fusion blades cost? Last time I checked 8 packs cost almost $30. Figure out how much money you'll save over a year like this. You want to shave with the grain of the beard if you're short on time. If you really want the best shave, you will shave with the grain, then against the grain, then across the grain (eventually you may get into J-strokes which is an advanced technique to save some time). The safety razor will get closer to the base of the follicle and slice the hair rather than tug at it. The difference is amazing.

Step 4:
Cold water on the face to close the pores.

Step 5:
An aftershave lotion, balm, or milk. This is for protection against the elements and to smell all pretty for the ladies.

Step 6:
After a week like this, you will never have a problem shaving again, you will find it an enjoyable task, and your face will feel fantastic. Your woman will also appreciate it when you're not scratching her inner-thighs with your stubble.

End of discussion.

[ezmoney888]

I guess I'm fortunate to be asian with not much facial hair. I shave every day and rub argon oil on my face afterwards.

[FAST 5]

thanks for the tip on shaving. One question 9sorry if it sounds silly ) where does one fing/buy a badger hair brush ? What your speaking of is the old school lathering facial brush, yes ? Where can I get one ?
PS Almost all of your posts have snappy one liners injected into the post. I love it !