Who hates shaving?

Eric_E · 02-12-2003, 05:05 PM

I'm bored, and someone posted a thread asking why his deodorant stopped working, so I guess I shouldn't be too ashamed to post this.

I hate shaving. I don't just dislike it, I HATE it. I'm cursed with a terrible combination of very thick, dark, coarse hair, and extremely sensitive skin. I really ought to shave every day but I only shave every other day otherwise my skin gets very irritated. It doesn't matter whether I use a razor or an electric shaver, the results are the same. If I want to get a close shave, I am going to end up with irritated skin. It's gotten to the point where I'm seriously considering electrolysis on my throat (the worst area).

How do you guys handle shaving? Do you have any suggestions for how to make shaving less of a pain (literally and figuratively)? I'm using warm water and shaving cream, so that's not the issue, and I use a very mild aftershave when I'm done, but my skin is always burning for a day or two until I shave again. I don't take an inordinate amount of strokes with a razor and I don't press too hard - is this just a skin conditioning issue? I'm 22 and I've been shaving for 6 or 7 years now, but nothing's changed. I'm open to any suggestions anybody has. Thanks.

Eric

JayV · 02-12-2003, 05:14 PM

Shave right after you shower when the stubble is still soft.

Someone once recommended using cold water in the sink basin to rinse your razor. The theory is that the cold water causes your skin to draw up tight. I've been doing this and like the results, but YMMV.

Use a good quality gel instead of shaving cream. I'm using one of those shaving cream heater things right now, but I think I might go back to the gel (the lather doesn't really get warm and, I think, defeats the cold water trick).

What kind of razor do you use?

-j

Eric_E · 02-12-2003, 05:25 PM

JayV:

I always shave right after I get out of the shower. I usually wash my face while I'm in there, too.

I've tried rinsing the razor with both hot and cold water, and it doesn't seem to make a difference either way. I've been rinsing with hot water lately but I'll try cold again.

I do use gel - some "Ultra Sensitive" stuff by Edge... I just used cream as a generic term so people wouldn't think I wasn't using anything.

I use a Schick Protector (a double-bladed razor with two thin wires across the blades), but I've also tried the Mach 3 and it doesn't seem to matter, both have the same effect. I've also tried the cheap, disposable single-blade razors but they cut my face to ribbons. Maybe my technique just sucks.

Ryan Wright · 02-12-2003, 05:34 PM

Hi Eric,

I, too, hate shaving. It's annoying and a hassle. I partially solved it by growing a moustache and goatee. Just that much less space on my face to deal with. Of course, I have to keep it trimmed, but that's a lot easier than trying to get a clean shave.

I've thought about growing an entire, full beard, but I think I would look like a clown...

02-12-2003, 05:49 PM

*raises hand*

I hate it too. I should shave every day, maybe at least every other day, but I let it go 3-4 days before I shave. The longer I let it go, the less painful it is.

I use a Mach 3 razor. They're best when they're new and really sharp. (But you said that Mach 3 didn't make a difference for you.) I also use the Edge gel. But I shave in the shower. I have a shaving mirror that sticks to the wall with suction cups.

My technique is to first shave down a couple strokes just to get the bulk of the stubble. Then I take several strokes up, against the "grain" to really get in close. I work my face in sections and alternate sides to give each side a chance to "rest" until I go back and cut it some more.

Then I wash my face with a soap that doesn't dry your skin. I found that I usually don't have to use an after shave with this method. But if I do (still feeling the burn after getting out of the shower) then I use just a little bit of Afta, unscented. No alcohol and no irritating scents. Very nice and soothing.

I tried growing a beard before but didn't like the look or feel of it...too itchy. I shaved it down to a mustache and goatee but didn't like the look of that either. Plus, my wife didn't like kissing a hairy face.

So now I just live with the stubbly 5-o'clock shadow look and shave twice a week.

**HTF Ads**

02-12-2003, 05:50 PM

I'll join the hate shaving club. I've had pretty good succes with the Mach 3, right after showering. My skin isn't left red and irritated, but I never feel like I get as close of a shave as I'd like. Erik, you might want to try an after shave lotion afterwards, I can't imagine not using one.

Chris

Eric_E · 02-12-2003, 06:03 PM

Bill:
Thanks for the suggestion - I do shave down on each side of the face first, then up. I only go up on my neck, otherwise I get extrememly irritated. What type of soap do you use that isn't as drying? I think that may be part of my problem. I've tried the Nivea for Men and Neutrogena Men's face washes and I think they both dry out my skin a bit too much.

Christopher:

Quote:

I use a very mild aftershave when I'm done

Right now I'm using a sample I got of the Nivea for Men aftershave, mild, but I think it might have alcohol in it, which I don't really understand. Everything I've read warns against aftershave with alcohol.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

Jeff Pryor · 02-12-2003, 06:06 PM

The only time I ever hated shaving was doing it everyday while in the Army. Otherwise, I'm not bothered by it.

Kris McLaughlin · 02-12-2003, 06:27 PM

Eric,
You might want to try Dove soap. Like it says on the commercials, it has moisturizing cream right in it. Good stuff, I've used it for a few years now.

Michael Varacin · 02-12-2003, 06:45 PM

The best luck I've had is with a female razor, actually. It's called Silk Effects, made by Shick. Works great.