Thread: ATG/XTG around mustache

Hey guys,

I seemed to always have had this problem of having pretty bold and thicker whiskers in my mustache area. And I guess this problem I've had before, but with a str8 it seems like the problem is compunded.

When i try to go against or across, it just not easy. It sometimes stops staggers.... its like no matter how light (and i'm barely even putting any pressure on) skin comes up with my whiskers...

Did anybody encounter that? Do you guys have suggestions for XTG/ATG around the mustache area?

Thanks!!

-schone

Yes, and I think part of the problem is the fear or tentativeness of shaving so closely and toward one's nose. For the middle areas over the lip, I've found using a second hand on the spine of the blade helps me get better control. Sometimes,I also use a pinkie to "brace" or "keep touch" with the hand holding the shank. Tiny adjustments in angle as I move the blade also help.

Jordan

Assuming your razor is sharp enough and you have prepped properly, perhaps try using different parts of the blade. For just under the nose I find the heel of the blade is very controllable, the toe for the sides and edges. Keep the blade flatter than you normally would (i.e. less than 30 deg). And stretch the skin.

You're right to use a light touch. Any pressure and you will get weepers. Let us know how it goes with the suggestions.

In my case I cannot go ATG on my upper lip. WTG and XTG are fine if the razor is sharp enough. The only time I have had a problem was with razors that weren't sharp enough back when I first started out. YMMV depending on beard, preparation,technique and other variables.

Flatten the blade so the spine is touching the skin. This prevents the blade from submarining when it hits the whiskers. I do this going XTG on my upper lip and XTG and ATG on my chin. I stopped going ATG on my upper lip and upper chin many years ago once I figured out that I could get BBS in those places by doing two XTG passes, one in each direction.

Everyone's face is different so it's really what works for you. I find that atg first, then xtg starting under the dimple under the nose and moving outward toward the sideburns does a really good job for me. It's about as close of a shave there I really need. Try different maneuvers to see what works best for you. Just remember to keep it light and controlled. Good luck!

I start my XTG pass in the centre, like a normal WTG pass - but sweep outwards, pretty sharply, so it's an XTG pass. I've found this helps prevent snagging.

This gets me close enough to do ATG - two handed grip, good stretching and commitment.

i only do WTG on my upper lip as i find that anything more doesn't seem to get me closer (WTG gets me pretty close) and the irritation and bumps i get are crazy. i don't have a lot of hair in my beard but what i do have is very coarse in all areas. i find WTG is enough on the upper lip and WTG then XTG is working for the rest. ATG isn't worth it for now.

I found an approach that works for me...and I too have a very tough beard on my upper lip.

After a WTG pass, I come at my lip somewhere between WTG and ATG. I take small light strokes and with each little stroke I move the angle closer to ATG and end up with an angle between ATG and XTG (more ATG). Sounds like I'm really taking lots of strokes, but not so...small area and small strokes; one side of my upper lip at a time.

jim

I do a WTG and an XTG on my upper lip. The first pass is the straight forward WTG downwards pass, nothing fancy there. The second pass I kind of do a sweeping motion, starting with the razor parallel to the ground directly under my nose, then kind of rotate it outwards so I end up with the razor vertical and the toe of the razor pointing upwards. This will shave the entire half of my upper lip ending to the side of my mouth. Not sure if others do it that way, but it's what I have adapted for myself.

This gives it a nice XTG pass on the most part, and I couldn't be othered with an ATG simply because XTG is good enough for me!

Everyone's face geometry is similar on the most part, but the upper lip area might have more variations from person to person. It's a very personal thing how you shave, you'll find your technique evolving to better suite your own particular needs.