Thread: Neck Irritation

I'm so suprised that I'm not the only one with this issue. I love this forumn! The first few times that I shaved when I didn't quite know how the grain was growing I shaved against it. My neck was a lot smoother, I just got slighty burned. Since I have learned to reduce pressure while I shave, this may work better me? Maybe Ill try it.

I had a sensitive area on both sides of the adams apple myself when I started. My skin may have just gotten used to shaving after a while, but I think several things helped. First I finally got my razor sharpened by one of the hone miesters here so I could use a light tough and get good results. Next I started to pay attention to the direction of hair growth around my face and modified my strokes to get a good against the grain pass on each section. Skin stretching gets the troublesome hairs to a flatter surface and moves them out of the hollows where they like to hide. All of the above enables a lighter pressure on the skin and less razor burn. Two last things are one, use a good soap or cream and don't water it down too much and second use a good after shave or balm. I like Capt. Smith's bayrum myself. It really burns for about 30 second but when the fire goes out it leaves your face ready to face the day YMMV. Hope this helps

Today was may second time shaving and this time no cuts! My skin is has been really sensitive though. Especially around my checks. The first time was on my neck and checks. Any suggestions? Should I use and oil maybe?

Have you tried a little shaving talc? Pinaud makes one with the scent of Clubman.

It takes few weeks/months until your skin gets used to shaving with straight razor. Do not worry; it will go away in time.

++1 on the previous comments/suggestions. Don't panic. Your face has to adjust to the blade and your shaving technique with the str8 will improve over time. That and the use of an aftershave balm should lessen and eventualy eliminate the irritation on your neck.

I decided not to do the ATG idea. However, I do think my face is getting used to the blade. I started out just shaping up my beard and the shaves are getting more and more comfortable everytime. I think what happened is the stubble theory was correct. I get even closer by getting a better stretch and taking another pass. Also, I changed up my technique, and went with the flexed finger trick, I was applying way too much pressure. Also biggeee, I started using the opposite hand for each side of my face. I was amazed how with little pressure the blade glided across my face with a different angle on my face. Each time, its feeling nearly like I never shaved and all that is left is a smooth neck. It seems as if the hair is growing back faster, or maybe I just notice it now? Ive never been the shave everyday type although I have enough growth for it, is that why some people shave everyday to avoid stubble irritation?

georgej,

No...In fact, I have found that shaving less or every other day is usually the best remedy to avoid irritation.

I have to wear a collared shirt and tie everyday and have had this problem. Most of it is slightly ingrown hairs it seems. So what I do is make a line the I only go below every two-three shaves and hence I get a clean cut in that area. This has prevented neck irritation for me. i also have found that rubbing alcohol is good to use there right when you feel the irritation starting. It usually stops the irritation and prevents bumps form forming.

Originally Posted by jhenry

georgej,

No...In fact, I have found that shaving less or every other day is usually the best remedy to avoid irritation.

I actually waited 2 days before my next shave. I think its just a matter of my skin getting accustomed to the straight razor. I also have to practice my technique.