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December 16, 2008 08:40 PM

What can I do to make shaving my face hurt less?

I hate shaving, as it always hurts/burns when I do so.
I shave using a Fusion razor (yes, it's expensive) in the shower, using shaving gel from a can. It hurts the most when I shave my mustache and neck areas.
What can I do to make this hurt less, either during my shave, or afterwards?
BTW: The profile pic is old, as I no longer have facial hair.
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December 16, 2008 10:06 PM
Shave after a hot shower. Lose the shaving gel and buy some proper shaving cream (the kind you apply with a brush).

Shave in several passes, reapplying the lather every time. Go with the grain for the first time, perpendicular for the second, and against the grain for the third.

You should also try a non-alcohol based aftershave.
Source(s):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/

http://badgerandblade.com/index.php?page=faq

http://lifehacker.com/software/grooming/introduction-to-traditional-wetshav...

Asker's Rating:
• Lots of good answers here, but this one had good advice for my current setup, and some great links to outside sources.


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December 16, 2008 08:45 PM
You have the same problem I do..I had to hunt around until I found an electric shaver that worked well..it used to be that electric shavers also made it hurt but that was years ago and now you should give electric shavers another try as you would be surprised at the results.

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December 16, 2008 08:48 PM
I used an electric razor for years, and I'm very hesitant to go back.
Any suggestions on brands/models? I'd prefer something waterproof that I can use in the shower.

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December 16, 2008 08:56 PM
I use norelco.. I think they also have one to use in the shower as well..

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December 16, 2008 08:50 PM
I personally use the Mach 3 (Lamborghini red edition, thanks for asking) but I don't think it's the shaver that's the problem, it probably has something to do with your skin. Perhaps it's dry when you shave, I always find splashing warm water on my beard before a shave makes it go a bit smoother.

Lately I actually don't even bother with the clean shave, I maintain a very trim beard and use a head shaver on its lowest setting everyday to bring it down to a manageable/handsome level.

But that's all opinion, sans fact, I would perhaps talk to a skin specialist and find out if there are any creams you should be using, if you don't want to bother...try some "Foamy for sensitive skin"

http://www.theessentials.com/images/us/local/products/detail/1025_dt.jpg


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December 16, 2008 08:52 PM
Personally, I stopped shaving everything "COMPLETELY" off. I use an electric beard shaver with a very short attachment on the end(like 1/8" or 1/16" and shave completely with that. It doesn't hurt much, if at all, and will bring you down to stubble. If you have to dress and look professional every day, then that may not work for you, but if you want a clean shaven face you may just have to deal with the pain.

I get severe razorburn too, so that's why I'm a stubbleman now(plus I look great with a short beard), but you could always try going with an electric. It will definitely burn less, but get you a less clean shave.

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December 16, 2008 08:57 PM
Can't deal with only stubble, as my wife would object.
Razorburn is exactly the problem I'm having. I'll even get gross whiteheads on my neck a day or two after shaving. And don't get me started in ingrown hairs!
At this point, I can only deal with shaving 2-3 times a week. Still, I need to do it.

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December 16, 2008 08:59 PM
I have the exact same problem. I get the same whiteheads/ingrowns etc. You could use a beardtrimmer with no attachment and go clean. It is a pretty close shave and surprisingly not that irritating(far far less than a razor).

I just use a Wahl Beardtrimmer that has a bunch of attachments. If I want to go clean, I just don't use an attachment. At this point, I work from home so I only shave about once every 2 weeks(or more). But I think I could deal with a bare breadtrimming a few times a week.

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December 16, 2008 08:53 PM
Sadly i have "delicate" skin which sucks. I usually let my facial hair grow for about 5 days. I look better with a little bit of stubble but to make it hurt less i have a beard trimmer and shave it all off so its really short. Then just get a razor with some extra sensitive shaving cream. Shave it off and slap some aftershave off. Thats all and it works. Just make sure you have alittle lotion in the aftershave and it will help a ton!!!

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December 16, 2008 09:02 PM
Use steam. It helps open up your pores which will in turn make shaving less painful because the hair will be a bit softer.
I also say exfoliate with a facial scrub frequently (everyday if your skin can handle it) so you keep your pores clear and shaving is less painful. It will also prevent pimples and ingrowns.
And then use an after shaving lotion to soothe your skin. My boyfriend uses Neutrogena Razor Defense. It's worked well for him. He gets irritation from shaving too.
Source(s):
http://www.beauty-advices.com/how-to-steam-your-face/
http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Razor-Defense-Shave-Lotion/dp/B00005U8WP


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December 16, 2008 09:06 PM
The steam suggestion is a good one. I do find that shaving is more bearable when I do it at the end of a hot shower.
I'll give exfoliating a try. Should I do that before or after shaving?
I'm currently using Gillette's after-shave gel. Maybe I need to spring for a more expensive, higher-quality aftershave.

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December 16, 2008 09:48 PM
Because scrubbing could make you red and/or irritated for a little while it might be a good idea to do it when you wash your face at night (assuming you shave in the morning). The point of a scrub is to get rid of dead skin that clogs your pores which in the end prevents ingrown hairs and such. If you do have a problem with ingrown hairs a scrub that contains salicylic acid would work great for you. If not, just use a regular one.
It could work after shaving (before the lotion) too. But it really depends on how sensitive your skin is.
I'm a girl so I've never actually shaved my face but I have noticed that using a scrub with salicylic acid (i use the st ives apricot scrub) after I shave my bikini line does prevent rashes and ingrowns.

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December 16, 2008 09:03 PM
Keeping your skin tight by lifting up your head while you shave your neck or pulling on your skin to keep it tight while shaving may help some.

The best thing that I have found is using very warm water to soften the beard before shaving and switching out razor blades fairly often (like every two weeks). BTW, I use the Fusion Power (not sure if the vibrating while you shave feature does any good or not though).

And just some good sensitive skin shave gel...

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December 16, 2008 09:18 PM
Swapping out those fusion blades frequently can get expensive very quickly.
My brother uses the vibrating model, but I think it's a bit gimmicky.

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December 16, 2008 09:21 PM
I'm not a guy so I don't shave, but I sent this article to my boyfriend and he had good luck with the tips provided:
http://lifehacker.com/359234/shave-without-getting-razor-bumps
Source(s):
http://lifehacker.com/359234/shave-without-getting-razor-bumps


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December 16, 2008 10:13 PM
A combination of the following:
- Shave in the shower (use a fogless mirror with light) ... preferably 5+ minutes after your face comes into contact with steam.
- Use rosewater as an aftershave substitute. It closes your pores rather quick and is nicer to your skin. Plus, it does not sting because there is no alcohol.
- INVEST in a nice weighted handle. You get 100-200$ ones that will still use your favorite razor (Mach3/fusion/etc). The additional weight steadies your grip better.
Source(s):
www.artofshaving.com


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December 16, 2008 10:37 PM
If you are shaving 'wet' with either a blade or an electric, try using baby oil (mineral oil) instead of shaving cream. If you are going to buy a new electric, the rotary models cause me severe discomfort but i do not have that problem with the reciprocating. I have been using Braun for years with no discomfort.
Source(s):
60 years personal experience.


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December 17, 2008 04:02 AM
1.Die (this is the solution to most things, though)
2.Sharper Razor = More Expensive Razor
3.Rub IcyHot all over your face before shaving

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bpb bpb
 
December 17, 2008 04:25 AM
washing your face with very warm/hot water works the best for me. it opens the pores (without all of the fuss of shaving in a steam shower).

i also try and stay away from aftershaves with alcohol.

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December 17, 2008 07:13 AM
Try to use hot water and clean the razor every second or third stroke. Shave AFTER you shower. Do not overlap a shaving stroke more than twice anywhere on your face. Try and use disposable blades, not disposable razors. Be sure to dump the blade after five days of use. Do not apply too much downward pressure. Be sure that you wash your face twice a day with french milled soap. Be sure to moisturize after your shave is complete with something neutral like Clinique Men's lotion.
Consider shaving every other day to prevent future problems, if my suggestions work with some effect.
Source(s):
Personal experience.


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December 17, 2008 10:36 PM
Its very common problem. But you can do one thing. Shave your face after you come out of shower and wash your face for 2-5 minute with warm water before you shave. This measure can soften your hair significantly and it will hurt less. Hope this helps.

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December 18, 2008 12:40 PM
To echo what has been mentioned already, shave only when your face is wet, having just exited a nice hot shower. Apply the shaving cream immediately, and begin shaving immediately.

Now the razor: I have never understood Gillette's Mach 3, Mach 5, etc product line. The replacement razors are damn expensive. And yet, I couldn't make on last much longer than a week. After a week, it would start pulling hairs! In order to save money, I'd still use them and my face would suffer the consequences.

So after doing some research, I decided to give a safety razor a try. These use cheap, yet extremely sharp, razor blades as replacements. You can afford to pitch a used one each week. I chose one of the cheaper models found here at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Heavy-Duty-Safety-Razor/dp/B0001XGNQQ/ I buy replacement blades at Walgreens for about $2 for 10. But you can also buy them online.
As you can imagine, this does take a bit of time for your face to get used to. But since the blade is quite sharp, as long as you use the right angle and speed, your face will thank you. I have been using it exclusively for over a year, and I love it. This is a decent article that explains safety razor shaving in more detail http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

The price of entry is relatively low, so I heartily suggest safety razors. Stick it out for a few weeks and hopefully you can find shaving happiness as I have.

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