I've been shaving for over a year and still have problems?

Question

I have NEVER gotten a clean shave in the year I have shaved using my razor.

I know I am not doing it correctly but I don't know why.

The only way I can get a clean shave is if I shave against the grains. But if I do that then I usually end up cutting myself and get pimples.

So I usually just shave with the grains but the problem with it is that it doesn't cut it closely. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong.

Answer 1

You need to make sure you have good lubrication on your face such as a good shaving gel. You should get a twin razor that has one-push cleaning. Shave against the grain and clean out and rinse off the razor often. Be very relaxed and make very level movements with the razor. Just take your time and stay smooth and steady with your movements.

Answer 2

A few things to take into consideration:

First, just accept that you have a tough beard (as I do), and as such, a true close shave is a virtual impossiblility (trust me, I've had much more than 1 year to figure that out!) and no matter how hard you try, some degree of stubble is always going to dog you.

That said, here are some shaving tips:

1. ALWAYS use a sharp blade - never let a blade or disposable razor last longer than a week - and I'd recommend changing every five days if possible.

2. There are differing schools of thought regarding cold water versus hot water - some say that cold makes the hairs stand up better, and some say that hot softens the hairs and makes them easier to trim. Me, I prefer hot water, but experiment to see what works for you.

3. There is an easy way to deal with the pimples - wash your face thouroughly after shaving. Most post-shave acne is caused by the lubricants found in shaving cream and on the razors blocking up the pores.

Also, check out different types of razors. I can't use Gillette razors because their lubricant makes me break out in acne something fierce, but the Shick lubricant doesn't affect me much.

4. To reduce bleeding, let the blades do their job. Don't press down too forcefully; razor blades are sharp, and should be able to cut the hairs without digging into the skin. Additionally, more blades seems to equal better shave (in my experience) though some think that a 2-bladed razor is all you really need.

7. If you must shave against the grain (and we all do) make it the exception and not the rule.

8. If possible, switch to an electric shaver - preferably a high end shaver like a Braun (warning: very expensive!). The shave doesn't seem to last as long as a bladed shaver, but there's a lot less irritation and the shave is consistent.

Hope these tips helped!

Answer 3

You need a new razor. Try gillette. You don't have to press hard, and you get a good shave. I know, because I use Venus, which is made by gillette. Stubble grows back much slower, too.