I just can't wet shave to save my life

[TheChrisC]

I can almost guarantee that your issues come from one (or more) of the following three issues:

1) You don’t know the direction of your hair growth.
2) You’re shaving with too much pressure on the razor and pressing it into your skin, and also possibly the wrong angle.
3) You’re using a blade that is wrong for your skin.

These are three things that can be remedied with a bit of research and practice. Nobody is incapable of a wet shave, nor a great shave. It takes time and some dedication.

 

[Batch300]

Quick guess and came from electric razor. Many forum members came from cartridge razors so some experience with blades and shaving.

Your post shave routine will obviously not create nicks and probably cause not cause irritation. If concerned about allergic reaction to products, just skip the after shave routine and products. Quick test.

Neck area is difficult and more sensitive. Whiskers grow in all directions. Start with extra light pressure and be happy with average shave quality for now.

Are the nicks random or same place every time? Light pressure and watch blade angle. Forget ATG shaving. One pass and touchup for now. "Close enough" applies to both hand grenades and shaving for novices.

Tomorrow will be a better day and closer shave.

 

[Wayne]

Hi. How many times do you use the razor on your face when you do a full shave. Shaving your face completely in one go we call a pass, we pass the razor once over the face. How many passes are you doing? Are you trying to shave yourself in just one pass? How many passes are you completing to get a satisfactory shave? Also do you ever shave the lather off and revisit the area without lather to capture some more stubble? How old are you? Do you have breakouts, acne? Your cuts could be the razor remoing the tops of spots.

 

[2LabDad]

Ok, just my own routine and preference BUT I always apply the Alum Bar to my face immediately after my final warm water rinse that removes the last of the soap / cream for my face. Let it sit there for a bit while you clean your brush, razor and bowl. Rinse it off with warm / hot water then, if you like, do a cold water rinse. then pat dry and apply whatever post shave concoctions you desire.

 

[DamianJ]

Lots of good advice already. Pressure, going over unprotected skin and going against the grain will lead to problems.

Concentrate on that and only do one pass until you've built your technique and confidence before then introducing a second pass.