-
Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!
GAF, I need rudimentary directions on how to shave
- Thread starter The Artisan
- Start date
- Status
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
Feels good man. It gets so sensitive it's like having a second dick.
Yes. Also, I've had zero issues shaving it regularly - no itch, rash, cuts, etc.
Spoiled Milk
Banned
1) I use one blade for 4-6 months , but only care to shave once or twice a week. But i do sharpen it when i feel it gets a bit dull... also for people who don't have a razers with a little vibrating motor are missing out. (at least it makes my "gimmic" razor fly)
2) nah not really, usually only rinse the razer head 3-4 times during a shave, but i would make sure that the hair doesn't get to long. with the length you have in the pictures i would trim it first, long hairs can get stuck between the blades spring system. You only rinse your face when you are done with the shave, remember to check in the mirror for survivors! nothing weirder than seeing people running around with one or two long hairs on their cheeks or whatnot.
3) once or twice should be enough with a modern razer. (but otherwise until the hair is gone)
4) I use a gel that foams up a bit and just makes sure i cover the whatever place i need to shave. The gel expands a lot, better to use a bit to much in the start and then you can adjust, usually i just make a stripe in my left hand and then foam it up between my hands and throw it in tha face (i use Gillette Pure and Sensitive Gel, properly not the best, but it works) but i always shave after taking a nice hot shower, this will make things a bit easier on the skin.
5) depends on the shaving cream, but usually it has some lubricant that wil stay a bit on the skin, i would say one or two strokes extra is ok, but don't overdo it. also even if you did reapply foam you skin will still get tired of this treatment. if you have to use more than 3 strokes, then either your hair was to long to start with, hair is stuck between the blades or the blade is dull.
6) maybe because the hair is too long? you shouldn't really feel anything. ofc the blade can be dull, but that shouldn't be the case if you just started.
7) guessing you are doing some wrong moves, always pull straight down with the blade, never ever move it sideways. and always pull it straight down your face.
8) just some light pressure like when you are writing on a piece of paper.. be extra careful when going over the bump on the front on the throat.
9) always downwards no matter what, is my best advise.. also the handle should always be pretty much straight downwards
remember to moisturize afterwards.
also would advise you to never shave against the grain.
Pro tip: the ladies like if you are shaved down there .. but practice on your face first, it's better if you fuck up there.
I was always terrible at shaving when using disposable razors, either I wasn't buying the right ones, or I was doing something horribly wrong.
Either way, shit was a huge hassle for me, made me always want to put off shaving as long as possible.
Tried electric razors and they also weren't for me, just didn't work right at all.
Eventually bought a safety razor and it just clicked with me, and everything is so much easier, and cheaper too.
Don't know if it would work for you, everyone seems different, but it's worth at least trying.
Either way, shit was a huge hassle for me, made me always want to put off shaving as long as possible.
Tried electric razors and they also weren't for me, just didn't work right at all.
Eventually bought a safety razor and it just clicked with me, and everything is so much easier, and cheaper too.
Don't know if it would work for you, everyone seems different, but it's worth at least trying.
Eye for an Eye
Member
Get a girlfriend and have her show you how...
But besides that, make sure you hold the razor handle far enough down. It's kind of like a hammer; the lower down the handle you hold it, the more control you have over your swing. Holding it near the head will yield poor results and control. Holding it near the halfway point will prevent you from exerting too much pressure on your skin.
The longer the hair, the more strokes you'll have to use. But you should only need a small overlap from each stroke to get all the hair.
Shaving cream is optional, but it's important to have the skin warm to the touch. It opens up the pores and allows the closest shave possible.
My only problem with those safety razor blades is there's no room in the back to rinse the blade out. Hair gets all clogged up in it and makes it become dull faster than it should. I use a mach 3 turbo and rinse from the back and then the front to keep the blades as clean as possible.
Never store your razor in the shower. Take it out, dry it off and store it someplace cool and dry between use. It will extend the life of the blades.
But besides that, make sure you hold the razor handle far enough down. It's kind of like a hammer; the lower down the handle you hold it, the more control you have over your swing. Holding it near the head will yield poor results and control. Holding it near the halfway point will prevent you from exerting too much pressure on your skin.
The longer the hair, the more strokes you'll have to use. But you should only need a small overlap from each stroke to get all the hair.
Shaving cream is optional, but it's important to have the skin warm to the touch. It opens up the pores and allows the closest shave possible.
My only problem with those safety razor blades is there's no room in the back to rinse the blade out. Hair gets all clogged up in it and makes it become dull faster than it should. I use a mach 3 turbo and rinse from the back and then the front to keep the blades as clean as possible.
Never store your razor in the shower. Take it out, dry it off and store it someplace cool and dry between use. It will extend the life of the blades.
SapientWolf
Trucker Sexologist
I love these things. And if the blade starts to pull you can flip it over for smooth shaving again. But for me, to get baby butt smooth I have to combine it with an electric. Neither one does the job done alone.
triplestation
Member
You can take that razor and shove it up your candy ass!!!!
-- Austin 3:16
-- Austin 3:16
I've gone back and forth over the years between safety razors, electric razors, electric trimmers and just going perpetual stubble, and regular over the counter razors, never being satisfied with any of them, partly I guess because my technique sucked. I finally learned how to do a good and quick shave with a regular razor and that's what I'm sticking with. I tried the safety razor thing and that can fuck right off. The shave was barely noticeably closer than a regular razor and it's a much more difficult process that almost always guaranteed I fucked up a really delicate area like my adam's apple or something.
Here's my advice and what I've learned:
A normal 3-blade razor is fine. Ignore all that aloe-vera/vitamin E/unicorn jizz strips on the blades, they're bullshit. A tiny little strip of that crap isn't going to moisturize your face to make for a smoother shave, that's what shaving creams are for. My theory is that they're there just for the sake of getting all shitty looking after a couple shaving sessions so it looks like you need a new blade.
Never shave dry. Shave in the shower, or right after you shower, or put a hot wet towel over your face before you shave, or just splash a bunch of hot water onto your face. Repeat throughout the shaving process if necessary.
Use a quality shaving cream, not that foam crap. Anything that requires a special "lather" or shaving brush is not necessary, just rub it between your hands and apply to your face.
Make sure any area you're shaving is as taut and flat as you can make it. If that means pulling at your skin so that the area you're shaving is moved somewhere else (like pulling the skin covering your adam's apple to the side so you're not actually shaving over your adam's apple) then so be it.
Minimize the number of passes you make over any particular area but it's okay to do multiple, and it's okay to shave against the grain. If your facial hair is pretty short and more like stubble, go ahead and start off going against the grain for a closer shave without doing an extra initial with-the-grain pass. The fewer passes you need to make, the better, to reduce skin irritation and knicks. You should be able to shave pretty long hair as long as the hair/skin is well moisturized and lubricated with shaving cream.
Don't shave too fast and you don't need to apply much pressure. Sometimes you'll want to do one long pass across an area, other times you'll want to little quick strokes in succession, working your way down/across/up your face. Whatever feels right, but you'll have to get a feel for it.
When determining what still needs to be shaved don't just go by sight, go by touch. When you've done a couple passes and you're almost done but want to make sure there are no patches of stubble left behind, just feel around your face in multiple directions. Sometimes I'll shave in the shower without even using a mirror and go entirely by feel like this.
On areas that are unusually stubborn and coarse (like to the right of my mouth for some reason) or really sensitive areas like your adams apple, if you're having difficulty then make sure the area is constantly wet with shaving cream any time you make a pass, and go very carefully and gently with short strokes. If you make several passes and there's still noticeable stubble then just let it be, shaving it any more will just fuck up your skin.
Here's my advice and what I've learned:
A normal 3-blade razor is fine. Ignore all that aloe-vera/vitamin E/unicorn jizz strips on the blades, they're bullshit. A tiny little strip of that crap isn't going to moisturize your face to make for a smoother shave, that's what shaving creams are for. My theory is that they're there just for the sake of getting all shitty looking after a couple shaving sessions so it looks like you need a new blade.
Never shave dry. Shave in the shower, or right after you shower, or put a hot wet towel over your face before you shave, or just splash a bunch of hot water onto your face. Repeat throughout the shaving process if necessary.
Use a quality shaving cream, not that foam crap. Anything that requires a special "lather" or shaving brush is not necessary, just rub it between your hands and apply to your face.
Make sure any area you're shaving is as taut and flat as you can make it. If that means pulling at your skin so that the area you're shaving is moved somewhere else (like pulling the skin covering your adam's apple to the side so you're not actually shaving over your adam's apple) then so be it.
Minimize the number of passes you make over any particular area but it's okay to do multiple, and it's okay to shave against the grain. If your facial hair is pretty short and more like stubble, go ahead and start off going against the grain for a closer shave without doing an extra initial with-the-grain pass. The fewer passes you need to make, the better, to reduce skin irritation and knicks. You should be able to shave pretty long hair as long as the hair/skin is well moisturized and lubricated with shaving cream.
Don't shave too fast and you don't need to apply much pressure. Sometimes you'll want to do one long pass across an area, other times you'll want to little quick strokes in succession, working your way down/across/up your face. Whatever feels right, but you'll have to get a feel for it.
When determining what still needs to be shaved don't just go by sight, go by touch. When you've done a couple passes and you're almost done but want to make sure there are no patches of stubble left behind, just feel around your face in multiple directions. Sometimes I'll shave in the shower without even using a mirror and go entirely by feel like this.
On areas that are unusually stubborn and coarse (like to the right of my mouth for some reason) or really sensitive areas like your adams apple, if you're having difficulty then make sure the area is constantly wet with shaving cream any time you make a pass, and go very carefully and gently with short strokes. If you make several passes and there's still noticeable stubble then just let it be, shaving it any more will just fuck up your skin.
this thread right now
That feeling when you get it just right; your face is baby smooth and not irritated at all. sogood
LUFTRAUSER
Banned
You need to shave down your face and up your neck. Your chin line is the border between the two regions.
If you are cutting yourself, try slowing down and really making sure you stroke straight in the direction of the handle when you touch the blade to your face. The handle should make a straight line with you at and then just move your arm in the direction your shaving. If you try to use your wrist you will probably twist the razor and cut yourself. After you've shaved for awhile it gets really easy and can be done quickly.
Also watch the pressure you apply. You have to out some pressure on the razor against your face, but it shouldn't be much at all.
I went with ShaveMobs 4 blade cartridges and they are hit and miss. Sometimes the cartridge seems to last forever (had one i used every day for almost two months) and sometimes after a week they seem to get dull.
Safety razors are pretty good two. Have one that I use on weekends, blades are super cheap if you buy in bulk, started with a sampler off eBay I think and the one that gave the best cut is what I went with. I shave differently with a safety razor, going with the grain, then across the grain them against the grain. Gets a really close shave that keeps stubble from starting until pretty much the next day. With cartridges I usually just go against the grain once maybe twice.
Also watch the pressure you apply. You have to out some pressure on the razor against your face, but it shouldn't be much at all.
Will agree with this. Used gels and creams in the past and thought that was good. This stuff is a lot better than most of what you'll buy in the store. You don't need a whole lot and out doesn't lather like other creams/gels but it does help the razor glide really well.Use as directed.
If that doesn't work then upgrade your razor. When I switched to Dollar Shave Club's 4X I started getting way better shaves than any Gillette I've used.
I went with ShaveMobs 4 blade cartridges and they are hit and miss. Sometimes the cartridge seems to last forever (had one i used every day for almost two months) and sometimes after a week they seem to get dull.
Safety razors are pretty good two. Have one that I use on weekends, blades are super cheap if you buy in bulk, started with a sampler off eBay I think and the one that gave the best cut is what I went with. I shave differently with a safety razor, going with the grain, then across the grain them against the grain. Gets a really close shave that keeps stubble from starting until pretty much the next day. With cartridges I usually just go against the grain once maybe twice.
Joe Shlabotnik
Banned
You're letting it grow too long before shaving with a cartridge razor. It would be easier if you shaved at least every couple of days. If it grows longer than a shadowy stubble it's going to pull like a motherfucker.
I've shaved almost every day for more than 20 years.
I've shaved almost every day for more than 20 years.
That's not really true. I have pretty coarse facial hair and as long as I soak my face with hot water, use shaving cream and shave with the grain it comes right of like butter.
Electric razors give me serious razor burn, so I can't use them. I almost always use a cartridge razor.
For me, it really is all about shaving by "feel." I start by shaving with the grain, then shaving lightly against the grain for a smooth finish. Only lather once. I rarely get razor burn or any cuts, even though I have a very thick beard. I started shaving young (~13 years old), so I've had almost 30 years to develop an intuitive feel for shaving.
For me, it really is all about shaving by "feel." I start by shaving with the grain, then shaving lightly against the grain for a smooth finish. Only lather once. I rarely get razor burn or any cuts, even though I have a very thick beard. I started shaving young (~13 years old), so I've had almost 30 years to develop an intuitive feel for shaving.
I disagree with this. I have very thick beard hair, and if I shave every day with a razor, I get serious razor burn and nicks much more often. I can't shave more than once every 2-3 days. And the longer I let my facial hair grow, the easier shaving is on my skin. Skin sensitivity is real!
Once a week isn't often enough. Try for twice a week. Or do a quick pass with the electric razor first just to shorten the hairs.
From there, follow some basic tips:
From there, follow some basic tips:
- shave after taking a shower
- put the hottest water you can on your face before applying shaving cream
- shave only downwards
- rinse the razor often, and tap it on the sink to dislodge hairs
- if you need to repeat a section, do it slowly and gently
- get a styptic pencil to stop any bleeding immediately
- use the coldest water you can to wash away the shaving cream
Pestilence11
Member
I can count on one hand how many times I've shaved with anything but a 3 had electric shaver and I'm 35. Lately been shaving with a Gillette Mach whatever once in a while with Kiss My Face or some Gillette shaving cream and shaving down doesn't cause any cuts. I get a couple white heads sometimes if I don't use enough shaving cream I think. Take excess from other parts of your face and smear areas you have to go over again. That and rinse your shaver with warm/hot water.
I don't find a razor is any closer of a shave than the electric, regardless which direction I shave.
I don't find a razor is any closer of a shave than the electric, regardless which direction I shave.
If your razor is pulling, then your blade is too dull.
Look into buying safety razors. You will save money in the long run compared to buying multi-blades. There's a thread here: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=463142
Never apply force as that will cause injury. Shave with the grain if you have problems with hurting yourself.
Cream/pre-shave routine is really personal. If you're cheap, you use conditioner preferably without fragrance or use an Arko Shaving Soap stick. There are plenty of more expensive options out there.
Look into buying safety razors. You will save money in the long run compared to buying multi-blades. There's a thread here: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=463142
Never apply force as that will cause injury. Shave with the grain if you have problems with hurting yourself.
Cream/pre-shave routine is really personal. If you're cheap, you use conditioner preferably without fragrance or use an Arko Shaving Soap stick. There are plenty of more expensive options out there.
pixelpatch
Junior Member
Check, and double check... so many times I have left the house and I have tuffs to hair in random places 
The Artisan
Member
sorry guys I got a lot of helpful responses I can't reply back to all of them but I swear I red them all and I tried using all of it to the best of my abilities. I probably won't buy the same razor again as someone called it "gimmicky" - I may pick out one of the many that were suggested here. Unfortunately though it still pulled and it was painful and I bled but I guess practice makes perfect. here's how I turned out
also yes thanks for the compliments on the tv it's a nice size too 32 inches
also yes thanks for the compliments on the tv
it's a nice size too 32 inchesKevin Atomic
Neo Member
Yeah those three/quad/million blade razors are a scam and have been for a long time. Get either a new DE Safety razor or check eBay for a 1950s-1960s Gillette (I use a super speed, good all purpose and starter as well as cheaper).
Then get some Gillette Silver Blue blades. One blade will last a very long time. A good shaving soap (you can still use cream if you want and don't want to go the shaving bowl with a brush route) and shave oil is also a good investment as well.
It has a learning curve but it is a much nicer shave and so much cheaper in the long run. I have really coarse and thick facial hair and even though I may get some razor burn or a cut or two on occasion I have never had the issues I had with modern razors. The modern razors were like ripping my flesh off and I was going through them like crazy, they would go dull way too fast.
Then get some Gillette Silver Blue blades. One blade will last a very long time. A good shaving soap (you can still use cream if you want and don't want to go the shaving bowl with a brush route) and shave oil is also a good investment as well.
It has a learning curve but it is a much nicer shave and so much cheaper in the long run. I have really coarse and thick facial hair and even though I may get some razor burn or a cut or two on occasion I have never had the issues I had with modern razors. The modern razors were like ripping my flesh off and I was going through them like crazy, they would go dull way too fast.
I'm doing fine with my gimmicky razor, its not so bad as they make it out to be, but sure its way to expensive if you want to change cartridge every other week.
A plus thing with the gimmicky razor is that it makes it a bit harder to cut yourself, and you don't have to concentrate on what you are doing that much..
so as long as you are cutting yourself up with the gimmick razor then i wouldn't try the other option just yet.
The Artisan
Member
BUMP - I tried using some cheap BICs and I cut myself up pretty bad, I applied a lot of pressure on the goatee area and I'm guessing that's why skin came off with the hair
tried a bic and it fucked me up pretty bad
RoninChaos
Member
Don't listen to this. Shave with the grain, rinse the area, lather up again and go against the grain. Going against the grain at the outset is asking for irritation.
The best way to shave I've found is to wet shave. I take a shower first to soften up the skin if I have the time. Otherwise I use a hit wet towel on my face for a minute to open my pores. After that I apply Water to one cheek and immediately lather on some shave gel. I go with the grain twice and against it twice. The water layer between my skin and the shave gel makes sharing REALLY smooth. Then you just repeat with different sections of your face. I shave my head and face and this is the best way I've found to not fick my face up with nicks and cuts. Also, don't use a lot of pressure or you will fuck your face up. You want the razor to glide across your skin not drag.
CarpeDeezNutz
Member
BUMP - I tried using some cheap BICs and I cut myself up pretty bad, I applied a lot of pressure on the goatee area and I'm guessing that's why skin came off with the hair
tried a bic and it fucked me up pretty bad
Ugh fuck that I tried one and it felt like trash.
BUMP - I tried using some cheap BICs and I cut myself up pretty bad, I applied a lot of pressure on the goatee area and I'm guessing that's why skin came off with the hair
tried a bic and it fucked me up pretty bad
Bro fuck bics. If you want to save money get the generic/store brand version of the mach3. Dont not use disposables to shave your face.
exmachina64
Banned
I switched to a straight razor a couple of days ago and it's like learning to shave all over again. So many cuts...
Uh, yes?
Uh, yes?
Vulcano's assistant
Banned
I recently got my hands on a gold-plated 1961 Gillette Aristocrat and the adjustable feature is a godsend for second passes. I never did many of them with my previous razor because of irritation, but setting the Gillette to 1 is really soft on your skin.
So if you are into safety razors, you may want to look for and adjustable one.
So if you are into safety razors, you may want to look for and adjustable one.
TalkingToast
Member
I find shaving with a razor more irritating if I leave it to around 5 days. The hair gets too long and pulls a lot, really irritates my skin. Shaving once every 2-3 days really helps me out, right out of the shower is also a good recommendation.
disappeared
Banned
I was going to say, "Not like this..." and post a link to a graphic scene from the french film "Cache", but having watched the scene again for the first time in years... I can't.
It also kind of ruins the movie.
Just pretend I didn't post this.
It also kind of ruins the movie.
Just pretend I didn't post this.
Freshmaker
I am Korean.
It's also worth mentioning that your skin gets acclimated to an electric. Switching to a regular razor will irritate it more than normal for a while.
Makoto-Yuki
Banned
those gillette razors are horrible and ridiculously expensive. i used to buy them all the time and would never go back now. it felt like i was gonna tear the skin off my face. i tried using a safety razor and it was a lot better but still really irritated me.
now i just use my electric shaver and oh wow it is so much better. no need for any shaving cream so saves a bit of time and doesn't hurt a single bit while shaving and doesn't irritate my skin.
now i just use my electric shaver and oh wow it is so much better. no need for any shaving cream so saves a bit of time and doesn't hurt a single bit while shaving and doesn't irritate my skin.
Bobby Roberts
Banned
On the plus side, your chin matches the color of your TV
BronsonLee
Member
RUDE
Syphon Filter
Member
what a electric razor are you using?
Advocatus Diaboli
Member
There's plenty of good advice in this thread, but let me offer you two additional points:
(1) Shower after you shave. The steam and heat will help soothe your pores and reduce irritation.
(2) Invest in something like Mënaji Camo Concealer. Available on Amazon, but I use it religiously.
(3) Damn straight. Shave that, but do it dry.
(1) Shower after you shave. The steam and heat will help soothe your pores and reduce irritation.
(2) Invest in something like Mënaji Camo Concealer. Available on Amazon, but I use it religiously.
(3) Damn straight. Shave that, but do it dry.
The Artisan
Member
yeah after i'm done with this pack i won't buy them no more.
my co worker, the same one that lurks here in the GOT thread, showed me harrys
https://www.harrys.com/products
they good?
fuck that...
i've been using electric since i was 17. i'm 25 now. what's gonna happen now if i switch to using the blade?
lol, that's a plus side to you?
good news is this time (yesterday) i didn't apply that much pressure and didn't bleed as much. i guess it really is all about pressure.
how then?
there are so many people with facial hair these days. how can so many employers force you to shave all the time? that's horrible.You peeps that don't shave every day... your jobs are cool with that? Must be nice
AmaterasuOkami076
Member
Your shelf is gonna collapse.
This is the first thing I noticed too. That's an unusual pattern and only practice will make perfect with it.
That said it's been well covered but hot shower or hot water on hairs, cream, shave slow. Those bics destroyed your face, but the first set of pictures looks right. I shave daily and there's no magic to it, just practice.
- Status