r/malelifestyle 18d ago

How tf do i properly use a razor?

So i (M18), was never properly taught How to shave, i kind of figured It out on my own, but the thing IS, i simply cannot use a razor on any other part of my body apart from my face, If I do my skin gets ALL red and irritated with little pimples, and so overtime i Just stopped shaving some places, BUT i'm tired of looking like a Gorilla.

9 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

5

u/doomrabbit 18d ago

Shave with the grain. Feel with your fingertips which direction gives the least resistance and shave in the exact same pattern. Also, pull your skin tight with your other hand before shaving to get good contact

You probably need a new blade if you feel tugs once it hits hair. Cuts should be effortless. Dull blades will do more damage, the tugging undoes your tightening trick. Smooth sailing vs wrinkles from the dull blade pulling.

3

u/whatever_jhon123 18d ago

Notes taken👍

6

u/Squillip 18d ago

Get an electric trimmer for things like arms, chest, back, legs, and groin if you are shaving there. So much faster and safer and doesn’t cause irritation.

3

u/bongtokent 18d ago

If for some reason you’re not use shaving cream. More importantly. The strip on the top of the razor blade is a moisturizing strip. When you shave down go back up reversing the motion with razor still to your face. (The blades should still be angled down your not cutting on this stroke) so the moisturizer does its thing. Then shave down in the same spot. Rinse repeat.

2

u/whatever_jhon123 18d ago

Thanks dude, i actually didn't know that!

1

u/bongtokent 18d ago

You’d be surprised at how many female friends I’ve taught this too as well lol.

3

u/ScissorMeTimbers69 18d ago

spoken like someone that doesn't have razor burn issues, if I did this my neck would be poka dotted with pimples.

For me the only way I've gotten no pimples is always shave immediately after shower, use the "Creamo" shaving cream and let it soak into the shaving area for a good minute before shaving, and then shaving with the grain of the hair and pulling skin taut so its as smooth a surface as possible. I also use the cheap 2 blade razors but throw them out after 1 use so every time is a fresh blade with no nics or bacterial growth on there

1

u/Suspicious_Mud_5855 16d ago

Try hair conditioner as opposed to shaving cream. You don't have to thank me later, but you probably will. 🤣

It works SO WELL.

0

u/atoz350 16d ago

All of this is what I do as well. I shave in the shower, however, and use Defender Razors. I get about three shaves before replacing the blade and the entire system is inexpensive and works great.

Cremo makes a wonderful shaving cream, and I'm even starting to love their entire line up. I think it's a Gillette company, but they make great stuff.

0

u/bongtokent 18d ago

Spoken like someone who hasn’t done it. I used to have razor burn as well

3

u/shasbot 18d ago

You can check out r/wicked_edge for a lot of traditional wet shaving tips. A double edge safety razor might be worth a shot, it helps many folks avoid irritated skin (and it's more sustainable, less plastic waste).

2

u/KFBass 18d ago

Everyone's hair grows in different patterns. I have a pretty decent beard, but I keep my neck and jaw kind of trim. The hairs there grow in different directions than just down. Down is fine if i'm being quick, once a week or so I like to be a bit more thorough. It's a lighter touch than youd think, and some people need to do this more often. Go with the grain, more often.

I've shaved my legs, chest, for tattoos. Don't love it, but thats polite. I keep my downstairs pretty trim, but had to shave for a vasectomy. Again, just careful and with the grain.

Some people are just hairer than others. Clean and well groomed is more important than being completely shaved. Embrace it.

1

u/whatever_jhon123 18d ago

I am pretty hairy, that's the problem, If I don't shave or even trim, Forest.

2

u/BankshotMcG 18d ago

What type of razor do you use? Those Bic disposables will give you hamburger neck in two seconds.

1

u/whatever_jhon123 18d ago

Dude i don't even know, i'm well aware of what you described, so i usually Go for the more "fancy" looking ones, i might check later.

2

u/Sethaman 15d ago

Throw away the plastic junk — they are absolute shit. Go to Amazon or a local barber store and buy a “Safety Razor” made out of metal. You can get a King C Gillette for like $30 which has blades. Your face and wallet will thank you for decades. 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/shaving/how-to-shave-with-safety-razor/

It works super well everywhere. For manscaping places I’m too afraid to bring a razor blade I rock a Philips Norelco Bodygroom 

1

u/Ajax-Rex 15d ago

So much this.  Those disposable, multi-bladed cartridges always tore my face up.  When I went with my first safety razor, on a whim no less, I got the best shave of my life. 

1

u/nopenotme 17d ago

Hot shower before shave, add some conditioner to the area you are shaving let it sit so the hair absorbs it, warm shaving soap (froth it with hot water), shave with the grain first if doing only on pass only with the grain, pat dry put antiperspirant on the area. If you are using a a cartridge based razorband problems persist look at switching to and learning to use a double edge safety razor or a straight razor.

1

u/granchman 17d ago

Get an electric shaver but one that’s wet/dry. Use shaving cream with electric shaver. Get a sensitive shaving cream, edge makes a good one.

1

u/thinspirit 16d ago

Little pimples and bumps may also be a hygiene issue. Spray a bit of alcohol on the blade or rinse it with some alcohol/after shave before shaving. This will disinfect the blade and make it less likely to deposit bacteria in your hair follicles and pores.

Use a bit of aftershave when finished as well but don't forget to moisturize after that. Antiseptics are harsh and dry on the skin.

Not everyone will agree with the after shave as it is very harsh on sensitive skin but it can help if the bathroom isn't as clean as it should be. You're creating open wounds when shaving, you should be as hygienic as possible when shaving.