Shaving Every Day - WTF?

[Mr Unoriginal]

So I used to have a pretty hearty chin strap style beard for 5 or 6 years (see avatar). Yesterday after being asked one too many times if I was jewish, I decided to shave it. Looks good, but damn the upkeep just seems like such a chore compared to what I used to have to do (practically nothing). Not only that, my face is going through abuse with all this shaving. Is it because it's not used to it, or am I just not doing a good job?

I'm shaving in the shower with a Shick Quatro with a new blade. Should I go for shaving cream out of the shower, an electric razor? Help, my face is begging you.

[Eviltude]

I shave one or twice a week using the same blade and it still sucks. I use shaving cream and it works out fine, but just the act of shaving is a hassle. At least I don't have to shave daily.

[VipFREAK]

I have to shave every day, sometimes it seems ideally I'd have to do twice a day if I want the stubble to stay away... Anyway, I use an electric razor. Never been to keen on a manual razor.

[Mr Unoriginal]

I have to shave every day, sometimes it seems ideally I'd have to do twice a day if I want the stubble to stay away... Anyway, I use an electric razor. Never been to keen on a manual razor.

When you use an electric, does it look like a clean shave or does it always have the stubble look? Also, what razor are you using now, I may be in the market for one.

[lionheart4life]

It always sucks but its probably your skin not being conditioned to shaving regularly that is making it more sensitive. I typically shave in the shower with shaving cream using a Quattro or Bic Comfort Advance 3 a few times a week and it works out alright. I think the heat and moisture from the shower makes for a less painful shave and I never cut myself this way whereas if I do it over the sink I get cut all the time.

Electric razors are pretty good too if you find a good one. I used one for a while but the blades got kinda worn out/inconsistent and I just didn't replace them.

[ITDEFX]

my skin is so sensitive that I can't shave every day, every other day or every third day is fine. If I shave everyday, then I will look all cut up and bleeding :roll:

Plus my face being round doesn't help either.

[dmaul1114]

I use an electric razor and then generally go over any left over stubble with a regular razor with just some water (there's not much friction since there's not much stubble left). But my skin isn't sensitive either.

But a decent electric razor will give a shave that looks clean--it just doesn't feel as clean as a blade. So I use my method to get the best of both worlds as it's quicker, less messy and less painful that shaving with a blade and shaving cream (especially if I haven't shaved for a few days).

[VipFREAK]

When you use an electric, does it look like a clean shave or does it always have the stubble look? Also, what razor are you using now, I may be in the market for one.

Hmm... I'm asian so you'll still see kinda black spots up close compared to my white friend that looks 10 yrs younger or 10 lbs. lighter. lol

I'm using a cheap ($50) razor and it's kinda old so it doesn't do as good of job. I guess if it was more a big deal I'd actually go all out and get like a Panasonic $100+ self cleaning electric razor. I get the impression the higher the rpms the better the cut without taking so long that way your skin gets less irritated although mine doesn't.

I used one for a while but the blades got kinda worn out/inconsistent and I just didn't replace them.

Yeah... replacement blades are expensive and at this point I don't know if I can even find some for mine?

[SpazX]

I should shave every day, but I don't, so I'm hardly ever clean shaven. Firstly, I'd use some shaving cream, that would definitely help. It hurts/bleeds more because your face isn't used to it, so it'll get better over time, but it'll be even betterer if you use some shaving cream.

I usually use an electric and electric/manual for under my chin/neck (the manual barely gets it, so the electric doesn't do a very good job at all, especially if it has been growing for a day or two). The electric definitely doesn't get it as smooth as a regular manual razor does, but it doesn't exactly leave stubble, it just seems to grow back faster and if you rub upwards with your hand you can feel it more. I use the electric because it's faster and I always end up with cuts from the manual.

[DestroVega]

I don't know anyone who shaves every single day...

I shave my head as well and I can't do it two days in a row... my face would be murdered, the head fairs better.

Just do it every other day.

[Ikohn4ever]

whats wrong with looking jewish? I am jewish and with a beard get asked if I am Amish. I freaking hate shaving, maybe its from lack of use, but i always get bumps when i shaved. So I rarely do.

[moojuice]

I do every day with an electric...but I am backwards I guess, my face gets itchy if I don't.

[paz9x]

shaving is a lot easier after taking a shower.
the blades last longer too.
im in the military and have to shave everyday.
yes your skin will get used to it after a bit maybe a week or 2.
also your skin will have to adjust to an electric razor. i have a $120 remington. ive used several, some more expensive.
i rarely use it because it just doesnt work as well.

my advice take a shower and shave after. so much easier.
good luck.

[Z_meista]

try using shaving cream.
if not... well, try another razor or buy an electric one.

[VipFREAK]

It's not just the razor too... it's the kind of blades it has, the three rings vs the long blade like Remingtons have. Neither work since my hairs are so thick...

[Mr Unoriginal]

whats wrong with looking jewish? I am jewish and with a beard get asked if I am Amish. I freaking hate shaving, maybe its from lack of use, but i always get bumps when i shaved. So I rarely do.

Heh, well nothing wrong with it, but I would get asked it...a lot. Just got irritating. What pushed me over the edge was this. I live in an apartment complex. I was walking to get the mail and passed two guys who were probably 24 - 27 years old. I'm 26. Usually you just say "hello" to the person as you pass. Well this one guy sarcastically says "Shalom". Really annoyed me. It was like I was in middle school or something.

I guess I will try every other day for shaving and see if I look like hell by the end of the second day. Also, I exclusively been shaving in the shower or afterwards, so I'm covered there. Never tried shaving cream though, that REALLY seems like a hassle.

[cochesecochese]

I used to have a hot towel machine (as in from an old school barbershop) and a straight edge/strop setup that worked really well but it took like 20 minutes to shave everyday. What a pain in the ass.

Take a HOT shower and really let your pores open up. For now, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin. Just shave with the grain for a couple weeks until your face gets used to all that scraping and then shave against the grain if you really need to.

[VipFREAK]

Never tried shaving cream though, that REALLY seems like a hassle.

Yeah... if I'm gonna get wet, I'm gonna go all out. Huh, huh... that's what she said.

[tinman_licks]

Use some Noxzema as a pre-shave and then lather. Works wonder and keeps smooth skin

[JolietJake]

The longer i go without shaving, the worse it is. If i go 3-4 days, i'll usually cut myself because the stubble is so coarse. I usually shave about every other day so that doesn't happen, i hate cutting myself.

[VipFREAK]

The longer i go without shaving, the worse it is. If i go 3-4 days, i'll usually cut myself because the stubble is so coarse.

Usually, I have to take my beard trimmer or use the sideburn cutter on my electric shaver first to my whole face then I can go back and actually shave it all off. Pain in the fucking ass.

[JolietJake]

I've done that before, used my cheap electric razor to trim it down before using my mach 3.

[JJSP]

Honestly, the best disposable razor I've found is the Gillette Good News (swivel head). It's on a little pivot and goes around edges really well. I shave in the shower, maybe once or twice a week or when the girlfriend gets annoyed, after letting the hot water open everything up.

I'm blessed with the face of a 12 year old. I shaved last Friday, and I'm still pretty much smooth.

[kongfunk]

Shave every Monday morning before shower, I use a regular manual razor. I must have skin like a rhino because I replace the blade every 6 months. Yes about half a year. My bother who uses an electric used my razor once and cut the hell out of his.
It's all about really hot water and time for your face to get used to it.

[shadylane]

http://www.theartofshaving.com/taos6/home.php

check that out

[HowStern]

I used to get awful irritation from shaving using those 3-4 blade razors. I use one of these now

http://www.churchillsbarbershop.com/files/98/93921487-65bf-d230-4c9d-2a5626a44198.jpg

It gets such a close shave I only have to shave every other day to have no stubble. (Not that I do that all the time...Sometimes I go beardfaced.) And I get no irritation. Use an Alum block after shaving too. Also if you do decide to try a safety razor don't push down just let it glide, it's easy to cut yourself

[adriley313]

I used to shave in the shower with Mach 3 but it gave me too many razor burns.
So now i have a beard trimmer that i use for shaving. Quick and easy. And i dont cut myself anymore.

[JJSP]

I used to shave in the shower with Mach 3 but it gave me too many razor burns.
So now i have a beard trimmer that i use for shaving. Quick and easy. And i dont cut myself anymore.
I really, really, really thought you were a girl.

[Frogurt.man]

I use Nivea for Men Post Shave Balm. Shit works. Smells good too.

[Anexanhume]

I shave every other day with a mach 5. I only get irritation on my neck. I need to go a mirror for use in the shower, as the hot water/air helps tremendously.

[dmaul1114]

Usually, I have to take my beard trimmer or use the sideburn cutter on my electric shaver first to my whole face then I can go back and actually shave it all off. Pain in the fucking ass.

Yeah if you're stubble is too long you have to trim it down first. An electric razor just won't work and a blade will pull like a motherfucker.

Also, if you use an electric razor, get some of that Williams Lectric Shave stuff you put on first that stands up the whiskers. It's pretty cheap and does give a good bit of a closer shave.

Though you don't need it if you one of those Norelco razors that dispense the Nivea cream--those work great. My old one broke and I replaced it with a cheap one. Plan to buy the newer model when I move.

[DestroVega]

electric razors suck, for real

[dmaul1114]

electric razors suck, for real

I love them, but again I usually quickly go over trouble spots with my Fusion Power and water.

But still much quicker than messing with shaving cream and a razor. Plus my face just isn't used to it so it hurts like hell to have with a razor only after using an electric razor for 15 years.

But I'm also the type of person that cares about convenience and brevity first in all daily tasks.

[saunderscowie]

I should shave everyone day or so but I don't I like getting it alittle rough first then chopping it off.

Hopefully this hasn't happened to anyone here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxgY4-q-oOQ

[Wombat]

I use a cheap disposable and some shaving gel, I usually shave everyday. If have something important to do in the evening I may need to shave twice a day.

[JolietJake]

I shave every other day with a mach 5. I only get irritation on my neck. I need to go a mirror for use in the shower, as the hot water/air helps tremendously.
You shave with a mach 5? How do you avoid leaving tread marks on your face?

[lordwow]

I shave every Monday, and usually look pretty gruff by sunday, but I have sat/sun off so it doesn't bug me too much. I look cleanly shaved usually the first 2 or 3 days of the week, and I'm usually too tired/lazy to shave again on Thursday or Friday.

[D_Icon]

I shave once a week.

Anymore of those free Mach razors trials?

[help1]

Usually, I have to take my beard trimmer or use the sideburn cutter on my electric shaver first to my whole face then I can go back and actually shave it all off. Pain in the fucking ass.

That is EXACTLY what I do to prevent tugging. It works great!

I hate shaving, but since I am just a high school student, (lolwtf?) I don't mind looking like a bum, so I have every third day, thought I should shave every day.

Also, I use preshaving electric gels that give smoother and less painful shave, but you have to shave before going into the shower, since that shit smells funny.

[KNIVES]

i should shave every 3 days and thats including my head but i usuallly shave once a week on sunday so the beginning of the week i look fine. as of late i been going with a beard for the colder months .. right now i have let it go for over a week and going to have to use a buzzer to trim it down then mach 3 for a closer.. i always shave in the shower as hot as i can stand and i use stuff from Bladguyz shaving gel.. works great on my face and head and i been using their moisturizer as well helps with the red bumps on my neck.. but yeah shaving sucks

[Anexanhume]

You shave with a mach 5? How do you avoid leaving tread marks on your face?

It's easy. Don't shave with pressure. That's the whole point of multiple blades.

[Lice]

Well this one guy sarcastically says "Shalom". Really annoyed me. It was like I was in middle school or something.

Im surprised no one asked, why dont you just grow hair on your upper lip and you can have a full viking/lumberjack/man of the ages look going on.

Same scenario; those young men would of uncontrollably burst into tears at the first eye contact with your man pelt.

Can you not grow the upper part?

[billyrox]

Im surprised no one asked, why dont you just grow hair on your upper lip and you can have a full viking/lumberjack/man of the ages look going on.

Same scenario; those young men would of uncontrollably burst into tears at the first eye contact with your man pelt.

Can you not grow the upper part?

cuz he doesn't want to look like a child molestor

[JolietJake]

It's easy. Don't shave with pressure. That's the whole point of multiple blades.
...it was a joke, this is a mach 5:

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/06/Speed-Racer-Mach-5-500.jpg


;)

[Anexanhume]

...it was a joke, this is a mach 5:

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/assets/resources/2007/06/Speed-Racer-Mach-5-500.jpg


;)

:lol:

My bad, I was thinking of the mach 3. They call the 5 bladed one "Fusion."

[Mr Unoriginal]

Im surprised no one asked, why dont you just grow hair on your upper lip and you can have a full viking/lumberjack/man of the ages look going on.

Same scenario; those young men would of uncontrollably burst into tears at the first eye contact with your man pelt.

Can you not grow the upper part?

I would love to grow a 'proper' beard, but I just can't. If I tried I could grow a fairly shitty moustache, but I get litterally no hair whatsoever to the left and right of my mouth, like for a goatee. Dunno why, my old man can grow one just fine.

[Fuzi0n]

Never tried shaving cream though, that REALLY seems like a hassle.

Well there's your problem. I think most faces will get extremely irritated if you don't shave with shaving cream (I like the gel personally). Like someone else suggested do it after a shower. Your blades will last longer, you will have a closer shave and your face will feel better. Or if you're too lazy for the shaving cream just buy a nice electric, and don't get a cheap shitty one because you will just end up regretting it.

BTW I use a Mach 3 and like it, might try the Fusion though.

[Shadows916]

i go with gillet gel for sensetive skin and a fusion power manual razor. i find that i can't use a mach 3 anymore (feels like i'm ripping out my skin now)- guess the 5 blades spoiled my skin. electrics havnt done much for me, so have to go back and clean up with a hand razor (i've used sevral types of electric from 50-100 dollers a pop, just cant deal with them) it all comes down to the type/method of how your shaving, and your skin type. For a real adventure, try a straight razor-cleanest shave i've ever had, but lots of toilet paper to stop the bleeding ;P

[Lieutenant Dan]

I used to get razor burn if I would shave every four days or so, but since I got a new job and have to shave every day, my skin has really adjusted and it's not bad at all anymore. I shave in the shower (get a shower mirror and rub soap on it so it doesn't fog up).

[VipFREAK]

That is EXACTLY what I do to prevent tugging. It works great!


Ya know... I'd say the same thing, but unfortunately my shit is so thick (huh huh... that's what she said) that whether I'm using my Sideburn attachment or beard shaver I still tug shit which I fucking hate. I'm lucky I guess...

[1Sail0r]

I used to get awful irritation from shaving using those 3-4 blade razors. I use one of these now

http://www.churchillsbarbershop.com/files/98/93921487-65bf-d230-4c9d-2a5626a44198.jpg

It gets such a close shave I only have to shave every other day to have no stubble. (Not that I do that all the time...Sometimes I go beardfaced.) And I get no irritation. Use an Alum block after shaving too. Also if you do decide to try a safety razor don't push down just let it glide, it's easy to cut yourself

:0 where can i get one?

[willardhaven]

I am afraid of those things but I really think I need one.

Where do you buy the double-edged safety razors?

[Rusty Ghia]

After reading this (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/), I'm going to try with a double-edged safety razor. I'm tired of the irritation, bumps, and cuts of cartridge razors.

And don't get me started on electric razors....

Edit: Some informative videos. (http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59)

[crunchb3rry]

I don't shave anymore. I use one of those beard clippers and just buzz it down to stubble. If I shave, my neck itches like crazy when it grows back out. When it's just stubble it doesn't itch.

[Static X]

Guardless trimmer for me. I can't think of a single day in the last 10 plus years where I was totally clean shaven.

[Koggit]

I use a Gillette Fusion Power with the same brand shave gel.. I do it in the shower (with a fog-resistant mirror) every morning.. that's what she said.


Get in shower
Body wash/rinse
Shampoo/rinse
Put conditioner in
Shave
rinse conditioner

out

~4minutes

[Rig]

I'd toss that Quattro and replace it with a Fusion. Much better razor.

Definitely use shaving cream. Yeah, it takes a little longer, but it really helps. The hot shower is also a great idea, which you said you're already doing.

I've used both electric and manual razors. I prefer the better/cleaner cut from the manuals, though the electric is faster. And I actually shave once every three or four days.

[Pure Apathy]

I only have to shave once every 2 weeks or so. If I want my face to look smooth it would have to be every 3 or 4 days. Anyway what I do is use an electric razor to get the hairs down as close to my skin as possible, and then I use a manual razor plus shaving cream to finish the rest.

I use a quattro razor and barbasol shaving cream. I believe the electric razor I use is a braun.

[Mr Unoriginal]

THis weekend it looks like I'm going to pickup a shower mirror and some shaving cream and see how that works out for me. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th shave and it is already starting to feel a little better. The neck is still tough and I can never seem to get it to feel totally smooth, even though it generally looks okay when I'm done with it.

[HowStern]

:0 where can i get one?

I am afraid of those things but I really think I need one.

Where do you buy the double-edged safety razors?

Here's a couple for $25

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/5416207.htm

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/5415886.htm

The blades are really cheap, so, it makes up for spending more on a razor because you'll save money in the long run.

[strongpimphand]

as a black man, i can tell you that razors = murder.

most black men have ultra sensitive skin, horribly sensitive skin. razors kill us. that's why if you look in wal-mart you can find a product line dedicated to fighting razor bumps. (it works...but slow)

the reason is simply because most black men have natural curly hair, and our beards grow in weirdly. the hairs will dip back into the skin and you get bumps. and trust me...NOBODY LIKES BUMPS!!!

So, unless already stated by a black man on here already, we mainly use clippers (personal grooming type or the type you'll get from a barber). Clippers can get you close without irritation and doesn't open up the skin at all so no worries about hairs sprouting up...only to curl down.

Second best is a foil razor.

Anything else...like those 3 head electric razors or a manual razor....disgrace and waste of time!

[willardhaven]

THis weekend it looks like I'm going to pickup a shower mirror and some shaving cream and see how that works out for me. I think I'm on my 3rd or 4th shave and it is already starting to feel a little better. The neck is still tough and I can never seem to get it to feel totally smooth, even though it generally looks okay when I'm done with it.

What razor are you going with?

Here's a couple for $25

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/5416207.htm

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/5415886.htm

The blades are really cheap, so, it makes up for spending more on a razor because you'll save money in the long run.

Thank you, I think it's time for me to switch to the scary old-fashioned razor. I have a really thick dark beard so I can ruin a cartridge (Gillette) in about 2-3 days. My skin is pretty sensitive too, so I have a lot of trouble shaving since the blade won't cut.

What are these clippers you guys are talking about? They are not the same as electric razors?

[Mr Unoriginal]

What razor are you going with?

Sounds like the Fusion is a favorite of a few in the thread, I'll try that.

[willardhaven]

Let me know how it works for you, I use the Mach 3 Turbo right now and my beard destroys the blade in 3-4 shaves.

[the_grimace]

i use a beard trimmer to shave. lol. it leaves me with a 5 oclock shadow look that ive kinda grown into. I do have to shave everyday though with, regardless of what i use. it really is a pain in the ass

[detectiveconan16]

I shave as much as a 16 year-old. So it'll be a while before I can barely grow a mustache. Soap and bic razor is all I need.

[thechairmanh2k]

what you all need to do is man up and go to www.datemybeard.com itll change your life :D

[StarKnightX]

Since I have to keep clean shavin for work (they don't allow men to have beards/goatees , mustaches are ok within reason though) I usually shave every other day , when I take my shower. I use shave gel or foam , whichever I have , and usually some variety of gilette razor (either Mach 3 or Fusion , again whichever I have cardtridges for). No Quadtros. Every Quadtro I've used worked shitty , and the blade had to be changed really frequently (like every 2-3 shaves) , as opposed to the gilette blades where I can get away with using the same cardtridge for 6-12 shaves. Not because of dullnesss though , but the fact that the quadtro blades always got clogged up too easily.

If I'm really in a hurry , I keep a pack of disposibles in my locker at work , and I'll grab one , head in the bathroom , run some water and wet my face/stubble/beard up , no gel or foam , and just shave quick right there. Doing that actually seems like it gets me a closer , smoother shave , but it does leave my face a bit burned for a while.

[jlseal]

try using shaving cream.
This. I can't imagine shaving without it. The whole purpose of shaving cream is to lubricate your skin so the blade moves over it easily. Shave after or in the shower. The heat and moisture from the shower will soften your hair and make it easier to cut.

[antlp89]

Definitely use some shaving cream or else your face is going to itch like a bitch.