Razor Burn: How do you prevent it?

[Andarvi]

I barely have any facial hair. Couldn't grow a full beard or mustache, not even close. My hair doesn't even connect from my upper lip to my chin or from my chin to my side burns.

Anyways, I find that I get razor burn on my upper lip quite often. Mostly it is near the edges towards the side of my mouth, but I also get it in the middle too. It used to be far worse when I used an actual razor, and have since switched to a electric one and found it works better. Still, I seem to get it more than I would like, and it sometimes manifests into what looks like a tiny little whitehead.

I use aftershave immediately after shaving (or after the shower), sometimes it doesnt get irritated, others it does.

What do you guys do to prevent razor burn? Any good techniques?

[Roranora]

Nivea Replenishing Balm.. never any post-shave irritation since I started using it

Edit: And I shave (cream+Gillete Fusion) my entire face, first with and then against the grain; I cut myself once or so every 5-10 shaves, but it's never bad, and it never hurts after the balm. I rarely shower before shaving though, as I tend to shave in the middle of the day when I do choose to shave. It's not a daily event for me; I'm fortunate I don't grow facial hair very quickly.

[Mici]

Dont go against the grain, or show beforehand, the host water makes the hairs softer.
I have to do both or my face will be bright red and itchy for 5 hours after I shave.

Edit: Didnt see it was electric, the blades on those things get dull fast, so maybe replace them.

[Pikarya]

1. Use a better razor, not the 1$ granny leg shavers.
2. Better facial lubricant (as mentioned)
3. Don't re-shave areas you have previously shaved.
4. Shave with the grain, never against it. Follow the curve and angle of hair on your face since for some men it moves around more towards the cheek meeting the neck.
5. Replace you razors often, don't re-use them over and over (if they are the disposable type).

Or. Just go oldschool with a beavertail, etc. Shaving perfection at its best, for a price.

[Akucaen]

What kind of razor are you using? A lot of it is that, although you can use various shaving creams to help out. Personally, I usually use a Mach 3 Turbo (the vibrating one) with Nivea for men. I keep a slightly older Braun electric shaver (the one with the self-cleaning charging base) for when I let it grow out just a bit too much. I used the braun shaver for a couple years, and honestly it is a good shaver in regards to razorburn. The only catch with it is that it was terrible for a "quick" shave.

Nowadays it's just easier to use the blade on it to trim everything down, then lather and use the Mach 3 for cleaning up/close shave.

[Slapper]

Never had razor burn before. I always shave at night before I wash my face so the skin will be somewhat oily. I also never shave after a shower bc my skin is dry after a shower.

[Xiona]

it takes me about 4 days to grow anything noticeable. if i shave everyday i would get razor burn too, instead i wait 2-3 days so i actually have more length to shave.

[Andarvi]

I dont use shaving cream on the area that gets razor burn, and i dont think i can replace these blades, they dont seem to be the disposable type. also, shaving with this razor with the grain does very little, thus i often shave against, but there is such little hair when i shave most of the time.

[Mojo]

To begin with, what you're describing sounds like a very specific type of razor burn (there are more than one.) Those small whiteheads are likely caused by bacteria or dead skin cells getting into your pores (which is why they appear around your nose more often than your cheeks and other areas,) due to damaged skin caused by shaving. There are many things you can do to reduce the chances of these occurring. Your best bet is to take a 15 minute+ shower before you shave and drape a moist cloth over your facial hair while you do so. Doing this will soften up the hairs and give you a smoother shave (reducing the number of times you'll need to go over an area.) Make sure you build up a good lather too, moisturizing your skin will reduce the chances of damaging your skin while you shave. Also make sure that you clean your face in the shower, and avoid rubbing your hands all over your face throughout the day too.

[Xiona]

oh i also found splashing alcohol on my razor before using it to clean it off helps

[Andarvi]

oh i also found splashing alcohol on my razor before using it to clean it off helps

Yeah I already do that, noticed a difference as well.

And thanks for the info Mojo.

[Vandole]

once i started using my schick quatro titanium, my shaves got SOOO much better.

get an expensive razor :>

[Cream Soda]

I'm glad I don't get enough facial hair to need to shave. Haven't had to once

[Obev]

I avoid razor burn by growing a badass beard.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/742...verettburn.jpg

Problem, officer?

[Cyn]

It's herpes.

[Chicomagiko]

Spoiler: show

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e3...omagiko/SR.jpg

Only acceptable way to shave. The really good ones run for about $100+

(Spoilered for size)

[Brill Weave]

Mach 3 baby.

[Norelco]

I love shaving against the grain though. It's the only way I get an awesomely smooth face. I only once every 2-3 days b/c of razor burn.

[Dimmauk]

I dont use shaving cream on the area that gets razor burn, and i dont think i can replace these blades, they dont seem to be the disposable type. also, shaving with this razor with the grain does very little, thus i often shave against, but there is such little hair when i shave most of the time.

If you do go against the grain, use Shaving cream. Actually, if you are going to shave, use Shaving cream or shaving balm.

P.S. Tribe called Quest is one of my favorite bands.

[volcanicweather]

I shave once a week on average, it helps tremendously. I look good with some scruff so no big deal there.