Before shaving with a DE, I got bumps all the time- even w/ an electric shaver. Since using a DE, I rarely experience a razor bump. However, for those strays, I always dab on uncut 100% tea tree oil to the area twice per day. Normally by the 2nd day, the bump has gone down and the hair can be pulled/tweezed out. Then the area receives a fresh dab of tea tree oil-I still have the original bottle I purchased 10 years ago-not much is needed per dab on a triple size cotton ball.
I also will not shave over that area and give it a chance to calm down.
I am now able to use alcohol based A/S which were a no-no before. I am able to use any of the equipment in my den and can even shave twice a day!
Before DE, while in the military, I had a shaving profile for the majority of my career excepting special days, review and promotion boards where I shaved the morning of and then suffered for the next 2-3 weeks w/ the results. After my honorable, I went to the electric shavers and even Magic Powder (just say NO!) which did not help.
Stick with the DE, develop good prep and don't rush your technique- it takes time for your skin to adjust, but it will. Once that happens, you will find the bumps disappearing and only becoming occasional nuisances.
Heavier DE's ( and those w/ longer handles) seem to work better as they force you to allow the weight of the razor to do the work; Merkur 38C as an example. My main formula is as follows: Mild razor + sharp blade ( Lady Gillette & Feather blade) or aggressive razor + smooth blade ( Muhle R41 2011 & Gillette Silver Blue). The key is to find the combo that works for your face and skin, then stick w/ it-DO NOT CHANGE ANY VARIABLES once you find what works.
After you hit upon the correct formula for your face, then and only then can/should you change 1 thing. You want to develop consistency while allowing the adjustment period. Also, your technique will develop and improve to where you can detect what went wrong with a shave and what to adjust to get back to where you need to be. Once you have your baseline down that produces good to great shaves for you, you can go wild then.
Hope this helps.
marty
I also will not shave over that area and give it a chance to calm down.
I am now able to use alcohol based A/S which were a no-no before. I am able to use any of the equipment in my den and can even shave twice a day!
Before DE, while in the military, I had a shaving profile for the majority of my career excepting special days, review and promotion boards where I shaved the morning of and then suffered for the next 2-3 weeks w/ the results. After my honorable, I went to the electric shavers and even Magic Powder (just say NO!) which did not help.
Stick with the DE, develop good prep and don't rush your technique- it takes time for your skin to adjust, but it will. Once that happens, you will find the bumps disappearing and only becoming occasional nuisances.
Heavier DE's ( and those w/ longer handles) seem to work better as they force you to allow the weight of the razor to do the work; Merkur 38C as an example. My main formula is as follows: Mild razor + sharp blade ( Lady Gillette & Feather blade) or aggressive razor + smooth blade ( Muhle R41 2011 & Gillette Silver Blue). The key is to find the combo that works for your face and skin, then stick w/ it-DO NOT CHANGE ANY VARIABLES once you find what works.
After you hit upon the correct formula for your face, then and only then can/should you change 1 thing. You want to develop consistency while allowing the adjustment period. Also, your technique will develop and improve to where you can detect what went wrong with a shave and what to adjust to get back to where you need to be. Once you have your baseline down that produces good to great shaves for you, you can go wild then.
Hope this helps.
marty
