Hi there, i've been DE shaving for about 6 weeks now and can't seem to be able to shave ATG without some localised bad irritation. It occurs around my mouth and my neck as small and painful spots, whereas my cheeks can take it fine. I tried a blade sampler and the Astra SP was by far the best blade, but i've also bought some feathers which again feel great but still aren't any good ATG.Is this a case of relatively coarse dark hair in these areas mixed with sensitive skin making ATG unsuitable for me or could I try something to help improve my shave?I currently shave with an EJ89, EJ sandalwood soap (which i can lather up a dream using a bowl), EJ pure badger brush, face wash with Dove Sensitive soap before hot towel treatment for about 3 minutes and then finish off with Alum and then Nivea Sensitive balm. If I have a WTG/XTG/XTG 3 pass shave then it feels fantastic with no irritation but doesn't seem to last long before the shadow and stubble are back.Any tips/advice?Craig
Impossible ATG
- Thread starter craig830
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hey man just don't go ATG, BBS is nice but if its bothering you that much....
Perhaps try going just go WTG twice or maybe WTG then XTG. Beyond that look into different creams with more slickness (MWF) or more mild blades. I know often the reason for ATG problems for me is just a dull blade or a poor lather.
Perhaps try going just go WTG twice or maybe WTG then XTG. Beyond that look into different creams with more slickness (MWF) or more mild blades. I know often the reason for ATG problems for me is just a dull blade or a poor lather.
this is my problem too. everywhere on my face is BBS and can handle ATG except the little patch under my chin down my neck. always there. lately i've been going ATG regardless of the irritation it causes me but to no avail, still can feel the fine stubble. i used Astra SP and Feathers and same issue. so i'm thinking its my technique. not pulling the skin tight enough, to much pressure/not enough, not the right angle. i will figure this out!
+1. I settle for wtg and xtg because I get too much irritation trying atg.
Patient: "Doctor, it hurts every time I do this."
Doctor: "My recommendation is that you stop doing that."
Seriously, accept that the learning curve is long and gradual. Focus on consistency and smoothness over closeness. Try to make a small improvement in every shave. Remember that 2 XTG passes in opposite directions is 95% as good as ATG with 5% the risk of irritation.
Keep at it, and after 6 or so months you'll be amazed at how great your shaves are.
Doctor: "My recommendation is that you stop doing that."
Seriously, accept that the learning curve is long and gradual. Focus on consistency and smoothness over closeness. Try to make a small improvement in every shave. Remember that 2 XTG passes in opposite directions is 95% as good as ATG with 5% the risk of irritation.
Keep at it, and after 6 or so months you'll be amazed at how great your shaves are.
+1 If you have dark and coarse hair, be happy with what you get with your routine; most of us can not go ATG all the time. Be patient, and possibly, after you skin gets used to this, you can possibly do one ATG pass. Good luck.
- Thread starter
- #7
Coarse hair here and had irritation going ATG. Found the following helps:
- Proraso for prep
- Feather blades- change every 3-4 shaves
- Almost zero pressure- use an alum block afterwards to verify (shouldn't sting)
I've been working on building better lather as well. Hope this helps!
- Proraso for prep
- Feather blades- change every 3-4 shaves
- Almost zero pressure- use an alum block afterwards to verify (shouldn't sting)
I've been working on building better lather as well. Hope this helps!
I agree: try with and across the grain; I've been using Mitchell's Woolfat in the dry/cold weather with good results; also a good, sharp blade--SuperMax SP. I am still looking for a shave soap with more emollients than the Mitchell's, which is a good soap, but this dry, cold weather dries my skin awfully. A friend uses glycerin (available in soap or liquid) mixed in with his shave soap for added slip and moisture. I've yet to try it, but it's on my list.
My guess is that you are applying too much pressure on the ATG. I usually do a three pass but sometimes (like today) I just did XTG followed by ATG and some minor cleanup (chin area is a pain in the rear). Nice comfortable shave with no irritation. I found out a long time ago that "MULTIPLE PASSES" over the same spot is a major cause of irritation. Just do it till it feels good and then stop. You will find that as your face dries out your shave will seem smoother as the slight stubble that remains dries out and shrinks. I wasn't trying for anything even close to a BBS (day off-why bother<G>) and was just trying for a relaxing clean shave. Got damn near a BBS without even trying. But I used almost no pressure at all on the ATG. Didn't even sting when I splashes on my Old Spice....
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