Quick question for the buzzers....

[eightbitpotion]

So I've been buzz clipping my hair for about a month now, but I'm getting a razor-rash like symptom right above my ears. I use a #1 guide only, and don't push... and I'm not hitting skin, and my hair is not curly.

Anyone else ever have this? I wasn't sure if it was maybe a reaction to my normal shampoo since my hair is shorter or maybe a reaction to the sun (never buzzed before). I just got some tar shampoo because I figured that'd be less aggressive on my newly exposed scalp, but it's a shot in the dark.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

Hmm, I'm not sure exactly...
How often are you trimming your hair? It seems to me that you probably only really need to trim up once a week tops (I'd stick with every two, but your hair is probably different).

I think you may be onto something with the shampoo. Try shampooing less often, and using less product, or switch to more natural/mild shampoo.

The only other thing I can think of, is that perhaps the now short, stiff hairs might be rustling against your pillow as you sleep or something and causing irritation.

Hope any of that helps.

 

[AverageJoe]

Yea, that's a bit of a puzzle! A couple thoughts: from my OWN experience, the fewer chemicals you put on your skin, the better! I have very sensitive skin, so I'm familiar with this sort of thing. Something I've been doing since I started buzzing my head is simply using a little plain old Ivory bar soap to wash my head/hair with-----there probably isn't anything as mild and chemical and fragrance-free. In contrast, take a look at the ingredients on your bottle of shampoo. I feel better not scrubbing all that stuff into my skin anyway. Works great for me and you don't need to buy anymore shampoo. "Tar Soap" has some pretty strong stuff in it I think, even if it is natural. Turpentine is natural too, but I wouldn't take a bath in it.

 

[TheVez2]

One thought... are you oiling your clipper? If so maybe some excess oil is getting on your skin.

 

[AverageJoe]

Yea, I thought of the oil issue too. It's a possibility, but since you're using a guide, the oiled blades shouldn't really even be touching the skin unless you really drenched them and it's dripping all over! In any case, I've heard of guys using Olive Oil. You might try that------a "food safe/non-allergenic/cheap" (and edible!) lube.

 

[VampyreWolf]

I use clippers on my head about once a month, just down to 1/2" to keep it neat. Been doing it for 14 years now, though I go to 1/4" once in a while, and even take a couple months off every now and then.

Had issues with dandruff until I figured out I was using too many chemicals too often. Now I just rinse my hair in the daily shower and use shampoo on the days I go biking (avg 3 days a week).