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Neck sensitivity

Nostalgic Shaver

Nostalgic Shaver

Shave Newbie
I have neck sensitivity with de razors. The skin on my neck seems to be thinner or softer compared to the face. I've started my 7 day srs with the grain but the sensitivity seems to be worse. Any suggestions on dealing with this. And is there an afterwards treatment to help with the irritation. Thanks in advance
 
Cold water rinses are the first place to start. Simple things like witch hazel or alum can also help. STRETCH your skin before you shave it and use a shallow angle with minimal (but deliberate) pressure. Also, try finishing with some talc once your skin is dry. This can help soothe the skin and prevent heat related irritation.

I find that straight razors treat my skin far better than a DE razor. This may be as much my lack of DE shaving abilities as it is the straight razor’s blade…so this may not be a universal thing.

Edit: did I mention STRETCH your skin, rinse between passes with COLD water & use a shallow angle (spine closer to the skin) and light but deliberate pressure?
 
CBLindsay said:
Cold water rinses are the first place to start. Simple things like witch hazel or alum can also help. STRETCH your skin before you shave it and use a shallow angle with minimal (but deliberate) pressure. Also, try finishing with some talc once your skin is dry. This can help soothe the skin and prevent heat related irritation.

I find that straight razors treat my skin far better than a DE razor. This may be as much my lack of DE shaving abilities as it is the straight razor’s blade…so this may not be a universal thing.

Edit: did I mention STRETCH your skin, rinse between passes with COLD water & use a shallow angle (spine closer to the skin) and light but deliberate pressure?
Click to expand...
I did all that you mentioned though I noticed I don't pay enough attention to the stretching but the angle I'm not quite sure of. I'll pay more attention to the angle and stretching next shave. Though on the next shave I might need to hold off on the neck just to give a little healing time. Thanks CB
 
CBLindsay said:
Cold water rinses are the first place to start. Simple things like witch hazel or alum can also help. STRETCH your skin before you shave it and use a shallow angle with minimal (but deliberate) pressure. Also, try finishing with some talc once your skin is dry. This can help soothe the skin and prevent heat related irritation.

I find that straight razors treat my skin far better than a DE razor. This may be as much my lack of DE shaving abilities as it is the straight razor’s blade…so this may not be a universal thing.

Edit: did I mention STRETCH your skin, rinse between passes with COLD water & use a shallow angle (spine closer to the skin) and light but deliberate pressure?
Click to expand...
Well said Chris! I have little to add, but I will say that if I use a DE my shave is always much more rough than if I were to use a straight razor.

Alum and witch Hazel are the way to go and as Chris said, stretch the bejesus out of the skin on your neck.

Best wishes
 
Nostalgic Shaver said:
I did all that you mentioned though I noticed I don't pay enough attention to the stretching but the angle I'm not quite sure of. I'll pay more attention to the angle and stretching next shave. Though on the next shave I might need to hold off on the neck just to give a little healing time. Thanks CB
Click to expand...
If you have a moment check out the Member Shave Videos section. There are a ton of DE shavers who have excellent techniques over there. You may learn something from them and their shaves. I really hope you find what works for you.
 
Welcome to The TSC! Be sure to head to the Newbie Forum and introduce yourself.

How long have you been using a DE? Which razor and blade are you currently using? I used to have more irritation on my neck as well. A lot of it was resolved over time by just refining my technique. You could try using a milder razor on your neck. You could also try switching to a different blade. I know when I used to use derby blades, they'd be fine on my face, but would irritate my neck.

There are many factors that go into a smooth shave and having an idea of your entire process could help. Changing any number of things could be what finally works. There's not one sole solution to every issue. Mostly it's trial and error, since we all have different faces, different water, and different climates..... so what works for one person, may not work for another.
 
When i switched from cartridges to DE razors, i had the same problem and it dawned on me (after losing rather more blood that was necessary) that i was pressing the the thing too hard into my skin. If you watch a lot of these really skillful shavers, they are hardly doing more than touching the blade to their skin and only using enough pressure to keep it there and nothing more.
Alum will sting on application and if i know i have been a bit rough on a shave, then i skip it and just use some witch hazel. Always moisturize your skin after - i like the Nivea after shave lotion and it's cheap!

It occurred to me that i could also avoid the problem altogether, but i'm not sure work would approve!

neckbeard.jpg

A warm welcome and the best of luck on a solution.

T
 
Sounds like you already made the switch to cold water. That was the biggest change for me in reducing irritation. Also blade/razor combos make a huge difference. The bummer is you don't know if it does until you fix any other issues first. Like the post-shave routine and making sure you're using NO pressure on the blade. After finding the winning combo of razor and blade, I find I get a rougher shave when I go back to those less expensive razors I started with.
 
Nostalgic Shaver said:
I have neck sensitivity with de razors. The skin on my neck seems to be thinner or softer compared to the face. I've started my 7 day srs with the grain but the sensitivity seems to be worse. Any suggestions on dealing with this. And is there an afterwards treatment to help with the irritation. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

Nostalgic Shaver said:
Edit: So this post is about straight razor shaving hence srs.
Click to expand...
 
What kind of straight razor are you using? Shavette style? Traditional blade? If using a shavette style it might be worth using a different blade ( like the feather pro guard) if using a traditional blade the type of hone used can influence the feel but usually some quality stropping and regular use will smooth things out.
 
CBLindsay said:
What kind of straight razor are you using? Shavette style? Traditional blade? If using a shavette style it might be worth using a different blade ( like the feather pro guard) if using a traditional blade the type of hone used can influence the feel but usually some quality stropping and regular use will smooth things out.
Click to expand...
Gold Dollar 208 6/8 is what I am currently using.
Also have an 11/16 Dubl Duck Dwarf. Not sure which would be better just yet but time will tell. I think one of my biggest issues is not just going right in. Basically like Barber Dave says "a still blade is an accident waiting to happen".
 
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