(Part 3) Best men after shaves according to redditors

I am one of those people that for some reason is super sensitive to shaving and easily get bumps, even with just an electric shaver. Here is what I need to do to absolutely, positively, have 0 razor bumps after shaving. You may or may not need to do all of these. But, if you literally do these exact steps with these exact products, you really shouldn't get razor bumps.

1. Take shower, wash face twice using sebamed cleansing bar (not soap)
   
   
2. Dry face with clean towel, quickly use hair dryer on face so it isn't still damp (or just wait 5 minutes to let it dry naturally)
   
   
3. Apply pre-shave to face, wait for it to dry (shouln't take long, it's alchohol based)
   
   
4. Dip razor in isopropyl alcohol, shake around a few times, let sit in alcohol for about 30 seconds
   
   
5. Get warm water running, apply warm water to face, apply shaving lotion
   
   
6. Shave along direction of hair growth (this may or may not be "down", could be sideways or up for some people).
   
   
7. Rinse off shaving cream with warm water
   
   
8. Rinse again with cold water
   
   
9. About 10 minutes later, finish with after shave gel
   
   Here are the products I use:
   
   "Soap"
   
   Pre-Shave
   
   Razor
   
   Shaving Cream
   
   "After-Shave"

Hair: ORS Hair lotion

Body: Nivea Body Lotion or Palmers Coco Butter

Face: Cerave cream and for the shaving areas Skin tight

This is going to sound crazy... but I remember seeing someone writing about aftershave black men use after shaving since they tend to be highly prone to ingrown hairs. I did a quick search and found that type of product on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Ingrown-Hair-Treatment-2-5/dp/B000RG8D6A). Not sure if it works, and you most likely will find others but I hope this is a possible solution for you.

I am a sweaty person. I have tried all the name brand antiperspirants/deodorants. After years of crusted yellow/white stained shirts, I realized that my body seemed to compensate with more sweat, plugged up under the arms, it surfaced on my back and head. Clinical/prescription strength antiperspirants only added to the problem, and my white tees took the damage. Later I found out people, myself included, actually use too much, you only need a super thin amount applied to your underarms, don't go about it like frosting a cake.

Also thinking about the potential harm of aluminum based antiperspirants (you absorb everything through your skin), I moved on to some natural deodorants (brands like Toms) but they just didn't seem to work so well, but i did notice when I applied less deodorant, or didn't altogether, my sweat began to lessen in severity. Anytime I actually smelled (like after yardwork or a any long day in the sun), it was time for a shower anyways. After I was properly applying a thin coat, I settled on Arm & Hammers Essential Deodorant that began to alleviate my problems, notably with my clothing. No more yellow crusty shirts!

But how about some deodorant that will last you several years? Try a Thai Deodorant Stone, I've had this baby for a year now and I can attest that it works great. Nowadays I apply this to my underarms from time to time and lightly powder my feet and groin with a mix of cornstarch and talc. Life is much better now.

TLDR: Use less antiperspirant and try a deodorant stick without aluminum, like Arm & Hammer Natural Essentials, or try a Thai Deodorant Stone cause it rules. Also try applying talc/cornstarch to areas you get moist

And while we're on the topic of saving money on everyday hygienic activities, consider a safety razor (refill blades are $10 for 100 compared to $20 for 8) some nice sandalwood shave soap (I've had this bowl for a year and it doesn't really look like any is gone) and a nice aftershave (I get lots of compliments on the particular scent of this one from those who get close enough to smell it) I always use an after shave lotion with little or no alcohol, because alcohol dries your face out and makes you look older. Then moisturizer, then an anti-aging...

Before I started shaving like this, I had a bit of an acne problem and some parts of my face where I would get spots of dry skin, it's gone now. My skin is mostly clear. You're gonna get a much better shave that doesn't irritate your skin and save a ton of money when you think about the cost of Gillete Quadruple edged razors, plus how much more badass is it to shave like this? This is how your grandpa shaved. The upfront investment is a badger brush, which I called an investment because a good one will last you a lifetime.

That's my hygiene ramble.

You look great man! I think the gap adds character. I have a scar-line on my eyebrow and I dig it.

Sorry if I’m being presumptuous, but I notice you get shave bumps. I do as well, and I’ve started using this post shave treatment from SheaMoisture specifically to prevent bumps, and it has been magic for me. No alcohol in it, which irritates. I started using a few of their other skin/hair products and really dig their stuff. I’ve seen the brand at Walgreens, but can only find the bump treatment and Three Butters treatment on Amazon. Not an ad, just sharing a personal discovery. Anyway, good looking beard dude.

Shea Moisture Tea Tree After Shave & bump preventer herbal elixir 4 fl oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PIPIHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vnSGxbQ1TBCTM

The only blades I use. I personally love them, I've tried a few others and those are the ones that require me to make the fewest passes and cause the least irritation.

They aren't very forgiving in and of themselves...but I've found that with a bit of shave oil (my preference, I use this stuff) or glycerin based pre-shave (such as Skin Food from Geo F. Trumper, if you have that kind of money to spend on your shave..) cream that I've able to almost completely avoid any nicks or cuts.

Of course, with any blade...YMMV. Feathers are considered to be the sharpest you can buy. They will be significantly sharper than any blade you've used...the ones you bought from Wally World will seem like butter knives in comparison. Hopefully, you've got a good technique down and you have some quality shave soap on hand. I'd strong suggest some sort of pre-shave treatment as well, if you're not confident in your technique.

And for the first week or so, if your beard looks OK doing so, I'd resist doing any sort of XTG or ATG passes...stick to WTG while you're getting the feel.

The first blades I ever used were feathers...most people say "Don't do that". And indeed, my face paid the price for that one, and I went between a few other popular brands before coming back to Feather for good.

Is it green? My roommate uses this crap https://www.amazon.com/Clubman-Pinaud-Lilac-Vegetal-Lotion/dp/B000GCSCSE?th=1 that he started using after a trip to the barber.

I ordered a box from Harry's about a month ago. I was really excited as it looked like some great stuff.

Unfortunately I really didn't like any of it. The blades were decent. Good, sharp steel but there was no trimmer blade, the blade head was large and made of cheap plastic and didn't follow the contour of your face well. The shave cream sucked. It felt nice on the skin but barely lubricated at all.

Fortunately, their customer service is phenomenal. I emailed them saying I wasn't thrilled with the set and they completely refunded me. It might work out better for someone else but I wasn't a fan. I've shopped around a LOT over the past month trying to get the best shave. So far my favorites are:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009WQH8SA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hands down the best shave cream I've ever used and I've used everything from mass-market shave gels to expensive soaps/creams. It's a little different from other shave creams but it gives an incredibly smooth shave even if you have sensitive skin. Very frugal too, a tube lasts a long time.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UVQ3V4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not everyone uses post-shave balm but everyone should. Soothes irritation and moisturizes your skin. This stuff is my favorite. Feels really nice and does a great job of healing any razor burn you might get. A little pricey but the little tube goes a long way.

And for blades I settled on Dorco blades. They're the same blades sold through Dollar Shave Club but if you get them on the Dorco USA website they're MUCH cheaper. I tried using a safety razor and it's just not my thing. The Dorco blades are, I'd say, about on par with Gillette Fusion blades and many, many times cheaper.

And remember: when you try a new type of razor or razor brand, give it a few shaves before you judge it. Sometimes your face needs to adjust and you will also subconsciously adjust your shaving technique because every razor is different.

Go forth and be manly my children.

I can totally empathize, as it suddenly got very bad for me too. My picking issue concerns chronic ingrown hairs (some legitimate, some self-induced by creating an "environment" really conducive to their development via picking). Exfoliation is touted as the best treatment, but, well, I kinda don't think it really does dick. I have used these and also usually just over my jawline and neck. I feel like they help a little in preventing/reducing the occurrence, maybe better than nothing. I like 'em because they contain both AHA and BHA, which are supposed to work pretty well synergistically. But pretty expensive.

AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc. in a variety of concentrations and formulations) is good for surface stuff like whiteheads and uneven skin tone. It will burn like mad for a few seconds if you use it over any open wounds (and possibly even if you don't). Also pretty drying. You'll be red and flushed, so moisturizer and SPF is a must after applying anything with an AHA.

BHA (aka salicylic acid, like Stridex pads) penetrates deeper into the pore. Good for blackheads and reduces inflammation. Not nearly as intense as AHAs (you rarely find concentrations of more than 2%) but still a bit drying in my experience. My skin tends towards dry anyway, so I always have to use a moisturizer.

There's some controversy over whether physical or purely chemical exfoliation is better. I've heard of the medicated pads having the potential to make "micro tears" in your skin, leading to breakouts but that really smacks of some bullshit. If you find that physical exfoliants are too harsh, don't use 'em. Whenever my skin seems to react badly to the pads, I tend to use this gel. Paula's Choice does have some nice chemical options in the form of leave-on gels, liquids, and creams, but like you said, expensive as fuck. Honestly, drugstore/generic equivalents will probably get the job done without breaking the bank. The fewer ingredients, the better (as a rule of thumb).

I've learned that keeping my wounds from drying out and scabbing over is key to speeding healing and minimizing scarring. Occlusives like Neosporin, Aquaphor, or even plain Vaseline are your best bets. Apparently you're not supposed to use Neosporin for more than a few days, but I used to slather myself with that stuff for weeks at a time before discovering Aquaphor. Didn't have any issues (except perhaps more resistant bacteria? Who knows). People also swear by hydrocolloidal bandages (think blister patches). They promote a moist healing environment w/o having to use any chemicals and you can leave on for several days.

There doesn't seem to be anything that helps very much with those hard bumps except time. Moisture + SPF should keep them from getting worse, at least. Sigh.

I'm sorry for your loss, take all the time you need.

And while I'm assigning you more homework: I'd love if you could eventually tackle daily SPF protection for men.

I've tried using Neutrogena clear face after applying my normal aftershave and it stings. Not the good kind of sting that you feel when aftershave is working, more like a "don't apply this to freshly shaved skin"-sting.

Since that little experiment, I've found two different aftershaves (here and here) that incorporate SPF into the aftershave. You use the aftershave/lotion/sunscreen on your whole face after shaving, not just the beard area. I was curious if either of those offered reasonable protection. I've already purchased the L'Oreal and like it so far.

Shave after warm shower. Use pre-shave oil and quality shave soap.
Use an adjustable razor set to lowest number or an exceptional mild razor like the PAA DOC original, but with a very sharp blade such as Feather.

Once lathered, use only cold water to complete shave. Shave by removing the lather (really light touch), don't try to remove facial hair. Take a look at the FAQ.

After shave ritual: cold water rinse, witch-hazel, balm, then aftershave

I use Lord Platinums as my personal favorite. And don't stress too much about against the grain. I've found that getting an angled shave going across does wonders for right below my chin and I can't really explain it. There's a lot of trial and error involved with it for the most part to find what suits you best. Finding good aftershave is easy but finding a favorite is the hard part. I'm still experimenting as well but so far I've fallen in love with Bay Rum and it's a very warm scent. I would keep an eye out on /r/wicked_edge for sampler packs on aftershave and what scents and brands tend to be very popular. For a basic after shave lotion that works well, I think Nivea for Men makes a good one that you can find at a store like Target and it certainly helps moisturize afterwards.

Italianbarber.com or west coast shaving are probably my favorite online shops specific shave items and can run some great deals on a big variety of things. Happy shaving!

I've used this and this Of the two, I like the post shave balm better, much less oily, smells better, and worked better for me. Currently using the AoS lavender after shave balm, but that's a bit pricier than either of those.

>Fair point, that was a bad example - But that's the image I've gotten from DE's, that they're more/less on-par with SE's.

Well they really are with the right technique! What I was getting at is that they require a different technique, which may pose the illusion of shaving better (but I would say that its the size of the beard that would present that illusion).

>I was using store-brand, Gillete Foam/Gel but I bought Nivea shaving gel on a whim (£1 due to broken cap) and must admit it gives the best ever shave.

Well I'm glad it works for you. However, using a good soap and shaving brush does a better job, as the bristles are more dynamic than the epidermal keratinocytes on your hands: they will truly lift your whiskers much better (that's what I felt anyways).

>I haven't tried other blades, as I bought a 20 pack with 5 blades and don't want to have them wasted ... But I'm always open to trying different blades.

I totally get that, I was the same! I start straight off with Feathers and raked my face for a month because I wanted my money's worth. However, you should consider a Sample Pack from Connaught Shaving or the Shaving Lounge, we call it "blade exploration":)

>I am an acne sufferer, mainly below my right ear (that far down); as for zits/pimples/spots - They have dramatically reduced since DE shaving, however I do have only one zit/spot on my upper lip.

That can be an issue when dealing with sharper blades you see, maybe this is the problem!

>I'm still learning to master the DE shaving, especially directly under my chin - With a cartridge blade, I'd go "back and forth" and turn the razor and pull it towards me to get rid of the stubborn hairs, but I'm not going to risk that with DE.

Good idea.

>Instead I settle with just the standard "shave towards my neck" motion... God I hope this mess makes sense to you! Sorry.

Of course it does! Once you do master the DE shave, you'll wonder why you went wrong.

You can lather creams on your face with a brush or in a bowl with a brush.. I use a bowl

https://usa.loccitane.com/cade-shaving-cream,82,1,29221,261746.htm?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-Oir8czj2gIVh6xpCh2wvAjnEAQYAiABEgLLkvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Truefitt-Hill-Sandalwood-Shaving-Cream/dp/B004LCHAM4


I would also recommend using Trumper skin food or Proraso to prep your skin (leave on while you lather and wash off before shaving).. can be used both pre and post shave

https://www.amazon.com/Geo-F-Trumper-Sandalwood-200ml/dp/B001M0HKKA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525146483&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=trumpers+skin+food&dpPl=1&dpID=31nbXFU-wjL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Pre-Shave-Cream-Sensitive-Skin/dp/B003VS5O3Q


As for prepping skin, some people say not to shower before and I also find that works for me:

Wash face with warm water and cleanser
Apply pre shave cream on facial hair
Lather shaving cream
Wash off pre shave cream
Shave
Post shave cream, wash off
After shave

I think people recommend not using shave oil or alum for sensitive skin. Also I like Astra platinum with Maggard V3A (aggressive) for my sensitive skin/coarse hair. Feathers are okay but I get a lot more scratches and not as smooth a shave as Astras

Lemme know if you have any other questions

I don't shave often enough to have a lot of weight behind my recommendations, but I have found that the quality of the brush is nearly as important as the cream/soap (or at least, you don't want the cheapest piece of crap brush you can find). I personally use this brush, this cream, and this after-shave balm.

Srs Why would it darken them?

I use it once or twice a week like I would on my face to avoid over exfoliation. When doing bikini area I don't put it anywhere near sensitive parts to avoid irritation. Yes, doing it every day would be harsh though! Many ingrown hair treatments you'd find at the store contain salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid (such as this or this). So I figured I'd just use what I already have instead of shelling out extra money for something to do the same thing a tub of Stridex can but for less.

My day starts the night before and doesn't go very well if I'm not prepared for it:

• Prepare lunch for the next day. Currently alternating between mango+blueberry+strawberry salad (50% mixed greens, 50% spinach) with mango dressing (on the side, don't want a soggy salad), and a rice bowl of brown rice, grilled chicken, snow peas, bean sprouts, spinach, and topped with a homemade sugar-free teriyaki sauce. Rice, chicken, and sauce are all prepared the Sunday before.
  
• Visit sleepyti.me or use the app (Android, don't know about iDevices) to figure out when I should be going to bed or waking up.
  
• Take vitamins: Fish oil (extremely important for healthy skin/hair), men's multivitamin, calcium+D3 - Whether or not I take half or whole of these depends on other supplements I take throughout the day and/or my diet. I get these from Costco.
  
• Use 2-step facial peel every-other night, wash face with glycolic face cleanser on the other nights.
  
• Moisturize on nights that I use cleanser only, as the 2-step peel moisturizes enough on its own. I will stress that cleanser is very much dependent on skin-type and what works well for you. Go to Sephora and talk to someone there about what to use, they'll happily give you a few samples, try each for a couple days and then go back and buy the one that works best for you. You shouldn't start to get oily until the end of your day with a good moisturizer that's working for you.
  
• Brush lightly without toothpaste or with a fluoride mouthwash - Limit brushing, more than once a day can actually do more damage than good. (Friend is a dentist)
  
• Floss
  
  Then when morning comes..
  
• Hit 10 minute snooze 2-3 times
  
• Maneuver out of the bed, trying not to disturb the cat, occasionally the missus if she has a late start, and the dog that doesn't fit but thinks he should anyway.
  
• I've had laser hair removal on my neck, so I don't worry about shaving there. I've been rocking the two-day stubble look on the rest of my face, so every-other day I trim with a bare blade on the trimmer.
  
• I only shower every day when I'm working out like I should be. Other than that, every-other day. Better for your hair and skin, natural oils and such. Make sure the shower is just warm enough that you're not shivering. This will wake your ass right up and remind you that the rest of the day probably won't go how you'd like it to (margaritas on the beach). I switch products often, but right now I'm using Bumble&Bumble Creme de Coco shampoo and conditioner for the hair, Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser for the face (it's warming and feels nice in a cold shower), and Olay Ultra Moisture w/Shea Butter for body scrub- it has almost no scent and keeps your skin moist enough to not use lotion on your entire body.
  
• Towel dry hair, not all the way, but close.
  
• Add the following products in the following order to hair: one and one-half pumps of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum (only if you have thick or frizzy hair, DO NOT use this if you have fine hair), generous misting (do not drench) of Bumble&Bumble Styling Lotion, and for hold 1-2 fingertip-sized gobs of Bumble&Bumble Sumotech - I let all of this sit for a couple minutes while I proceed with next steps
  
• Anti-ingrown hair with Anthony Logistics for Men Ingrown Hair Treatment - Let this dry/set before moisturizing with Boscia Black Hydration Gel
  
• Deodorant- Which one I use depends on whether or not I'm going to use cologne: With cologne I use either unscented or matching (currently Gucci Guilty), without cologne I really like Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant - it's not a heavy scent, and it lasts all day for anti-stink and anti-wet shirt (wet spots on the underarms of your shirt does not a gentleman make).
  
• Blow-dry and shape hair, self-explanatory.
  
• Brush teeth
  
• Get dressed
  
• Breakfast of chilled steel-cut oats mixed with vanilla fat-free Greek yogurt (this is made in large quantities on Sundays, would be happy to further share recipe), with mixed berries (blue, straw, black), mango, ground flax (body can't digest/process whole flax seeds, you'll just shit them out without getting any value), and almonds. French press coffee if I have time to grind, drip if not, preground from local coffee shop.
  
• Feed and water the animals, take the dog out for a quick walk.
  
  Weekly tasks:
  
• Pluck stray eyebrow hairs. If you have caterpillars above your eyeballs, nobody will take you seriously (see monthly tasks).
  
• If you have body hair that you do not like, trim it. If you wear V neck shirts or if you are West coast and don't wear a tie, you shouldn't be doing the last button of your shirt up. So trim at least the top of your chest.
  
• Clip your nails. I need to do this every 7-10 days.
  
  Monthly Tasks:
  
• Get your eyebrows shaped. The barber/salon you go to should offer this service for $10-15 + tip.
  
• I get my hair cut every 6 weeks, but if you go to a good barber/salon, you should be able to go in every 2 weeks or so and get the back of your neck and around your ears trimmed for free. This will be a 5 minute process and keeps you looking sharp.

[No it's this one](Reuzel Aftershave 100 g https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FQ1FIHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GcH9BbS753SWE) it's an orange color and has a guillotine on the lable.

Have you tried Lilac Vegetal? It's a flowery, powdery, masculine, classic, and to my nose polar opposite to spicey bay rums.

Red/pinkish pigment on and around nose, under eyes and chin area. palms of my hands have been red/pink too for as long as I can remember so wondering if it could just be the way my skin is or something. It also might get worse as weather gets colder but I can't say for sure.

https://imgur.com/a/UEO1RHH

Routine: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (shave with edge shave gel and use aftershave lotion if that is relevant)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSSDEPK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032ANCUU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TOV9O6W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1



Skin type: No clue. I have a dry/flaky scalp if I don't use head an shoulders a few times a week though.

Fair point, that was a bad example - But that's the image I've gotten from DE's, that they're more/less on-par with SE's.

I was using store-brand, Gillete Foam/Gel but I bought Nivea shaving gel on a whim (£1 due to broken cap) and must admit it gives the best ever shave.

I haven't tried other blades, as I bought a 20 pack with 5 blades and don't want to have them wasted ... But I'm always open to trying different blades.

I am an acne sufferer, mainly below my right ear (that far down); as for zits/pimples/spots - They have dramatically reduced since DE shaving, however I do have only one zit/spot on my upper lip.

I'm still learning to master the DE shaving, especially directly under my chin - With a cartridge blade, I'd go "back and forth" and turn the razor and pull it towards me to get rid of the stubborn hairs, but I'm not going to risk that with DE.

Instead I settle with just the standard "shave towards my neck" motion... God I hope this mess makes sense to you! Sorry.

Not at all! Captain's Choice Lime Aftershave...I love lime =)

I think I'm almost done w/the Nivea sensitive skin I have. The issue is the bottle is a bit heavy, the inside is while, and the aftershave is white, so I have no idea when it's close to done =/

Bay rum w/ clove and limes is an amazing aftershave scent for men.

This is one of my favorites, it's boozy and spicy with a splash of lime

I know it's not an EDT or EDP but this aftershave really opened my appreciation for clove when it's done right.

I have been wet shaving with a DE since OCT 2013. It was the best decision I have made when it comes to shaving. I will answer your questions from the things that have worked for me. Just know that everything is different for everyone. Once you find something that works stick with it for a while and change little at a time.

1a: Brush/Stand. I purchased this set just to get my feet wet with DE shaving. I liked it, but it was cheap and lacked the adjustability that I wanted. I did keep the brush and stand. I always get a great lather with the brush and it is really soft. It is just as good as when I bought it. I shave everyday that I work.

1b: Handle. I started with the cheap handle that I listed above...it was not adjustable. I wanted an adjustable and bought a Merkur Futur. I love it.

1c: Blades. This is hard to recommend to someone. Get yourself one of many sample packs. Everyone likes different blades. Just try them all out. They are cheap. I chose based on the one that I cut my self with the least while giving be the best shave. Your probably going to cut yourself. It will go away with experience. I settled on the Astra Platinum blades. They are cheap on amazon with prime shipping.

1d: Soap. I am a huge fan of Proraso Shaving Cream. I have tried them all! But they are all I have tried. A tube last me a long time. My routine is to fill up an over sized coffee cup with hot water twice from my Keurig (No hot hot water in the morning due to my apartment) and poor it into the sink. Dunk my brush in the water and shake it off lightly. Put a dime sized blob of cream on the brush and make a lather in the over sized coffee cup.

1e: Pre/After Shave. I do not use any pre shave products. I just use the lather that i make and message it onto my face. Its really hot and frothy. I have tried all of Proraso's after shave products. The only one that I liked was the blue after shave balm. It didn't dry out my face like the others. Since then I have settled on Gillette Series Sensitive Skin After Shave Gel because it leaves my face feeling great, its cheap, and the better half loves the way it smells.

2: In my experience the razor (handle) makes a huge difference. I got to the point where I was not cutting myself at all with my first handle. Then I switched. I can shave quickly and comfortably because I found the setting that I really like (number 3 on the Futur). I also really like the way the blade is put into the handle. The top of the Futur pops off rather than having to unscrew the handle to change blades.

3: I answered this in section 1c.

4: I don't have too much info on this topic. I do know not to store your brush with the bristles in the air when it is wet (a stand will prevent this). Dry your razor off the best you can after use. Rinse a brush out thoroughly after use. I use a new blade each shave.

5: When I first started with a DE I watched a couple of Michael Freedberg's to get me started. Then I just did what was best for me.

The best thing that I can recommend for you is this. Figure out why you want to change to DE shaving. We already know its a better shave than using a cartridge. For me it was to be able to use a new razor blade for every shave and not spending a lot of money for those blades. I try to do this as cheaply as possibly. I had a big initial investment on the handle but it has since paid for itself by not buying cartridges. I found what works for me early on and stuck with it. I can have the same consistent shave everyday in 10 minutes because I have had the same routine for a while now.

I would suggest using a post shave moisture, like Proraso Blue Aftershave

I don't have anything too weird on my list, but the most embarassing thing is this in-grown hair cream because i get the WORST razor bumps and it's supposed to help a lot. Thanks for hosting, by the way!

We all know interspecies romance is weird

> http://www.amazon.com/Captains-Choice-Original-Bay-Rum/dp/B0066GR55K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398013994&sr=8-3&keywords=bay+rum

He linked the one he uses, it has a high content of alcohol, witch hazel (which has some minor skin benefits), essential oils which can be irritating or at worst phototoxic, and glycerin, which is a humectant.

Speick ASB is great for your skin.

For the witch hazel, I apply it after rinsing my face with cool water after the shave. I use cotton pads like this to rub the witch hazel onto my face. I use a generous amount and usually 3-4 pads to make sure I cover my entire face/ nose/ chin. Then I pat my face dry with a cloth towel, and apply aftershave balm -- currently using this. I don't use the witch hazel all the time, as I find if I do, my face tends to dry up. Generally I do a 2-pass shave during the work week (to save time) and I relax and take my time doing a 3-pass shave on the weekends (this is when I use the witch hazel).

Have you tried this before? I find a combination of exfoliating before I shave and using this aftershave works best for me.

http://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-preventer-herbal-elixir/dp/B002PIPIHK

Lucido Aftershave by Mandom

Low alcohol so the burn is not bad, and it doesn't dry your face, scent disappears after a minute or two, and it has Lactic Acid, which is great for your skin.

I'll add to this, especially for the Afro-Americans out there.

 

Shavers...

 

After all of the cordless electric shavers I've used over the years, my Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver gives me the smoothness shave I've ever had without using an actual razor. I finish off by edging up and trimming with a [Philips Norelco G370] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FED5DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_F702AbWT46ATE) (it was <$100 and it's probably outdated by now) I've used it for ~4-7 years and dropped it a few times. It leaves the skin a bit rough, though, but I've rarely ever nicked myself with it (if at all).

 

Instructions & Maintenance...

 

Read the instructions and follow proper maintenance (brush, clean, oil, etc.). Always.
And for the record, both of my shavers are easy to clean. The Remington requires more effort, especially once a month, but the Phillips only requires a quick brushing (I add Andis Clippers Clipper Oil). The "hardest" part is letting the Remington dry for so long before putting the head back on. Don't brush the clippers while it's on, btw. Seriously, you'll ruin the brush and end up needing to replace it.

 

Battery Life...

 

If the instructions say to let the battery die before its first charge, I do so. If it says to fully charge it for X hours before its first use, I do so. Now, people of Reddit had a particular conversation about battery life once. I never looked into the matter myself, but I started practicing it with all of my chargeable devices. After the initial required drain (if instructed), I always charge it after it hits 30-50%. I do my best to never let it drain completely to 0%. The idea is that the battery will actually degrade much quicker if it drains to 0% and will need to be replaced sooner. Feel free to call me a fool on this one, but please explain your reasoning.

 

Razers & Magic Shave...

 

This one requires a story or warning.
I wet shaved with my brother's razor when I was in high school because my cordless one (probably a Phillips) wouldn't work properly when I put it back together after taking the top apart for a full-ish cleaning for the first and last time (the school started reinforcing its facial hair policy).

Though it was my first time, and I shaved against the grain, I didn't cut myself or apply anything to my skin before or after. My face was so smooth that I kept touching it. Three days later, I start noticing bumps. By the fifth day, I had full on razor bumps everywhere I originally shaved. Bump Stopper II took a month or so to really any progress and around three months to really make an impact, but it left my skin dry and very flaky. Eventually, I moved to Skin Tight Razor Bump Ointment Extra Strength. It burned like hell in the beginning, but showed better progress. That and washing my face daily with soap and a towel of course.

Since I still had to shave, I just went over the bumps with a shaver and routinely wiped the blood away. Due to a barber's suggestion, I started using Bump Fighter Razors. He warned me that they were going to miss some hairs, but it worked well enough.

At some point, I was recommended (powder blue) Magic Shave because it would "eat those bumps up" (oh, boy). This stuff stinks, flakes all over the place, and can tear up your skin if you aren't careful. I tore a descent sized section of my skin off when I dragged a wet towel down my chin at the wrong angle once. I could see the skin sitting intact in the towel with the inner-end of my hairs barely sticking out of it. Was a really weird moment. That section of my face was pink and hairless for awhile before it healed over. Looked funny on my lovely complexion. For the record, I only used it every three or four days. Three is the minimum, IIRC.

If you're going to use Magic Shave, use a wet towel to wipe it off (prepare to rinse repeatedly), designate a magic shave cup that is to be used for nothing else, consider only wearing boxers, bring a broom and dust pan, and stay in one room or outside. Hell, turn the vent on, you stinky mutt. Overall, I do not recommend Magic Shave's original formula (powder blue). I cannot speak for its powder gold fragrant or creme light fresh scent version, though.

Now for razers...
I started using the cheap pack of (dark blue) Gillette dual-blade razers from Walmart in high school. They worked very well. Here are my instructions: Shave with the grain, rinse the blades after every stroke, thoroughly rinse the blades after you're done, wipe them carefully with a toilet paper to get extra crud off, and let air dry somewhere. Hell, thanks to another Reddit conversation, I kept a short round plastic container of isopropyl alcohol around in college to "shake" the razer in as a finishing touch of cleanliness. Supposedly, the alcohol evaporates after awhile, so I just let it air dry after that (read the 4/24/18 edit at the bottom). The blades lasted a pretty long time doing all of this before I need to pull out a new razor. That combined with how cheap they were...

 

Razer Bumps / Ingrown Hairs...

 

I found that daily shaving, Skin Tight creme, and actually washing or just wiping my face with a clean damp paper towel kept the bumps from fully returning. A trick I discovered to get rid of the ones that lingered was to grow my facial hair out. It looked awful for a month since the bumps returned as the hair grew (they might have been curling into the skin), but there's a point where the bumps start to recede into the skin and all you have is a full beard (minus some areas of the lower neck). Now just maintain it or shave it off. What you'll find is a smooth face with practically no bumps. You must keep the hairs from growing back, though (and maybe wash your face?). Mess that up, and the lingering bumps will return.

Oh, to hell with Bump Stopper II and don't bother with Skin Tight. My physician recommended Tend Skin Solution after I graduated college, and, let me tell you, it works better than both. I hear the ingredients aren't that bad for your health either.

 

My Routine...

 

I wash my hair (including facial) with Bubble & Bee's hard water shampoo (the price is worth it, especially since it lasts for a surprisingly long time), pour on and rub in their vinegar rinse ratio (a fourth of the bottle tops; it's optional when you purchase the shampoo), wash that out, apply Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to my facial and scalp hair while still damp/wet (I'm not 100% certain about using it on the scalp yet; used to use AVEDA Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil twice or thrice a week), brush my facial hair (soft bristles for the cheeks and neck; medium bristles for the beard and moustache) once in the morning, and apply Tend Skin Solution twice a day with cotton balls.

I should be using the foil shaver daily, but I don't always. Hence why I brush my cheeks and neck.

 

In closing...

 

If you're close to (or cool with) any Afro-American males, especially ones who've just started growing facial hair, consider having them read this so they can learn from my mistakes. Those razor bumps were rather unsightly.

 

tl;dr: Use Tend Skin Solution for razor bumps, wash your face, follow instructions, foil shavers leave smoother skin, read the section on battery life, don't shave against the grain with a razor, and don't use magic shave or bump stopper II.

 

EDIT (4/24/18):
About my shaving cleanup steps. I later realized that letting the isopropyl alcohol dry on the razer caused the blades to dull quicker, so I started rinsing them off and wiping them with toilet paper a second time as the final step.

Morning and night treatment of skintight. My barber recommended this for the ones on my face and I started using it on all hair bumps.

A LOOFA and just some face wash or regular soup. THIS is the aftershave that I use. Hope that help, Brochacho

I really like the Real Shaving Co.'s Post Shave Soothing Balm. It leaves my skin smooth and hydrated and has a light lotion like texture (somewhat akin to lubriderm). It has aloe fairly high on the ingredient list and anything with aloe tends to cooperate very well with my skin type. I tend to use it as a protective barrier under either a Fine or Pinaud splash.

For accessories their isn't much for electric razors. The razor comes with a nice cleaning brush, a travel case, and a travel charger as well.

For skin prep, which helps the razors cut the hairs, let me say that from my experience, never shave with this razor on a damp/wet face. The friction is unbearable. This leaves him with two choices:

• An alcohol based face prep: There are quite of few of them out there, but they all have a very strong scent to them, like they just repackaged after shave. My favorite is the barely scented Lab Series Electric Shave Solution. (http://www.amazon.com/Aramis-Lab-Series-Electric-Solution/dp/B000H7Y250)
  
• I've found that Art of Shavings Pre-Shave Gel also works very well, he just has to wait a minute or two for it to dry and his razor will pickup the hairs with ease.
  
• I've never tried a pre-shave oil with my razor for fear of gunking up the works with something that isn't water soluble and which the razor cleaner might not pickup.
  
  As an aftershave I recommend either any after shave he uses now or an after-shave lotion which helps with razor burn. The after-shave lotion I use right now is discontinued so when I'm out, I get to find a new one, but wicked_edge is full of reviews on the sidebar for creams lotions and soaps and few people may chime in with their favorites.

I have fallen in love with TOBS Sandalwood Luxury Aftershave Gel, but it is quite a bit more expensive than other options. It smells amazing and really helps keep the repercussions of my noobitude to a minimum.

I'm in Japan so I doubt we want to ship internationally but if there is something you guys want to try that I have here let me know.

I'm a big fan of Lucido after shave splash and skin conditioner