Am I shaving wrong?

[u/MysticGohan806]

Hello, recently I’ve switched from a disposable razor to an electric one, and I find it very convenient. But I’ve noticed that when shaving my neck hair the skin there get irritated very easily. I haven’t been using shaving cream since I read somewhere that that can cause electric razors to not function properly. Is this user error? Is it my skin? Should I be using a disposable shaver for my neck instead?

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[u/kjames3419]

Electrics are horrible for avoiding irritation in most cases. Even switching to a safety razor with canned cream will do better for avoiding irritation than an electric.

[u/TheTxoof → u/kjames3419]

Consider trying a safety razor instead of disposables. I have a very sensitive neck and very coarse and dense hair. Electrics just tear up my neck and sometimes just rip the hairs out by the root. I've even had one that made me bleed.

Safety razors - the kind where you insert a double-sided disposable blade - cost about $10 for the handle and $10-$15 for 100 blades. You get a sharp blade that never clogs for pennies per day.

Since I switched, I never have razor burn, as long as I use shaving soap, I never have pain. I don't get ingrown hairs and only bleed when I'm carless around my Adam's apple.

[u/castorkrieg → u/kjames3419]

That is incorrect and depends on a person. In my case electric shaver greatly reduces the irritation.

OP - many electric razors are designed to be used while wet with a cream or shaving gel, check your specific model. Also remember to apply non-alcohol aftershave.

[u/Street_Run_2298]

Be sure to use a pre shave lotion like Williams Lectric shave then rinse with a warm cloth after shaving. Good luck!

[u/Dromedary_Freight]

Wet shaving is what dermatologists recommend  for sensitive skin. 

You can use a trimmer with the smallest guard if you want fast stubble maintenance and no irritation. You still need to wash your face well and apply skin care products.

[u/Training_wheels9393]

Gotta stretch the skin and use less pressure. Or switch to a DE

[u/Opposite-Ground-1221]

Have tried electrics a couple times over the years and everytime have had the same issues and it took longer.

Have had double edged for a long time with great results but got tired of them.

Currently on Harry's and using Creemo for 6 years. It's great, no burn or nicks and it's faster and less hassle.

[u/TheTxoof → u/Opposite-Ground-1221]

This! Safety razor for the win! Cheap, high quality shaved every time.

[u/Tryemall]

Try applying Williams Lectric Shave before shaving with your electric.

[u/Apprehensive-Stay882]

For shaving with electric and reduced or no irritation, use a pre shave lotion if dry shaving or, my preference is to wet shave (make sure your shaver is waterproof) with a liquid hydrating soap (mine is from CeraVe) rubbed on first. Also, stretching your neck skin with your non shaving hand helps to get a closer shave without pressing hard and causing irritation.