Ask Aaron Q/A: Tips for shaving those awkward areas - neck, under chin
Peter Williams, from the UK, asks:
“We are now into the 4th generation of electric or disposable razor shavers and as such we have never been taught to shave properly with a double blade, as a right of passage with our father as tutor, hence I at least, find it difficult to shave those awkward areas, neck, under chin etc. Any information web sites seem to be sponsored by the large corporations which use the information in order to market their own products. Perhaps you could produce a comprehensive instruction video before all of us recent converts to DE shaving bleed to death.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Williams,
Thank you for the suggestion! I have been entertaining the idea of doing a video, and this topic would be a great one to begin with! in the meantime while you are waiting for the video I will suggest a couple of things. Pay careful attention to the blade angle in the areas. It’s easy to change the angle when shaving problem areas without realizing it. Also stretch the skin to make the surface area is as flat as possible. Pull the skin of your neck back and turn you head to shift the skin away from the Adam’s Apple area and to a flatter space. Hope this helps!
Smooth Shaving! Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Cartridge Razors vs Safety Razors – Which are better?
Mark Howard, from the UK, asks:
“I’m so tired of the high prices of cassette type blades to the poing that I’m overusing blunt blades! I want to move to double edge razor but is this a backwards step in terms of shaving and blade technology? If double edge razors are so good, how come people moved to the cassette type? I want to believe!!!!”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Howard, Your have a good question! Thanks for asking! In short, yes it is a step back, but technological advances do not always make things better! The first patents for “safety razors” came out in the late 1800′s. What we recognize today as a safety razor today became patented in 1907 (if I recall correctly).
That makes this technology over 100 years old! Cartridge or cassette type blades have only been in production for the past 40 years, since the 60′s. The problem with Cassette blades is that they were designed to give a large average percentage of men a good shave. Note, not a great shave. The blades rest above the skin, so they rely on the process of historesis to give a smooth shave, unfortunately this cause more problems than it solves! Razor burn (from too much pressure and not enough lubrication), razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Plus lots of pulling and tugging (which it is designed to do!).
Safety razors have a blade that rides right next to or on the surface of the skin, providing a smooth clean shave. It does take some technique to learn, but it time you will have no nicks, cuts, or razor burn. All this to say, it might be a step back technologically, but switching to a safety razor will provide you a much closer and better shave.
If you have any questions about how to start, or what products to use, please read through the blog, or contact me again for more information! I’d be more than happy to help.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Oily skin and spots after shaving
Jason Hearne, from the UK, asks:
“I’m about to switch to DE shaving and have now set my heart on the Merkur HD as my first step away from 5 blade plastic monsters. My question though is about my skin type. At 30 I still suffer from oily teenage skin that’s prone to clogged pores and spots (if I don’t shave regularly). What I wanted to know was what is likely to be the best soap/cream for my shave and what balms you’d suggest to keep the grease away post shave? Here’s hoping you can help. :)”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Hearne,
The first thing I would suggest is to use a daily cleanser/face wash. This will help you to remove the excess oils that our skin can produce and also eliminate dirt, which can cause the acne and blackheads. Using a cleanser consistently will help PRE-shave. For the shave itself most available soaps and creams will do just, fine just avoid products containing lanolin. Lanolin can aggravate some skin types. For a POST-shave solution use a light balm (some being The Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, and Proraso). You can also lighten a balm by keeping your face moist after rinsing and applying a small amount of the balm. This helps thin and spread the balm. I hope this helps!
Smooth Shaving (and skin!)
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How do I prevent bleeding on the lower neck?
Derrick Rutherford, from the UK, asks:
“I have just started DE shaving, using a Edwin Jagger DE razor with Derby blades, Proraso pre and post shave on all three passes as well as plenty water, Proraso shave cream, alum block and then Prorasso pre and post shave again and then Proraso after shave balm. I do two passes down with gravity and then one across ,the problem is I still get bleeding on the lower neck and red blotches as well. I only shave every two days because of this, but, I absolutely LOVE it and will not go back to Gillette cartridges, but, I want to shave daily as it is a real pleasure. I dont put too much pressure on the razor, I let the weight of it do the work, Please help, A convert.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Rutherford,
It’s hard to say exactly what might be going on but let’s see about a few things. Do make sure that your razor angle is good, especially on the neck. The proper angle, which depend on the razor, should be somewhere around 30 degrees. Keeping the angle is hard on the neck area so try locking your wrist and you shave and let your arm do the work. Another thing to check would be the blade. Derby blade work for many men but the might not be your best match. Do try several other blades seeing which best match your skin and hair type. The best way to this is to buy a blade sampler and work your way through the differing blades. Another thing I would check would be the direction of hair growth. Make sure you’re shaving with, then across, then against the direction or grain. If you follow those steps I think you’ll find much easier shaving and less irritation.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The Muhle R106 Double Edge Safety Razor
Darren Pedley, from the UK, asks:
“I have the Muhle - R106 Double Edge Safety Razor it doesn’t seem to give me a very close shave at all. I think it is because of the comb? I am left with stubble. Could you suggest a razor without a comb or another razor that will give me the same closeness as a cartridge shave or closer?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Pedley,
Before picking up another razor, let’s look at a few things before going that route. Make sure you are prepping your beard area well with a hot shower and a good face wash or scrub. Next after unwrapping a sharp blade from the wax paper (providing it has some) make sure it aligns properly with the edge of the razor. Next align the razor at approximately a 30 degree angle to your face, this is the optimum cutting ange for the blade. Next, as you shave make sure you try going three passes on your beard area. Go first with the direction of hair growth, next across the grain of growth, and lastly against the direction of growth. Touch up different areas as needed but this should provide you with a smooth close shave with little to no stubble. If you continue to have trouble eliminating your stubble submit another e-mail and we’ll do what we can to troubleshoot some more!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Numbers on double edge razor blades
Nigel Horton, from the UK, asks:
“Hi, I am new to shaving and have some Derby blades and Feather blades to use with my Edwin Jagger DE89 razor, I was wondering if it matters which way around you put the razor blades in, as I notice one side of the Derby blade has 1 and 2 printed in opposite corners and the other side has 3 and 4. What do these numbers signify and would flipping over my blades help my shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Nigel,
This is a great question! Those numbers are there primarily for the manufacturer and really have no bearing on the shave itself. There have been some legends saying that if you keep track of the numbers you can flip the blade thus getting more shave from the blade. However it has been my experience and the experience of others that this does not work. Despite the flipping you’re still using the same blade edge and once it’s dull, it’s dull. So enjoy your blades and have a great shave!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can I shave my head with a DE razor?
Peter Morgan, from the UK, asks:
“Can I shave my head with a DE razor? I know I can but is there a safe method to do this?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Morgan,
Yes, you most certainly can shave your head with a DE razor! Using the same prep and care that you would when shaving your face prepare your head hair. Then slowly and carefully maintaining proper angle shave your head. It will take a little bit of getting used to, especially not being able to see where you are shaving in some places, but from everyone I’ve seen try it, you’ll get great results.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. Smooth shaving, Aaron.”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The Importance of Alum Blocks
Ha-Jo Lehner, from Germany, asks:
“Hello Aaron, After an alum block is applied on the wet skin… is it washed off after some time or is the alum dried and kept on the skin? (while aftershave or balm is applied).”
AARON SAYS
“Herr Lehner,
Generally the alum is left on the skin and an aftershave is applied over the alum. I don’t know of anyone that uses the alum application then washes it off. The purpose of the alum is to use the natural salts to close the pores and any nicks/cuts that might have occurred during shaving. These natural salts are good for the skin and washing them off would not be beneficial. I would recommend keeping the application on the skin and applying an aftershave balm over it for the best benefits.
Best of Shaves!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving kits and sets for beginners
Johnte Thompson, from the UK, asks:
“Hello, This is my first time using this type of shave (traditional wet shaving), I have always been the shaving foam type. Now I want to join the club but my question is where do I start, which is the best brush? What type of soap / cream should I use? Hope you can help. My budget is around £80 to get started.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Thompson,
Welcome to the club! There are numerous options for you, from piecing together a kit of your own, to picking out one of the many prepared sets with brush cream and razor already together. If you would like a prepared set I would go with this BlueBeard’s Revenge Set. This would be easiest and fits well within your budget. Or you can use this set and keep your current razor and start shaving with the badger brush and cream. Whatever you choose, welcome to the club and enjoy!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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