In this thread, near the end, bump comments that one should, of course, shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it, because the latter is just asking for razor burn and ingrown hairs.
I’ve been using a blade for just over a month so far. After about a week, I started shaving upwards (against the grain) because it resulted in a much closer shave than the other way 'round, which didn’t get any closer than an electric.
Recently, I shaved going downwards, as per the advice in the above thread. It was a brand new blade, but it was a pain in the ass to shave that way, I cut myself twice, and I still had stubble. I rarely cut myself even with my old blade, when I was going upward.
So what say all of you? Have you experienced adverse affects shaving upward rather than downward?
For me, a complete hairball who started shaving at age 12 or so, I shave up (chest to chin) on the neck and down (cheek towards chest) on the cheeks. (And even though I grew a beard as soon as I could, I still have to shave around it).
If it hurts, you’ve doing it wrong. For what it’s worth, when I shave downward (chin to chest)on my neck, I get yanked hairs, cuts, razor burns, etc too.
Go whichever way feels better. Remember a slightly stubbly look is far better than the sliced-to-ribbons/toilet paper bandage look.
I always shave against, but my skin (except for one really annoying spot to the left of my Adam’s apple) isn’t particularly sensitive. I only cut myself right before a job interview or a date.
Against. Closer shave, don’t have to shave as often.
Don’t cut myself usually, unless I shave too frequently and the skin has any razor bumps I’m careless with.
Note to beginning shavers: wet your face first, before applying shaving cream. I didn’t get around to reading the can until I was 43 years old, one of the reasons I wore a beard most of those years. Another nick reducer: store your shaver head down in a jelly glass with about 2" of mineral oil. Wipe excess oil off with a tissue before shaving (to reduce oil buildup in the sink), and rinse/dry the shaver before putting it back in the oil, to keep out water and organic material. (When the oil gets smelly, I soak it up in tissue for disposal- I wouldn’t recommend pouring it straight down the toilet) The original reason for doing this was to inhibit microcorrosion of the blade edge, which causes razor drag; the smoother, no-nick shave is a bonus. It’s known that oil storage will make blades last longer, but no one has figured out how to make big bucks out of it.
Down all the way. I used to shave both ways, but I got tired of the time it took. So now it’s down, resulting in a quicker shave that will get stubby sooner. No problem usually, as it looks just as close shaven throughout the day. At night, well, there are of course circumstances that you’d like the shave to be still close, you know?
If the need really arises, I just quickly shave at night again. Rarely, though. The GF has gotten used to a few stubbies.
I’ve been shaving for about ten years now and nobody’s ever told me about this extremely useful little tip. Thanks, alonicist, shaving has just become a lot easier. No more razor burn! God, I love this board!
Anyway, as for the OP, I use the two-pass shaving system. First I shave with the grain to the thin out the herd, then I shave against the grain to pick up the stragglers.
Unless you have really curly facial hair it shouldn’t matter. I shave against the grain to get a very smoothe end result. As mentioned in the other thread, be sure to rinse your blade in cold water not hot.
The oil immersion concept is interesting but it sounds a little time consuming. I do want to try these long life blades that they have at the knife shop some day. Anyone have some feedback on them?
As an aside, I use the old “Ultrex” brand razors. It was the only one that had an ejector mechanism to dislocate the detritus that built up between the blades. It sure made for a better shave and longer blade life. I guess that’s why they discontinued it.
First down, then up. Usually I have no problem. Also I use a Gilette Mach 3 razor, which provides the closest shave I’ve ever had.
I used to use Wilkinson single blades (after reading Cecil’s column about them, in fact). They were the best blades I’ve ever used, bar none. Then Wilkinson sold out to Schick, and the quality diminished greatly.
Since I always have a either a beard or a goatee (technically a Van Dyke), I can only help with the neck portion. You’re on your own dealing with chins and upper lip divots.
I shave right after I get out of the shower, so the skin and hair are still soft. I use a Gillette Mach 3 and Edge gel, if that makes any difference. I shave down first, relater and then up. After that, I check for rough spots (usually they’re on either side of my throat) and shave those ACROSS. It works great, and my shave stays pretty smooth at least until I turn in for the night.
I have fairly sensitive skin, and something strange I’ve discovered is using aftershave before I shave. It should be a gel like Afta or Gillete (though simple hand lotion might work as well). I put the aftershave on my face, then a layer of shaving cream. I’ve found this cuts down on bleeding while allowing a much closer shave.
Against. Always. To avoid ingrown hairs, do it every day. Plus, while stubbly guys are sexy, stubbly girls are most emphatically NOT. I also put cortisone or baby oil on my, ahem, sensitive bits afterwards to avoid those red bumps.
I’m an against-the-grain type of guy. Even though I have very thick facial hair, it’s never really been a problem. I also use the Mach 3–best damn razor I ever found. When I was shaving my head, I could dry-shave with it and not cut my scalp.
Both.
As Handy said ,do both for the best of both worlds.
In the winter I’ll sometimes not shave for a week or so. Depends if I’m working outside and how cold it is. Shaving against the grain seems to clog up the blade faster so I shave with the grain and then go back against.
For everyday I usually just shave with the grain but for special occasions,a night out,I’ll shave both ways.
I’m a with-the-grain guy most of the time because against-the-grain may (not for everyone) lead to ingrown hairs. With a good sharp blade, you’ll be as smooth as against for most of the day. If I’m going out with Mrs. Stof or thinking that I might be contributing to the “So, I was eating my wife’s…” thread the next day, I’ll do the both ways thing, with first and then against to maximize smoothness and minimize chances of ingrowns.
I don’t use any cream or soap, though, just warm water in the shower. I guess I’ve got manly skin.
I will happily resume shaving upward.