Question for the guys

[Sniper Ash6]

This is quite a close topic to me so please those that like to dont jest

As many of you know my Dad died 3 and a half years ago when i was 13. He had cancer 6 times in 10 years.

I am now 17 and its getting round to the point where i need to think about/start shaving. Dads are the people that help you sort it all out as they have been in the same position and its one of their jobs.

What is best to do in terms of shaving eg wet shave or dry shave and manual or electric?
My best friend (19) and his dad (both of which i have known all my life) say its best to start of wet shaving.
I have asked him what its best to start out with eg what to get and everything but also thought to post here

Thanks for the help as mum hasnt much of an idea

SA6

[Mac Man]

Perfectly sensible question. And yes... mums aren't usually good at this sort of thing... unless you're talking legs or armpits .

Electric shavers are a 'lazymans' shave. They are never quite as close (smooth) as a good wet shave. And if your skin is still suffering spots and acne they seem to make it worse and irritate the skin more.

For a wet shave get a decent razor, You don't need to get suckered in by these mega multiblade offerings. I find them just a marketing gimmick. A 2 blade razor is usually more than adequate - try Gillette or wilkinson Sword. Don't buy cheapo razors as they can be nasty and have all the cutting power of a stick of rhubarb. Then you'll need shaving foam or gel.

In terms of the actual shaving technique I'd google 'how to shave'. there's bound to be stuff on U-Tube that will show you how. Generall the idea is you work down from your sideburns first and then shave up (against the grain) after the first pass. Shaving uwards to begin with can be really painful... especially with a few days growth to get rid of.

Make sure your beard is well softened with hot water before you start, otherwise the hair will be really stiff. If you have a shower you could try shaving in there as it softens the hair really well. Just be careful you don't cut yourself ;-)

Rinse off afterwards and apply some skin balm if needed. Aftershave will only make your skin sting.

[Codehead]

Ash, I had to work it out for myself too. My Dad wasn't around (for different reasons).
I'd agree that wet is the way to go. Electrics are OK, but I've never had one that I was happy with.

Don't go for a 65 blade, vibrating, lubricating, moisturising gadget either, the razor will cost you a bomb and the heads are twice the price of the razor.

I personally use Gillette Blue II disposables and King of Shaves AlphaGel.

Rather than try to explain, there's a guide here: Health 24 - Great man guides - How to shave correctly

Oh, and grab a WitchStick. You WILL cut yourself a few times.

[Sniper Ash6]

thanks was looking in boots the other day and theres so much stuff and you see all the adverts makes you wonder what is marketing ploys and what is useful

will it hinder which shaving foam etc i can use by the fact i have quite sensitive skin due to eczema?

next we will start getting onto brands and everything and although it will get confusing it will be helpful

thank you very much

[FZR400RRSP]

My dad wasn't around to teach me either.
I just figured it out myself, using an electric shavor.
No doubt that's easier for a beginner, and I've never looked back.
Spend £70+ on an electric shaver and you'll get a cracking shave.
Maybe not quite as good as a wet shave, for the perfectionist, but still very good and a damned sight less hassle.
There are loads of skincare products for electric shaving too.
Nivea for Men is cheap.
I use Clinique products, worth the extra.

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by Sniper Ash6

thanks was looking in boots the other day and theres so much stuff and you see all the adverts makes you wonder what is marketing ploys and what is useful

will it hinder which shaving foam etc i can use by the fact i have quite sensitive skin due to eczema?

next we will start getting onto brands and everything and although it will get confusing it will be helpful

thank you very much

I'd look for something with as few additives as possible. If there's a brand of soap or shampoo that you use becasue of your skin then see if they do a shaving gel, foam or old fashioned shaving stick (the ones you use with a brush). TBH old fashioned soap will do the job if you find it doesn't irritate your skin. There's no rules about what gel/soap/foam etc is best. You may need to try a few to find one that suits you best.

[Sniper Ash6]

from my friend and his dad i mentioned in the OP when i was asking between wet shave or dry shave to start they both agreed wet shave as they say you need tougher skin for dry electric shaving

i speak from "apparentlies" and "im told that" as i have no clue

[Earthworm Jim]

I prefer a wet shave as I have pretty sensitive skin and a electric shaver makes me look like someone strangled me because of the redness and irritation it gives my skin.

I use a wilkinson sword quatro (or something like that) the one with the trimming piece at the end, and also use a gillette shaving gel for sensitive skin.

After that I use a soothing balm (some organic kind I bought from the hair place where I cut my hair, mainly because the girl who sold it to me was HOT!!!!) to rub on after to sooth the skin, very good if you have sensitive skin as it cools it down from the irritation. Word of warning though, if you use cologne leave it for about 30 mins to an hour before spraying it on your neck.

[blackrod]

Mac Man's advice is good. If I were you I would just go with a decent shave gel like Gillette and a good razor such a Wilkinson Sword or Gillette Mach 3. Don't bother with the power ones unless they are on offer. Forget the 5 blade jobbies too.
Also, shave straight after a shower when your hair is soft, rinse off your razor using hot water. Once finished, splash your face with warm water first then cold to close your pores.

[Duncan G]

I just use ordinary soap for lather and I have found the cheap bic razors work fine. I shave once a week though, so by sunday I have the startings of a beard to remove each week.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by Sniper Ash6

wet shave as they say you need tougher skin for dry electric shaving

Electric shavers have come a long way.
You can get ones you can use in the shower etc.etc.
With built-in moisturers etc.
I just 'dry' shave as soon as I'm out of the shower, so my skin is still warm and the hairs are sticking up.
Then I immediately splash with cold water after the shave.

[Duncan G]

You may find this site helpfull;

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[Earthworm Jim]

Originally Posted by Duncan G

I just use ordinary soap for lather and I have found the cheap bic razors work fine. I shave once a week though, so by sunday I have the startings of a beard to remove each week.

You're lucky, its every 2 days for me

[FZR400RRSP]

Once a week???

I'm twice a day, if I have a function on in the evening.

[Zeromajor]

Originally Posted by Mac Man

Electric shavers are a 'lazymans' shave. They are never quite as close (smooth) as a good wet shave. And if your skin is still suffering spots and acne they seem to make it worse and irritate the skin more.

It totally depends on your skintype/sensitivity - electric shavers are a must for me as I have really rashy/irratible skin around my neck which is unbearable with a wet shave 90% of the time.

Just for convenience it's worth having a good quality (I like braun) electric shaver for those mornings you don't have time for a wetshave.