Contemplating Switching from Razor to Electric...HELP!

I used to have similar problems as you, and the best solution I came up with is shaving in the shower. You wash your face, get hot water on your facial hair, apply shaving cream, then shave. I touch up on any spots I missed when I get out of the shower. I then apply a cold cloth/towel to my face and put on the after shave. It has worked quite well, though I only shave every 4-5 days and not every day like you have to. My other suggestion is to get a professional shave at a barber shop or something and see what they tell you to do.

I have used a Braun for the last 10 years. For my money it is the best electric. It's not quite as close as a blade, but not bad. I think the current one I am using is a Pulsomatic or Pulsonic or somethin like that. Every several years they come out with a newer and better on that I buy. I have a very tough beard and it grows fast also.

I have the same problem, and still haven't found a solution. I currently use a Fusion Power. Here's what I learned after doing some online research a few weeks ago. A few links:
Shaving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pseudofolliculitis barbae - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm guessing you probably have heard some of the general advice, such as to shave after showering (the hair is softer) and to not press too hard. I actually get a reusable ice pack out of the freezer before I shave and wrap it in a wet paper towel so I can use it on my neck when I'm done. It is at least soothing and stops any bleeding faster.

One major cause of razor burn is ingrown hairs. If hair is cut below the skin line, it can get ingrown when it tries to grow back out. Shaving with a blade also takes off a layer of skin, which scars over. If it scars over a hair follicle, then you get an ingrown hair. Many of the multi-blade razors and some electrics lift hair up before cutting it off. This makes for a close shave, but also worsens the problem of ingrown hairs. Electrics generally have an adjustment period of about a month when the irritation can be very bad. I don't think irritation will be less if you dry-shave with an electric.

I have contemplated going to a single-blade razor, but have not tried it. The hope would be that by doing so I would get fewer ingrown hairs because they would be cut off at the skin line and not below it. I have also contemplated wet-shaving with an electric, but have not tried it. I have seen some testimonials that suggest that doing so can produce less irritation than wet-shaving with a blade. You would have to make sure that your razor is made for this though. Many electrics are not.

I would be curious to hear from anyone who uses a single blade (I know there are a lot here based on past shaving threads) or from anyone who wet shaves with an electric. How does the experience compare to your typical multi-blade razor?

I faced the same problem when I entered the corporate world. Here's what you do:
Get a Mach 3 or Fusion, shave 3 times a week (M,W,F), you will get used to it. The key to success, shower before you shave and use Lab Series foam (not gel), it's expensive but well worth it. And if your neck is still sore, throw some aloe on it after shaving.

If you don't believe me, check out my perfect shave in my picture.

Buy one of these bad boys.

Amazon.com: Merkur Solingen Classic Safety Razor, Straight: Health & Personal Care

I bought one nearly 10 years ago and it will probably be the only razor I ever own. Blades cost $2.00 and you get 10 of them. One blade will last a year if you leave it soaked in mineral oil. It's German made so quality is excellent.

I tried electric; didn't like it. The muliti blade razors are expensive and it seemed like I'd cut myself more often.

I actually think I can shave fastor with this than an electric or multiblade. It's much wider than most razors. The key is short strokes. Instead of one motion down your cheek, you take two or three strokes. I almost never nick myself with this blade.

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Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

I've got a job now in which I am constantly interacting with people and I need to look sharp every day. Unfortunately for me, I have sensitive skin and fast growing facial hair. Shaving as often as every other or sometimes even every three days results in bloody messes and lots of irritation, even with a brand new razor. I have tried aftershaves, lotions, balms, new shaving gel/lotion/creams and none of those have really worked.d I usually wait 4 days between shaves and this is not ok in my current line of work. Now I am contemplating what I have long regarded as one of the ultimate sins: Electric shavers. If I do make the switch, I plan on purchasing a really nice one, not some cheapo one that you would give to a high schooler who is too afraid to use a razor.

If anyone has ever made this switch, I would greatly appreciate your input. If you tried the switch and it resulted in a disaster, I would also appreciate your input. Also, if you recommend switching, which types of electrics are you using? Thanks!

Blood Hardened Tissue Paper Face (Cedar Rapids, IA)

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I use a Phillips Norelco Cool Skin electric razor. You can use Nivea lotion with it and you can use it in the shower or dry. It has solved my sensitive skin issues and it shaves pretty close.

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Originally Posted by GMan

I used to have similar problems as you, and the best solution I came up with is shaving in the shower. You wash your face, get hot water on your facial hair, apply shaving cream, then shave. I touch up on any spots I missed when I get out of the shower. I then apply a cold cloth/towel to my face and put on the after shave. It has worked quite well, though I only shave every 4-5 days and not every day like you have to. My other suggestion is to get a professional shave at a barber shop or something and see what they tell you to do.

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I've thought about doing that for a long, long time.

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Originally Posted by Bobber

Buy one of these bad boys.

Amazon.com: Merkur Solingen Classic Safety Razor, Straight: Health & Personal Care

I bought one nearly 10 years ago and it will probably be the only razor I ever own. Blades cost $2.00 and you get 10 of them. One blade will last a year if you leave it soaked in mineral oil. It's German made so quality is excellent.

I tried electric; didn't like it. The muliti blade razors are expensive and it seemed like I'd cut myself more often.

I actually think I can shave fastor with this than an electric or multiblade. It's much wider than most razors. The key is short strokes. Instead of one motion down your cheek, you two or three strokes. I almost never nick myself with this blade.

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I've also contemplated one of those, the thing is, I have a mole on my chin that would just come right off with one stroke of that bad boy. I have a scar on my cheek that I am afraid would do the same thing.

I've been shaving since probably 8th grade and have had sideburns since at least freshman year in high school. So its not as if shaving is a new thing to me. Whats new is having to be clean cut looking every single day. If I had it my way, I wouldnt be judged on my looks. Then again by that logic I would be working in basketball shorts and a huge sweatshirt with a Brewers cap on. Probably not the most professional look.

I think I might just grow it out for a week or so and get a good wax job.

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Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

I've thought about doing that for a long, long time.



I've also contemplated one of those, the thing is, I have a mole on my chin that would just come right off with one stroke of that bad boy. I have a scar on my cheek that I am afraid would do the same thing.

I've been shaving since probably 8th grade and have had sideburns since at least freshman year in high school. So its not as if shaving is a new thing to me. Whats new is having to be clean cut looking every single day. If I had it my way, I wouldnt be judged on my looks. Then again by that logic I would be working in basketball shorts and a huge sweatshirt with a Brewers cap on. Probably not the most professional look.

I think I might just grow it out for a week or so and get a good wax job.

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Well you could get the mole removed... Seriously, I'm getting two taken off my neck later this week for that very reason.

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Originally Posted by Bobber

Well you could get the mole removed... Seriously, I'm getting two taken off my neck later this week for that very reason.

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whenever I've talked to my doctor about it, hes always says, "probably not a good idea, then you'll have an indentation and a big scar." Well doc, right now I've got a bloody chin every 3 days.

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Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

whenever I've talked to my doctor about it, hes always says, "probably not a good idea, then you'll have an indentation and a big scar." Well doc, right now I've got a bloody chin every 3 days.

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You must have a large one. Check back with me in a month or two. I'm getting one taken out between my eyes as well. The skin doctor doesn't seem too concerned. It's pretty prominent but does have a relatively small base.

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Originally Posted by GMan

I used to have similar problems as you, and the best solution I came up with is shaving in the shower. You wash your face, get hot water on your facial hair, apply shaving cream, then shave. I touch up on any spots I missed when I get out of the shower. I then apply a cold cloth/towel to my face and put on the after shave. It has worked quite well, though I only shave every 4-5 days and not every day like you have to. My other suggestion is to get a professional shave at a barber shop or something and see what they tell you to do.

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Ok, I'm similar to this. When I was younger (high school - late 80's) I tried to shave over the sink and it never worked. I tried every cream and lotion there was. Since then I have always shaved in the shower and have never needed shaving cream. I've used both a blade and an electric. I used to use a bic twin blade non-swivel head and got along fairly well. The key for me is to keep my face under the stream of water. I've used an electric for the last 6-7 years and wouldn't change. I shave 6-7 days a week without any issues at all. The shave is 98% as close as a blade and far easier on my face. As well, I can do it in a bout 2/3's the time of a blade. I use a Panasonic wet/dry 8228. It runs about $149 at target and lasts about 4-5 years. It runs at about 15K rpms a min and really does a great job. http://www.target.com/Panasonic-Vortex-Nano-HydraClean-System/dp/B000WIF2SU/ref=sc_qi_detailbutton

For me, best thing going!

One of the keys for me shaving is to do it consistently. I notice when I go more than 3 days, my shave is close but the next 2 - 3 days I pay for it with sore skin and razor burn. So I think part of it is conditioning your skin to do it then do it consistenly. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Cybyassociation

I am currently using the Fusion...dont get me wrong, when I shave, its usually the most fantastic shave ever. Its just the next day or after I work out that is terrible when I'm all irritated.

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I've found that Nivea's after shave balm works pretty well. I've found that with the Fusion, I usually get irritated down on my neck when the blades start to wear out. Once I put a new set on, it's a pretty smooth ride.

I use Excel or Mach 3. I think I am going to go out and buy a nice safety razor and try one...didn't even realize they still made those.

My best advise on a nice clean shave without cutting up your face and getting a rash with a non-electric razor is to shave in the shower. Go buy yourself a fog free mirror to hook on the shower wall and use shaving cream or soap and shaving cream mix. You will never have a bad shave again and you'll never shave closer! Personally never had any luck with electric razor.

Z

P.s. I even have a small fog free mirror that I use on business trips to shave in the shower.

I have an electric for daily touch ups. but about every 3 or 4 days I use a mach 3 and non electric shave in the shower.

Braun or remington are both good, but you have to spend the cash on either one you get. The inexpensive models aren't even worth a try.

There is nothing wrong with a high quality electric shaver. They can even get extremely close to a razor cut these days. Go with a high level Braun that is self cleaning. With every self-cleaning, it's like a brand new shaver.

To all the tough guys saying they wouldn't be caught dead with an electric shaver, it doesn't make your **** any bigger.