If the pimples starts bleeding, stop shaving. Shaving frequency doesn't change anything for me but if I let my hairs grow longer (like a month, which is just fine in the winter) it's more work. I use an electric shaver. Where I'm located they cost around 30 euros.
And hey, don't put yourself down! Nobody taught you this, how are you supposed to know? I had the fortune of having my ex teach me.
Look for pictures of an exfoliating sponge and you'll know what I'm talking about. Rub the areas you're going to shave with one of those in the shower, dry yourself with a towel, shave, and wash the excess hairs away (I don't know if you need to but might help you feel cleaner). I don't know anything about witch hazel so can't tell if it works.
And wait for the red pimples to go away before you go for your next shave!