Hi I recently started HRT  (MTF well almost, I begin my prescription this weekend!) and up until now the only way I shaved was with an electric razor using the trim and then the closer shaver. It left me relatively smooth for the day at most but I never used a normal razor before because I never was properly shown and found it hard mentally to apply pressure with a blade to my skin..

basically I'm looking for what you think has provided you with the closest and safest shave. I've read about safety razor and razors for sensitive skin and I think the latter seem the better route but it would be great to have input and any guidelines to go by. I think i need to start shaving with razors now and I want to get the best I can.

This mainly applied to the face but I'm italian and so I'll be doing some full body shaving until I can afford a more long term fix for my hair problem..

Thanks

Hi Alexis,
I'd like some more info on this too as I have sensitive skin and often get ingrown hairs if I shave too closely - which is a real pain.

I tried looking at the wiki and other pages but no luck. I guess this has been covered before but i can't find anything. If anyone has any links/tips that would be great.

poppy x

I have sensitive skin and used to get razor bumps real bad from shaving. I have found that the Mach 3 razor works the best for me. But, I also need the right cream/gel. I have found that a product called Coochy Rash Free Shaving Cream works the best. I can use it every day and not get bumps. Every ones skin is different so this may not work for you.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice.
Think i need to invest in a better razor!

Has anyone ever used something like this?
http://www.drugstore.com/noxzema-shaving-hair-minimizing-shave-gel-refreshing-cucumber-melon/qxp160622

Not sure if it works from the reviews but might be worth a try?

Poppy x

Just thought i'd add that i've ordered some hair minimizing shave gel on amazon.
I'll try it out over the next few weeks and see if it works.
Wish me luck!

Poppy x

I thought my face was sensitive but my inner thighs.. Yeow! I think I will try that coochy shaving cream.

I've had very poor luck with razors on my face. I still stick with electric as close as possible followed by moisturizer and make up but the blue beard shadow is still slightly visible. Someone posted a makeup video suggesting a base of orange lipstick so I'm going to try that.

The women's Venus has worked great on my legs but it just isn't close enough for my chest. I have so many ingrown hairs after shaving though I can't tell you how much time I've spent with a tweezer after going over my chest legs and thighs. I've built a decent tolerance to the plucking so I'm thinking of trying an epilator.

Besides the Mach 3 any other specific razors and creams being used? I tried a 5 blade and I don't think I will again...

Thanks for the replies everyone

Quote from: Hannahbellelecker on November 16, 2012, 07:37:32 PM
Honestly, I'm not complete with my laser and possibly electro, and for that time in between, these have worked like a charm. They look scary, but they are really great if you use them right.

What is that called? You're right it does look scary! lol. How sensitive is your skin Hannah?

Say Alexis91,  where do you find one of those two edged safety razors anymore.   Mine disappeared years ago and I never see them in the stores any more.   I have seen the razor blades but these kind of razors seemed to have disappeared in my neck of the woods.

I was only quoting hannabellecker so I'm not sure. But if your stores don't have them I would check amazon! it has been a great friend

When shaving with a razor, try steaming.  It softens the hairs and you  use less pressure.  Also use a shaving brush when applying creme, it will lifts the hairs up.

And don't forget to exfoliate before shaving.

I looked up double edged safety razors on the internet.   Girl, have they become expensive.   I, in all my life, never paid that much for a double edged safety razor.

one place to check for very nice shave soaps and lathers would be here http://www.theartofshaving.com/ Their razors are pricey and you can find them else ware but the shaving soaps and lathers when used correctly can make the shaving process much easier on your face.  Also you can try getting close with the electric, then taking a warm wet towel wrap your face for a moment to soften the beard then apply the shave lather, then shave with your "normal" razor, you'll be able to get an extremely close shave with less irritations.  Also another product you may want to try is called "Bump Patrol" and is used to help prevent ingrown hairs.  Before my laser sessions my beard was crazy thick and ingrowns were a constant battle and this did help them.  good luck!

I just use those 3/1$ razors from CVS. They're cheap, but they remove hair. I use a bar of soap instead of shave gel. Then again, I've got no money. 

The only pricey razor I have ever used was the Venus Embrace razor and I must say that I loved it. It left my skin so silky smooth, but I can't afford $10+ per razor. 

I would suggest waxing, though. I tried it and it doesn't hurt like people say it does. I didn't even flinch. Plus, the hair really grows back slower. Don't even get me started on how much easier it is to wax your armpits than to shave them. 

I tried the 4-blade Soliel and they worked well. The 3-blade use awful. Currently using the 6-blade Techniq and it is the best thus far. Going to look for a safety razor next week.

I use a Gilette Power Fusion with 5-blade cartridges.  It has a small electric motor that vibrates the shaver head and gives the closest shave I have found to date.   Not cheap though.
A "Make-Up Shave" helps, that's where you shave in about 6 or 8 different directions to get the hairs from every angle.

Good luck.