So.. shaving.

I'm a 17y/o transwoman, who like most mtf's, feels like shaving is a daily necessity. Side note: I'm not on hormone blockers, yet.

I can't find the right razor, at all. I'm not that financially stable either, so I can't exactly go out and buy every razor possible. I'm wanting to know what some good, preferably disposable, razors are which can make quite a difference. I once had a pair of razor's, which made my skin somewhat-smooth, but I disposed of them. I asked my mum whilst I was at college the other day to buy me some new ones, and they're not even that good.. I can feel my facial hair after I shave. (Most times, I shave in the morning, and around 3PM in the afternoon I can feel facial hair again, this is probably just hormones..)

So I'm looking for advice on which razor's I should try, I'm from England so I can't exactly buy razors from overseas. Thanks to anyone who has any advice to offer, hopefully I can find a nice razor. x

I use just regular women's sensitive disposable razors

I might suggest the kind of soap or better, gel that you use can make a bigger difference.  Most razors are now the multiple edge things but wrapping you face in a warm wet towel just before you shave can help too.

best wishes for a smooth face

The best razor I have ever used is Gillette Fusion Power, http://bit.ly/2mcA9EH

It's really smooth and cuts really close.  Any of the plastic disposable razors leave my skin raw and don't cut nearly as close.


It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

Quote from: Tessa James on February 19, 2017, 03:25:03 PM
I might suggest the kind of soap or better, gel that you use can make a bigger difference.  Most razors are now the multiple edge things but wrapping you face in a warm wet towel just before you shave can help too.

best wishes for a smooth face

I usually shave whilst I'm in the shower, so I use some bubbles from there, and the heat will more than likely open my pores to make it easier and more efficient. Thanks though!

I have found that pre HRT good quality razors and gel/soap really important. You can buy a more expensive razor like one of the popular triple blades and a cleaning/sharpening block to go with it to make it last at least twice as long as it normally would. Once you get on HRT I would be looking to use an electric razor. The razor blades just cut my face up now so I have to use an electric.

Good skin prep is the key

Liz

Quote from: ElizabethK on February 19, 2017, 04:03:46 PM
I have found that pre HRT good quality razors and gel/soap really important. You can buy a more expensive razor like one of the popular triple blades and a cleaning/sharpening block to go with it to make it last at least twice as long as it normally would. Once you get on HRT I would be looking to use an electric razor. The razor blades just cut my face up now so I have to use an electric.

Good skin prep is the key

Liz

Could you list any good quality razors please? And I can understand the electric razor and the blade cutting issue, how well do blockers prevent hair growth, and how long into HRT will I see differences? Thanks!

Dollar Shave Club has been great. I'm still going through electrolysis so once a week some area of my face is rather sensitive. There razor glides right over and doesn't make things worse.
Their "shave butter" is great because it's clear so I can see what I'm doing. I use the razor and butter on face and legs. I spend $11 every other month.

I've used "Harry's" razors for quite some time and I'm extremely happy with them. I usually shave first with "Harry's" gel with the growth and then a second time using conditioner against the growth. This gives me an extremely smooth face until almost the next morning.

Update: I'm referring to facial hair here... Not legs, etc...


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Quote from: JessicaSondelli on February 19, 2017, 05:01:26 PM
I've used "Harry's" razors for quite some time and I'm extremely happy with them. I usually shave first with "Harry's" gel with the growth and then a second time using conditioner against the growth. This gives me an extremely smooth face until almost the next morning.

Update: I'm referring to facial hair here... Not legs, etc...


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I've never thought about shaving with the growth and against it.. thank you!

Quote from: clouds301199 on February 19, 2017, 03:11:24 PM
So.. shaving.

I'm a 17y/o transwoman, who like most mtf's, feels like shaving is a daily necessity. Side note: I'm not on hormone blockers, yet.

I can't find the right razor, at all. I'm not that financially stable either, so I can't exactly go out and buy every razor possible. I'm wanting to know what some good, preferably disposable, razors are which can make quite a difference. I once had a pair of razor's, which made my skin somewhat-smooth, but I disposed of them. I asked my mum whilst I was at college the other day to buy me some new ones, and they're not even that good.. I can feel my facial hair after I shave. (Most times, I shave in the morning, and around 3PM in the afternoon I can feel facial hair again, this is probably just hormones..)

So I'm looking for advice on which razor's I should try, I'm from England so I can't exactly buy razors from overseas. Thanks to anyone who has any advice to offer, hopefully I can find a nice razor. x

How I shave for maximum smoothness

First up exfoliate
Good quality foam or gel applied after soaking face with warm(hot as you can stand) cloth for 2-3 minutes
Shave with the grain
Shave across the grain left and right
Shave upwards against the grain

In order not to cut yourself you will need a nice sharp razor

I used to have to shave normally and then shave again like the above method to get maximum smoothness I use a schick gel Ultra 3 Blade(cheaper than the 5) and matching gel...But I rarely do this anymore as I always manage to scrape and cut myself.

Hope this helps

Liz

so UK version , wash in hot water, shaving gel for sensitive skin and then shave with and then against the growth using 4 blade disposables (when they get tired use them on your body ) then use a good face cream . I shave when I come home from work before shower and find a quick top up in the morning under the jaw is all I need.

Ive always used Schick mens razors for my face and legs ( never brought the cheaper disposable ones ) as it costs more in the long term and with the repalceable blades some companies allow you to keep the same razor handle and allow for different model blades to fit that one handle,
As for shaving I do it in the show with non cented gel against the groth and once done I wash my face with body wash and if I feel any hair left Ill go over it with the razor which gets the last bits........

Cheers Tracy

CVS sells a 5 blade that's a knock off of some other brand.  I have long found it to be an affordable but effective option.

I have always had very soft and sensitive skin on my face so I require a lot of care when I shave. Before I started my very low doses of hrt I shaved every two days perhaps at best. Now it is twice a week if needed. However, the principal is the same no matter how often you shave.

I purchased a nice 100% cotton towel similar to a jumbo sized tea towel (around 60cm x  80cm)

Schick Exacta 2 Disposable Sensitive Razor with Vitamin E:


Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Gel:


Palmer's Micro Fine Exfoliating Facial Scrub:



STEP 1
Before I shower I take the cotton towel and soak it in cold water and ring it out until it is still wet but not dripping with water. I then fold it until I have made a long flat 10cm x 80cm length and place it in a bowl to microwave for 3-4mins. While it is in the microwave I go and shower.

STEP 2
I begin by showering in the hot water to warm my face for a full minute, then apply around this much of the palmer face scrub on half your face. Start with small circles on your cheek working it in bit by bit along your chin and upper lip. Repeat on other side to remove dead skin and prepare the face.



STEP 3
Once you are done with this dry of quickly so you can grab the hot towel from the microwave which after 6-7mins from being put in will still be very hot but not so hot you burn your face. Place it on your face for a good minute and return to the bathroom to shave.

STEP 4
Quickly heat up the sink water enough to warm your shaver and get the shaving gel ready. Remove the towel and apply the shaving gel quickly to retain the open pours and soft facial hair. Shave with the grain to remove as much as you can. Wash off excess foam with hot water and leave the shaver in hot sink water while you apply a tiny amount more shaving gel and this time go against the grain and left to right to finish it off.



This is how I shaved every morning from my first speckle of facial hair at 19 years old right through until now and it was as smooth as a babies bum. However, since starting a low does over two months of hrt this is not required as often.

You can get a DE razor quite cheap and blades cost like 1 or 2 cents. This is the one I use when I don't have time to straight razor shave. If done correctly, you can get a day out of a shave. Disposables give me a five o'clock shadow by noon, and serious razor burn.

I've had this razor for 20 years. Works just fine. You can get them for like $10 to $15. They last forever... I get blades for $8 for 100, and one blade will last about 3 shaves before it starts getting a little dull.

Lately I've had to shave less, I'm guessing from HRT.  They said it wouldn't affect facial hair, but it is growing a lot slower, and doesn't fill in as much anymore, and isn't as scratchy as it used to be.  I can now make it almost 2 days before the 5 o'clock shadow rolls in.  I get razor burn if I shave daily, so I think it is time to change razor types.  I use to have to shave 2 times a day, when I was in the service, to keep within the facial hair regulations.  I don't really have a trick to share, sorry. 

Great tips on exfoliating.

Op your biggest error is not using a shaving soap and too much water. Hot water is good but scalding hot water applied to a towel is better and heats just the top layer.

I shave with a straight razor exclusively, been using the same blade for 35 years now. That comes down to about $2 per year. Harley Quinn is on the right track using a safety razor/double edge blades. Minimal waste and cost.

Quote from: SadieBlake on February 23, 2017, 05:49:24 AM
Great tips on exfoliating.

Op your biggest error is not using a shaving soap and too much water. Hot water is good but scalding hot water applied to a towel is better and heats just the top layer.

I shave with a straight razor exclusively, been using the same blade for 35 years now. That comes down to about $2 per year. Harley Quinn is on the right track using a safety razor/double edge blades. Minimal waste and cost.

Straight razor and hot towel is amazing... I can get 2 days out of a straight razor shave. Twice with and once against.

Thanks for all the tips, ladies! 

In spite of masquerading as a male for decades, I never learned to shave properly.  My father moved out before I was old enough to shave, so he didn't teach me.  In my Air Force days, I used an electric shaver.  Then, for 25 years, I had a beard.  Shaved the beard off for a few years, using an electric, and then grew it back again. 

Since starting my transition, I have been using the old electric again.  But I get shaver burn from it, which is starting to hurt more as my skin gets more sensitive on HRT.  And now, of course, I want my skin to look and feel smooth, which it never did before.

So I really appreciate the tips!