Shaving...?

[Eamber]

All right. You're going to have to bear with me for a moment, because this is going to sound pretty stupid and absurd. I don't know how to shave.

No, seriously.

When I was 14 and started getting a light touch of facial hair, I asked my dad to show me how to remove it, and he bought me an electric razor, and told me it was just as good. He doesn't care much about his own hair, and says he can't even recall how to do it the old fashioned way since it's been so long. I've been using an electric razor pretty much since then, and only under present circumstances in the past year have I really wanted to shave closer.

Of course, I've attempted it. But it simply does not work. I understand it on a conceptual level - you put on the shaving cream, you drag the blade in the opposite direction to the hair growth. However, this appears to do literally nothing. I mean, I guess it might be cutting off some hair, but it seems even less effective then what I've been doing thus far. I've made sure the blade is new and sharp and stuff. Pressing hard, light, different directions - it's all the same. I cut my face up, but seemingly no hair is removed.

I asked my friend about this, and he just laughed and then shrugged it off. The internet is also useless.

So, uhh, help?

[JENNIFER]

You do not indicate your age at this time or the length of time since beginning shaving.

Shaving is exactly that. I does NOT remove hair at all, just cuts it to skin level, thus it continues to grow.

The younger you are, the better it is to deal with hair in the wrong places and if you are intent on gender reassignment etc. but it will require more radical steps to stop future hair growth.

[Eamber]

I don't intend for this to stop hair growth. I was actually considering just never bothering since I'm starting laser in a couple months...

But I digress. I'm wanting to go out as female, but I don't know how to make my hair invisible or as good as because, as I said, I can't seem to get shaving to do anything.

And I'm 19, by the way.

[Sephirah]

One thing to consider, and this is a really little thing... is how much shaving cream you put on. If you literally smother your face in the stuff then most wet shave razors will clog before they even get near a hair, and all you'll do is stroke the hairs with the blocked up razor head.

I find shaving gel works better than cream, and you only need a pea-sized amount to do the job.

[Lachlann]

One thing to consider, and this is a really little thing... is how much shaving cream you put on. If you literally smother your face in the stuff then most wet shave razors will clog before they even get near a hair, and all you'll do is stroke the hairs with the blocked up razor head.

I find shaving gel works better than cream, and you only need a pea-sized amount to do the job.

Ah, that's really helpful, Lei.

Peach fuzz is hard to shave and I was having that issue.

[JENNIFER]

19 yrs is not that bad in your case, let laser do the work and just be careful with that razor. Scars can be a devil to remove long after they were caused. Most women treasure their skin and have serious hang-up with any defect.

Good luck!

[Chrissty]

My technique....Shaving "blind" in the morning shower by "finger tip feel" alone....

I exfoliate with a "blob" of microbead scrub/cleanser first to remove any rough skin that might snag the razor blades.

I leave the cleanser on as the shaving lube.

Then shave against the growth (mostly up the face) with the razor in my right hand , tensing the skin slightly by dragging the the fingers of my left hand in front of the razor.

Long stokes to the cheeks, short repeated strokes around the mouth, nose, and chin.

Tap clean the razor in running water to keep the blades from clogging every few strokes.

Re apply scrub/cleanser round chin area and repeat to catch stray hairs

Result...super smooth skin for 4 times longer than a normal shave in the direction of the hair.

Chrissty

[Eamber]

Thanks for the tips. Still, it doesn't seem to be resulting in much, and I am using gel - it just sort of slides over it, and nothing happens. And when I drag the skin it just cuts it and hurts. And I don't see anything but the gel foam on the blades.

Think it has something to do with the blade? I don't know why it would be, though. It's a brand new one that even has a button to vibrate a little or something.

(By the way, off topic for a sec, what was you avatar until a minute ago, Lauranna? I recognized it but couldn't place it and it's bugging me.)

[Sephirah]

(By the way, off topic for a sec, what was you avatar until a minute ago, Lauranna? I recognized it but couldn't place it and it's bugging me.)

Alicia, from the game 'Bullet Witch'.

Are you using hot or cold water?

[Eamber]

Ah, that's it! Thanks.

Um, I'm using hot water. I honestly can't figure what I'm doing wrong. It's nuts.

[lizbeth]

the blade isn't in backwards is it?  were you born on krypton?   

what's wrong with the electric razor? if it was working, there is nothing to fix really. I've always achieved a closer shave with a blade, but everyones face is different. one tip I can offer is to leave the blade in contact with the skin and move it forward and then backward. the backward motion clears out the blades and allows it to continue shaving.

try wikihow? look for "close shave"

[Chrissty]

Hi Eamber,

OK the blade is new and sharp, and you are using hot water, and it cuts your skin...

Can you feel the blade against the stubble as you try to shave... like pulling across the bristles of a fine brush?

If yes, then the blades are either.....

.. clogged by something being stuck between them causing the cutting angle to change.. possibly from a previous attempt ...Tap out the razor under running hot water till clean, them carefully push flat on the razor head to reset them,and try again.

...blunt...yes blunt blades are actually just as likely to cut you as sharp ones...try changing the blade

...and dont forget to scrub/exfoiliate first before close shaving to prevent the blades digging in and cutting/burning your skin.

And if that doesnt work, try cheap disposable, after that I give up too.

...and I agree Liea/Laura....this is getting confusing.....

[Monique Martinez]

If you're cutting yourself a lot then maybe you're pushing too hard? It could just be flattening the hairs.. try less oil as well and if the hairs are fine then try running your hand against the grain to make the hairs stand up. Experiment!
I go downwards to get it down to a fine length then upwards against the growth to get it smooth. You should feel it catching the hair as you go down. Maybe consider trying a different brand of razor as well.
You do have hair there right!!? 
Once you do get a smooth face consider using a concealer to hide any 5'oclock shadow. Find one that matches your skin tone or a step lower (experiment). Then a nice powder foundation over the top than you can run down your neck. When it comes to make-up it's just time and experimenting!

[Janet_Girl]

Best blade you can afford.  Multi blades are better than single.  As Chrissty said exfoliate, first.  Twice.  Dead skin will clogged a razor faster than anything.  I use Noxzema for shaving gel.  Stay away from shaving creams, they don't help liberate the skin.

Make sure you use warm, not hot water.  In the shower is best, the water helps to soften the hair.  And don't be in a hurry.  Go slow with long strokes.  Let the razor do the work, don't push hard.  It doesn't help.  And rinse it frequently.

Shave three time.  First with the growth.  Second, against.  Third, touch up any stubble you feel.  Then Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.

I can get away with an electric with a per shave lotion.  I use a Braun. that cleans itself.  Works really good for work.  But I still do it twice.

The true secret is lubrication.  Anything to help the blades glide across the skin.  The electric that 'lift' the hair are not all that they are cracked up to be.  If you lift the hair and cut it, it goes under the skin.  Thus ingrowns and bumps.

Janet

[Lachlann]

*takes notes*

I may not have been the one who started the thread, but I'm learning a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[BunnyBee]

Okay believe it or not, there are shaving nerds who ..exist. Personally I wouldn't believe such a thing was possible, but look-

http://badgerandblade.com/

*boggle*

Anyway, they can probably help ya if you want to go that deep into it.

[Janet_Girl]

You can find almost anything on the net.  I am fascinated by this site.  I might want to try using a DE.  I have used the soap before and still have the brush.  I might just try going this way again.

Okay believe it or not, there are shaving nerds who ..exist. Personally I wouldn't believe such a thing was possible, but look-

http://badgerandblade.com/

*boggle*

Anyway, they can probably help ya if you want to go that deep into it.

But aren't most if not all Transwomen, shaving nerds.  Until the shadow is gone, via electrolysis or laser, we all try to get the closest shave possible.  If they ever develop depilatories that works, we will always be looking for a better method of shaving.

Janet

[Jushi]

This thread has been pretty helpful to me as well ^^ Lately I've been having shaving troubles myself..

[Monique Martinez]

Another good (no doubt common knowledge already!!! ) tip is once you've shaved and put your moisturizer on let it soak in for a good 15mins before starting your make up. This helps your skin stay moist and healthy after a harsh shaving session and creates a layer between your face and make up.
If you have trouble with eyeshadow not staying on all night put foundation on underneath, helps give it something to stick to!

[BunnyBee]

But aren't most if not all Transwomen, shaving nerds.  Until the shadow is gone, via electrolysis or laser, we all try to get the closest shave possible.  If they ever develop depilatories that works, we will always be looking for a better method of shaving.

Janet

I don't like to think about it, but yeah probably.

Mainly what I learned from Google when I had this very same question is:

a) double-edge razors, like they used at the turn of the century, are superior to newfangled inventions.
b) you can get fancy shaving soaps in floral scents!
c) shaving nerds exist.

Literally, there is nothing I hate more than shaving most days, unless I'm having a pretty horrible day.  Not only is it tedious but it makes me feel all icky and masculine.  Double-whammy.