Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with shave

Best wet shave soap for sensitive skin?

HopStopDon'tShop — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:14:54 -0800

MenShavingFilter: what is the best soap I can use for a wet shave given that I have very sensitive skin? Preferably available in a store in Montreal, but at least available to order online for delivery to Montreal. No further explanation seems necessary other than to say that I have read through a number of threads on this topic and it's probably made me a little more confused than anything (so, with all due respect, please don't link to previous threads on similar topics). When I don't wet shave I'm a big fan of the King of Shaves line - both because it seems great for my skin and because I can actually see my face, rather than suds, when I'm shaving.

Did common people used to shave with fire?

penciltopper — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:11:25 -0800

Before the sharp steel razor became generally available, what did most people shave with? Fire seems the best choice. Right? So I'm living any time prior to the last 400 years or so.
I'm an everyday Joe/Jane, not rich enough for luxuries.
But whatever culture I'm living in mandates a shaved face/legs/head/whatever.

I've heard of bronze age razors and cutting hair with knapped volcanic glass, but it seems to me that it would be a lot easier to just take it off with a burning twig.

Not to mention less painful - I imagine a copper or obsidian razor would probably be like shaving with a carpenter's plane or a piece of broken glass.

And I suppose that the nobility got up to all kinds of fancy things; but I'm more interested in the common person than some kingling who had a team of slaves responsible for plucking each individual hair.

What does the hive mind know about popular deplilatory habits of the previous couple of millennia?

Pre-wedding shave in Toronto

dismitree — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:36:27 -0800

Pre-wedding shave in Toronto: Where should I go this Saturday for a straight blade shave? Downtown preferred but I do have a car. Also, not to sound snarky, but would prefer recommendations based on personal experience vs. places that just look the part. (i.e. Old school barbers are cool, Shakey-handed old school barbers not so much.)

Shave pubes in college?

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:16:47 -0800

How do I shave my pubes in college? I use the buzzer side of my electric razor usually, but now that I'm in a dorm there are some complications. I don't think I can do it in the bathroom (shared by a ton of people), and if I do it in my room people will hear the razor and I won't feel very hygienic. Solution?

Barbershop for a shave in Calgary, AB?

chudmonkey — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:35:55 -0800

Can you recommend a barber in Calgary, AB for a nice, relaxing pre-wedding shave? Hey Gang,

I want to take my buddy for that classic barbershop hot-towel-soap-brush-oh-so-gentlemanly shave before his wedding next weekend, but have no idea where to go. He'll want a clean shave, and I'd be pleased if I could have my beard neatly trimmed.

Do you know of a nice place in Calgary for us to go? Bonus points for places with a cool, fun and/or classic atmosphere. Thanks in advance!

Shaving Advice Sought

®@ — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:43:40 -0800

Want to look my best for tomorrow, seeking shaving advice. Late twenties male, never really got the hang of shaving. Would like to look my best, could use the advice of people more used to shaving. My neck is easily irritated by shaving, and often has red bumps afterwards. I was thinking I could shave my neck tonight, then tomorrow shave my face but leave my neck alone. Will this leave my neck relatively clean-looking, or will it appear stubbly?

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt

spamguy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:48:51 -0800

As a lifelong manual shaver, I'm giving electric shaving a try. What should I expect? When I shave, I am all about closeness. If I feel a hair on my face, there will be problems. I tend to switch back and forth between double-edged and safety razors, depending on my mood. Especially with the former, the aftershave hurts like a mofo, but I get the closeness I seek. I tend to tear up my lip.

My girlfriend insists on getting a respectable model of electric shaver as my anniversary present. She felt I was not being as kind to my face as I should be. I have a few reservations about making the switch. How does electric compare to manual? What can I do to maximise closeness? Screw safety. I mean, if it doesn't work out, it can be returned and replaced with a different model, but if electric cuts corners (heh) with shaving, no amount of trial and error will help.

Am I supposed to just avoid the beach in between waxes? That doesn't seem right.

metamush — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:25:57 -0800

It takes weeks for bikini line hair to grow long enough to wax, so what do you do if you frequently are going to the beach or pool during the summer? What do you do between waxes? Also, how do you manage unsightly bumps? I refuse to go to the beach with a hairy bikini line. But I am also just as self conscious if I shave and bumps and ingrown hairs appear.

I see many women on the beach who appear to not deal with this problem. How? I truly wonder.

My family has a beach house, and I love the beach, and I want to go as often as possible during the summer.

If I wax, in about 1.5 weeks, the hair is beginning to grow back. But it will take another two weeks for the hair to be long enough to successfully wax. So what, do I just not go back to the beach for that time?

If I shave, that delays the ability to wax. It is a quick fix, but often results in unsightly bumps and razor irritation. Plus, it makes the hair very course and who wants stubble? I don't want my inner thighs to double as sandpaper.

I welcome any and all knowledge on this subject.

It takes weeks for bikini line hair to grow long enough to wax, so what do you do if you frequently are going to the beach or pool during the summer? What do you do between waxes? Also, how do you manage unsightly bumps?

Taking it all off.

gursky — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:32:53 -0800

What should I know before and after I shave my head? I am a 22-year-old female who has always wanted to shave her head. I have incredibly thick, wavy, dry hair that takes a lot of time to maintain. My original plan was to shave my head after graduation, before embarking on a long backpacking trip. Recently, my aunt was diagnosed with cancer, and has lost her hair during chemotherapy. Instead of waiting until May to shave my head, I am going to do it next week. Friends and family are donating money to the cause (which is awesome!) so my only concern at the moment is what I should know before I do it, and what I'll need to know after it's done.

The plan right now is to have a friend cut off the bulk of my hair, shave my head with an electric razor, and then use a razor and shaving cream to get the rest. Is there anything she needs to know?

How do you maintain a bald scalp? Where can I get some good headscarves or simple hats? If I want to keep my head shaved for a while, how long before I can shave down the growth a bit?

Any tips and advice are appreciated.

Help me shave without a sink!

indiebass — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:51:19 -0800

How do I shave without a sink? My bathroom sink won't drain at the moment. After a few seconds of water coming out of the faucet I have standing water that doesn't go down for a couple of hours. The landlord is coming out to fix this (supposedly) but it's been a couple weeks, and he told me he'd be here on Monday, but I don't think he was here Monday, and I need a shave today.

I use the badger brush and high quality soap as well as the double-edged single blade safety razor, so when I do shave I actually look forward to it and enjoy it a lot.

The other part of the problem is that I can't shave in the shower because there's barely enough hot water in this place to take a shower, much less shower + shave. (I live in a house that's been converted to two apartments, there's a family beneath me and basically a hot water heater big enough for one household, not two) So, overarching problems with the apartment aside, how can I shave without a sink?

Usually I run hot water, lather up the face, and after each pass of the blade, clean it with running water and put blade to face again. I tried keeping a mug of hot water next to the sink and rinsing the blade in it, but all the soap and hairs would float on the top after a couple passes, so I wasn't really cleaning my blade and everything was getting kind of gross.

So what's the solution? I know gentlemen have shaved for centuries without the benefit of running water, but how can *I* do it today? My google-fu has failed me spectacularly in this area. Thanks, as always, in advance! MeFi is the best.

shave filter

cestmoi15 — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:44:24 -0800

Best ye olde tyme shave complete kit for men? This has been touched on before, but not completely enough to really help me.

Mr. cestmoi has expressed interest in a complete shave kit for men; regular and straight razor, brush, stand and shave cream. Much to my surprise these things are crazy expensive.

I was looking to spend about $150 for this but they seem to be running about $250, so, worth the extra cash? Good value in my range?

He'll be a newbie to the brush and straight razor, rather hairy guy (gets the 5 o'clock shadow by about 2:30 type)

NSFW male shaving question

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:32:05 -0800

NSFW, graphic question about shaving below the belt. Proceed with caution. How do you shave your scrotum correctly? It seems hard to get a good shave considering how sensitive the skin is there. Also, how about the area approaching to your butt crack? Details appreciated.

Beard, or no beard for my wedding?

studentbaker — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:57:59 -0800

Beard, or no beard for my wedding? I’m getting married in less than two weeks. I’m having trouble deciding whether or not to shave my beard for the ceremony. It matters less for the actual day and more for the pictures, I guess. I’m undecided and my fiancée is terrified to answer and make a regretful choice.

Anyone disappointed in his or her spouse’s decision in regards to facial hair on the big day?

Photographers, any issues with beards? I’m wearing a black suit with a white shirt, if it matters.

Old-Timey Shave in Chicago?

KevinSkomsvold — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:07:21 -0800

Where can I get an old-timey shave in the city of Chicago? I've never gone under the blade or the hot towel and I'd like to try it if only for the experience. I'd prefer to avoid "Sport Clips" or any of those places where cigar-chomping steakheads go. Looking to stay mostly to the north side of Chicago or Evanston-Skokie area. Bonus points if they have a barber pole out front and the guy's name is "Smitty."

Where to buy shaving supplies locally?

markblasco — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:23:28 -0800

Where to buy shaving supplies (the real stuff) locally (Seattle/North Seattle area)? I want to start shaving with something other than a disposable razor after 8 years of a beard, and I am ready to splurge a little. I would like to find someplace locally that will carry shaving supplies. Where should I look? Will Bed Bath and Beyond carry what I am looking for? Are there any chain stores that will carry shaving brushes, real shaving cream, straight razors, etc.? I know there are places online(and I already have a lot of those places bookmarked), but I would prefer to do it locally, so any suggestions would be appreciated. I tried searching but didn't find anything, so if this has been covered before a link would be great. thanks!

Beyond the pink daisy shaver...

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 21:25:48 -0800

I need a razor that won't get clogged with hair. I've combed (har har) through all the Ask Metafilter questions about razors, shaving, etc, but did not find the answers I seek.

I'm a female who lets my body hair grow longer than most do. The reason for this is, if it matters, is because my body hair (legs, underarms, etc) is not only fairly coarse, but also grows quickly. To keep things smooth would require a campaign of daily shaving sessions which I do not have the energy for.

When I do shave, which happens anywhere from 1-5 times per month, I find most disposable razors get clogged from hair fairly quickly and the hair doesn't come out, it just gets stuck in there and can't be rinsed out. Is there a better method of doing this? Am I doomed to using a whole package of razors to get the job done? Are there any razors that you know of that are designed so that the hair shaved doesn't get trapped in the little crevices? It made me wonder about men shaving their body hair, as they generally have much more...how do they cope with this problem?

I understand that alternate methods like waxing, electrolysis and chemical depilatories might be a solution for others but for my own various reasons I have already ruled these methods out. I'm mainly looking for a razor designed to deal with longer hair or some other shaving solution I have not thought of. Thanks for your help.

Help me shave my own back

Noodles — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:13:40 -0800

Is it possible for a guy to shave his own back? I recently became single and would like to know if they make an extra long razor or an attachment that would enable me to shave my back. By the way my girlfriend was a pain in the butt. -wolfman

How to Achieve a Clean Face and a Clean Scalp?

WCityMike — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:10:09 -0800

I could use some shaving tips, with regards to two specific questions: (i) how to achieve a much closer facial shave; and (ii) tips, anecdotes, etc. on headshaving. First, whenever I shave my face and neck, I always seem to leave a slight stubble behind: enough so that the skin is slightly rough to the touch, and is not colored the same as "normal" skin, but not enough that we're talking outgrown hair. In the area of where a mustache would grow, there sometimes seems to be to be stubble "coloration" without any feeling of stubble. I would instead like to have an utterly clean shave -- in other words, the shaved face resembling the coloration and texture of skin where hair does not grow. How do I go about that?

Second, I have decided I really don't care for where male pattern baldness is taking my hair, and am planning to shave my head clean at some point in the next month. I am wondering if anyone has any advice on this, or any anecdotes. Did you make the same decision? Did you regret it, or did you enjoy it? Good change in your life, or bad? If you decided to "go back," how long did it take you to regrow? How did people react? Minor or major changes in your daily routine? Etc., etc., etc. ... just looking for a primer on the experience, basically.

I'm using a Gillette Mach 3 sport razor and Barbasol aloe shaving cream.

Help stop the burn!

crewshell — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:36:04 -0800

Which Electric razor is the best for sensitive skin? I just landed a job were I will have to shave daily. I want to switch from a manual to an electric razor for ease and speed of use. I've tried my dads cheap one but my face always burns afterwards. I assume this is because his is old. I am willing to spend up to 200 dollars so I assume there has to be one out there that will work for me.

Also I would like one I could use in the shower if possible. Many people suggest it reduces irritation to shave with the steam and such. I've seen the Norelco one with the lotion that comes out... any thoughts on if this actually works to reduce irritation?

I've read almost all of the posts here on askme so please, no need to mention those. I ask again because this is a very specific question and the last thread was almost 8 months old.

If it makes any difference I currently use a Mach 3 Turbo. My hair is medium in terms of thickness and medium to light in terms of density.

If I was a wealthy man I would simply go out and buy several until I found the right shaver, but it would be great if the hive mind could help me nail it on my first purchase, since I am indeed not a wealthy man!

2nd Amendment

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:17:27 -0800

I'm hairy but work around food. How weird would it be if I shaved my forearms? While I know the constitution grants me the right to bear arms, I'd rather not pack these shaggy guns. I'm male and not a competitive swimmer. It's too hot to wear long sleeves all summer. Okay or bad idea?

Where to get a good shave in downtown philly?

hihowareyou — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 15:38:12 -0800

Where can I get a barber shop shave in downtown Philadelphia. The closer to the Radisson Warwick Hotel, the better.

Dealing with a Molester Moustache

FuManchu — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 09:49:56 -0800

I have an indefatigable Molester Moustache. Does it look as creepy as I think? Should I make a habit of shaving multiple times a day? I have an awkward facial hair situation: the only real hair that grows is the moustache. There's nothing on my cheeks, and I couldn't grow sideburns if my life depended on it. The chin-hair wouldn't be noticeable even if I didn't shave for 3-4 days. But the moustache -- it's fierce. It's noticeable by dinnertime. Missing a day of shaving provokes people to ask whether I'm growing a moustache -- a creepy, thin, moustache. They assume I've shaved everywhere else, when in fact there's just no hair growing. Most guys can get away with the "scruffy" look, while I can only get a "possible child molester" look. Obviously I'm uncomfortable with this.

I've checked through the surprisingly voluminous amounts of information on shaving in the archives, and still have questions.

First, how common are these "my beard looks awful" feelings? (And any ladies who've actually read this far: how readily do you notice bad facial hair?)

Second, how close can a good electric shaver get? I've only gotten a close enough shave with a Mach3-type razor in the shower. Anything less than zero-length hair results in a creepy look, as it contrasts with the absence of hair elsewhere. I've bought cheap electrics that weren't close enough, and am afraid to invest much more.

Lastly, does anyone bring shaving equipment to work? I work long days, and often feel I need another shave if I go out after work. Given the lack of an electric, how strange would it be to take a quick shave in the bathroom?

"Training a beard" for an electric razor

Prospero — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:29:32 -0800

Why would my beard need to "get used" to an electric razor? I purchased a fancy-schmancy Braun razor over the holidays--it's my first electric razor. I've been using it for three days, and I'm happy with it (primarily because of its convenience, and because I like gadgets). It shaves closely enough for government work, so to speak, but not as close as the Mach 3 Turbo that I'd been using. (Blade razors and my skin weren't getting along so well, which is why I thought I'd try electric.)

The manual that came with the razor claims that it will take 10-12 days to "train my beard" to the new razor so that I'll get an optimal shave, and that I'm not to use a manual razor in the meantime. Research I did before buying the electric razor indicates that all manufacturers say something similar--two to four weeks for the best shave. Why is this? Is this a marketing ploy that translates to, "It'll take you a couple of weeks to get used to the idea of having just a bit of stubble left over from shaving"? Or is it because it will take me that much time to learn how to shave with the new razor? Or does hair actually respond differently to an electric razor over the course of a couple of weeks?

Exfoliation Tolerance?

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 07:26:45 -0800

I have extremely soft skin, but laser sharp, straight facial hair. Gross details and an actual question in the Each time I shave (only once per week) I exfoliate using St. Ives to remove dead skin from my face. If I shave more frequently or skip the exfoliation, I can't get a clean shave and will bleed and suffer from nasty and physically painful ingrown hairs.

It seems that my face has now become tolerant to the exfoliation process and as new hair grows out, it has a tremendously difficult time breaking the surface of the skin (which has become tougher, much like a callus). When the hair actually breaks through the surface, it drags the skin with it, causing a lot of flaking from my face, which looks really gross and is painful.

So it seems that each new time that I shave, the more and more I need to exfoliate to get the same closeness of shave compared to previous attempts. Now the calluses are visible and I can even pick them off with a fingernail, which makes them even tougher in the long run.

Okay, is there any way to break this cycle other than growing my beard out for a month (which by the way my workplace would frown upon as being unprofessional)? I do not qualify for laser removal because of the pigment my skin. And this is really annoying. Help!

How to handle a 5 o'clock shadow?

Stynxno — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 12:47:09 -0800

5 o'clock shadow: how do I make my face fuzz less scratchy and rough? I am cursed with a 5 o'clock shadow at 10 am in the morning and I'm looking for tips or tricks on how to lessen the scratchy effects of it.

I currently do the following:
- I shave with a mach 3 and change blades often
- I use a brush and "close shave cream" to apply to my face
- I shave after I shower so the skin is still soft
- I use a good aftershave moisturizer, lotion

Besides laser hair removal, what other product or methods or whatnot, can I do to, if not lessen the effects 5 o'clock shadow, but make the hair softer?