What's Wrong With Shaving Against The Grain?

[Jelly]

I've always been told to not shave against the grain.

Been trying it here lately (shaving up instead of down on my face) and the results are great...much, much closer shave!

From what I've read, there seems to be a couple different issues:
Razor burn/irritation
Ingrown hairs

I haven't had to deal with either one of these though (a little rough doing the chin at first, but since have become accustomed to it)...

Do you shave against the grain?

 

[mikep]

The rare times when I use a blade (almost always use an electric) I never go against the grain. If I do, major razor burn/rash will follow. But you are correct, it sure does give a much closer shave that way.

 

[cryptokid]

i can only shave against the grain after i have had a hot shower. seems my face hair needs a bit of hot soaking in the shower before it softens up enough to work. otherwise it burns me.

but you are right that it is alot smoother and 5 oclock shadow comes in at midnight!

if i am going to be out for a few days and wont have a place to shave, like weekend camping, i am sure to shave against the grain before leaving.

 

[Whimsey]

I'm 50 and have have shaved only with a razor blade for a long time. The only way to get a close shave is to against the grain. The shave cream you use is very important as well as a sharp razor. Don't go cheap on either. I find that Edge Gel is a great shave "cream". Blades are hit and miss. If you're squeamish about blood, use an electric shaver

. Though I tried an electric shaver and it was more painful than using blades.

Whimsey

 

[sprintman]

Shave in the shower at the end and the water/steam softens it well, use a quality shaver (Mach III turbo for me) and a good gel. Always against the grain and no rash. A great tip a mate gave me was to buy a bottle of ingrow grow and hey presto no more rash or ingrown hairs. Worth every cent IMO.

 

[XS650]

With the grain for the rough cut, then against the grain for the final cut. Seems to work better than just against the grain and is more comfortable.

 

[Losiho]

As others have said, against the grain, after a shower. I'm a hairy dude, so if I only shave with the grain, my face feels like I still have a 3 day grow !

 

[moribundman]

You know, there are more ways to stroke a cat than with or against the grain.

I find a 45 degree angle of attack in direction of the grain works best. A directional shaving compromise of sorts...

 

[Flashlightboy]

Jelly,

I can't believe I'm talking about male grooming habits and I'm definately going to have to look at internet porn to re-establish my manhood.

That said, you are all missing the answer in your quest for nirvana. Shaving with the growth gets a good amount but it, as others point out, leaves something to be desired.

Shaving against the growth causes problems and although it gives a smooth shave there are known residual problems.

Here is the answer that I've been using for decades and it works well. With a good gel, shave with the growth and follow up with across the growth aka 90 degrees. This will give you a very good shave that you will likely exceed your expectations.

Follow shaving up with a good after shave that tighten the pores and you'll be ready to dazzle the ladies. The best shaver is a blade but not the 3 or 4 blade models because although they work on your face better than anything else, they don't have the precision around or under the nose or sideburns. Gillette Sensor Excel is the one to use.

"Down and across" "Down and across" If you try it for a week and you're not impressed then I'll humbly accept all ragging graciously.

 

[integrare]

Tally another one for shaving against the grain after showering. It shaves much closer and I've never had any ingrown hair on my face. The only time I've gotten any razor burn is shaving against the grain without showering first.

 

[Terry]

I never dreamed that tribology and lube studies would get to the shaving arena but Jelly has taken us there. This site truly is amazing in scope..

Well the Cf of the zinc coated multi blade razor set at a 45' angle utilizing a 1.25cSt lubricant does seem to work well for me. With the grain or against.

I have lots of Native American blood and little facial hair.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Is Jelly talking about shaving his face?

 

[msparks]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jelly:
I've always been told to not shave against the grain.

Been trying it here lately (shaving up instead of down on my face) and the results are great...much, much closer shave!

From what I've read, there seems to be a couple different issues:
Razor burn/irritation
Ingrown hairs

I haven't had to deal with either one of these though (a little rough doing the chin at first, but since have become accustomed to it)...

Do you shave against the grain?

---

Shave in the shower is best, after you clean everthing else, so the hairs are nice and soft.

Like others have said, use a quality razor with at least 2 blades, though I don't know if the 3 and 4 bladed ones are better.

In the army, shaving against the grain is the only way to pass inspection. When i was younger I could even shave at night before bed and still pass inspection. Can't do that anymore.

As far as shaving the rest, on my legs, I can shave below the knee against the grain at no problem, but the thigh region breaks out somthing fierce. So I have to go with the grain.

I havn't figured that one out yet, maybe I need to get used to it or something.

 

[Pablo]

I shave my back.

Girls dig it.

 

[tom slick]

I normally shave both ways while in the shower. I also find shaving soap with a brush better than canned shaving cream.

currently i am sporting the mountian man bearded look.

 

[moribundman]

quote:

---

I shave my back.

Girls dig it.

---

I almost said something cheeky.

Anybody ever use Nair?

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

---

I have lots of Native American blood and little facial hair.

---

o:-s-da A-ni-tsa-la-gi' tsi-yv'-wi-ya' yv'-wi go-s-ta-yi a-ye'-l-s-di

 

[Pablo]

Allow me to clarify.

After cutting the hair on by back with the electric shears, my wife shaves my back.

My girls dig it.

Unfortunely the other Amsoil weenie posted about shaving his legs just seconds before my post hit. I now have a mild interest in shaving my legs. No, I guess not.

 

[Flashlightboy]

Eeew.

That's not hot at all.

 

[moribundman]

quote:

---

That's not hot at all. [SPAZ!]

---

All that fur must be hot.