Razor burns are painful red bumps that occur on the neck and chin after shaving. They can be caused by a variety of factors, and most men purchase an electric razor to get rid of these annoying and painful bumps. Most men, however, end up with just as much (or more) razor burn after shaving with an electric razor.
Consider the following before shaving next time to avoid razor burn:
Heat your face first
Just like when shaving with a straight razor, you should never shave cold. Shave while in the shower, just after getting out or wet your face with warm water. These help your pores open up and gives you a smoother shave.
Quality equipment
Just like anything else, you get what you pay for with an electric razor, so don’t skimp on the quality of your razor. Less expensive razors tend to be underpowered or have shorter battery life, both of which cause your hair to be “pulled out” by the razor rather than cut-and cause razor burn. Make sure to do your research and pick out a high quality razor. Try to look for razors that professional barbers use; they may cost more, but the money will be well worth it when you rub your smooth, pain free skin.
Shave against the grain
When you learned to shave, you probably were taught to shave downward, which is the direction the hair grows (also known as “the grain”). You probably also learned that only after shaving with the grain and left to right (and right to left) should you shave against the grain. While this is a perfectly good strategy when using a straight razor, it can be detrimental to your face when using an electric because electric razors are designed to lift your hair before cutting; if this happens with the grain, you end up giving yourself tiny cuts that cause razor burn.
Clean your razor
When you shave with a straight razor, you clean it after every stroke or two to ensure that hair doesn’t block the blade. While hair doesn’t necessarily get caught in an electric razor quite as quickly, over time it can get stuck. This can dull your blade and cause razor burn. Aim to clean your electric razor every two to three shaves. You don’t need to call out with a cleaner; just rinse it out thoroughly.
Sensitive area first
Electric razors use a small electric motor to power their blades and like any electronic device, this generates heat. In the case of an electric razor, this heat is dissipated in the area just below the blade. As you shave, this heat can cause razor burn, especially in sensitive areas like under your ears or your neck. Try to shave these areas first, before the razor heats up.
Useful Links:
http://www.wikihow.com/Shave-With-an-Electric-Shaver
http://www.shaverinfoformen.com/best-electric-shaver/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/supercompressor/6-ways-youre-shaving-wron_b_8037642.html
