How do you shave

[Fe 26]

You would think I knew how to shave. I myself thought I knew. I wet my face, I put on the gel, and I shave with the grain. I even go back over trouble areas after the first shave. And yet I still can't get a good shave. No matter what I do, I always have a sandpaper grit to my face. I've tried to shave in the shower, and ive used different gels, and yet nothing works.

Does anyone know what on earth im doing wrong? It would be nice to one day go out in puplic and not look like a action hero from the 80s.

[Shine]

Use a razor with a blade in it.

[MechDeus]

You're shaving against the grain, right? I usually start with and then once it's shorter go against. Also, what blades are you using? Not sure how electric razors are now, but those used to be the worst for shaving (though a step up from disposable, I think), followed by blade razors (I use a Mach 3), followed by those good ol' fashioned barbershop blades for the closest shave possible.

Although barber razors will also cut your skin to hell learning to use and require a lot of sharpening.

[edit] I use foam, never tried gel.

[Regus]

I go against the grain.

[Fe 26]

mach 3, with the grain, then against and I use that super gental gelet shaving gel

[Superstition]

Originally posted by ShineAqua
Use a razor with a blade in it.

Actually, sounds like it might be the blade you are using. Maybe you need one of those Mach 3 blades or something better. Either that, or go electric, they usually do a good job (though I'm not a fan).

Edit: skip the blade advice since you already use a Mach 3.

[Jeremy]

IronPlant, look at the bright side, on Halloween, you can go as Toilet Paper face. Seriously though, I use an electric, it's murder, but I'm lazy when it comes to things like shaving, so in general, the less effort, the better.

[Tommy Tallarico]

Mach 3, against the grain, no shaving cream. Shaving cream is for women.

[Josh]

When i used to use a blade I went against the grain, with no shaving cream. I would occasionally use water to spice things up.

Now I use an electric razor because I don't give a shit if I look haggard.

[skelly]

I started with electric and used 'em for years. They SUCK. Always had to use the pop-up clipper thing on the back to get anything close to a good shave. I also didn't have any acne until I started shaving in high school. I'm not sure if starting with a regular razor would have prevented this.

I overcame my irrational fear of razors last year and switched to the Mach 3s. They're decent. I need to go with the grain once, then against it several times to get a good close shave. It's good if your face is warm from a shower or whatnot; it softens the hairs. However, I've read that you shouldn't run your razor under warm water, because that will make the blades more susceptible to damage, necessitating earlier replacement.

Edit: I use name-brand gels, btw. They tend to last a good long time if used in moderation. They're also kind of fun when you first start using them.