Never Close Enough - Shaving the MtF Face

Thought I'd start this thread because the MtF's in this forum are all too aware of the obstacles we XY-chromosomed persons face in the ordeal of addressing facial hair. Rather than hijack StayJay's excellent makeup thread (even though that's what I do best ) I'll just copy/paste here some tips and techniques I employ. Hopefully this thread will become a place where other MtF's can offer tips, commiserate on options like electrolysis, or even just vent about the great fun of having to deforest a female face.


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I can relate to this. I have ultra-sensitive skin and am meticulous about taking proper care of it these days, sparing no expense. I still get bad razor bumps, especially on the left side of my face (my good side :dry.

One thing I have noticed helps is a change in my technique. Tried this just last night to very good results:

• Douse my face in ice water, including icing my "tough" areas (mostly chin & upper lip) directly with cubes.
• Immediately apply refrigerated gel to face.
• First shave, which is nothing but single strokes, made as smoothly as possible. Experience has taught me subtleties of direction for certain areas.
• Very close inspection. During this, my nose is almost touching the glass.
• Second dousing & gel application.
• Second shave, which is really just maintenance. As before, try to stick the single, smooth strokes, where possible.
• Rinse in tepid water. Pat face dry with soft cloth.
• Moisturize.

Following this procedure gave me about the closest, smoothest shave with the least irritation of my adulthood. (Another tip: between shaves, I always store blades face down in about 1/16" of alcohol inside a sealed glass container. Keeps oxidation at bay and blades fresh for longer.)


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EDIT: Probably should add that, during the "dousing" stage, make sure this is kept up for at least a couple of minutes. Face should be plenty, plenty wet prior to suds application/shave.

 

This is true. After what Claudette discovered about herself, I've thought about these kind of possibilities.

I do the icing/ice water thing because the cold causes your skin to retract from the follicle, enabling a closer shave.

---------- Post added 2nd May 2014 at 06:56 AM ----------

You know we've granted you a pass on the ladies room. Gallancy has it's perks.

 

Best of luck. When it comes to angle for cheek and "jowl" whiskers, I find 45 degrees rotated from the grain direction to give me the closest shave. Any sharper and I tend to irritate.

 

Gnerds :rolle:

 

"Submit new thread"

---------- Post added 2nd May 2014 at 12:05 PM ----------

Here's something I've considered recently: any of you ladies ever have experience using a straight razor? Wondering if it might give a closer shave vs safety razor.

 

^ Anyone else?

Curious about maybe trying this, even if my shaky hands may be an imminent threat to my face. :lol: (Damn black facial hairs.)