Thread: How do you deal with rockhard stubble?

Hello there, folks.

I've been shaving with a straight razor for a while, but eventually went back to using a safety razor. There is, however, a problem I've been having lately. I can't seem to get good shaves when I have stubble. In fact, I usually get tons of little cuts here and there, and it usually ends up in a little bit of a bloody mess. Now, I could wait for my facial hair to grow out, but sometimes I just don't have the time and I have to look nice!

Heck, because of this I've actually been considering going back to electric shaving. So hey, guys, how do you deal with rockhard stubble? The kind that makes your partners face all scratchy and red?

What does your pre-shave prep entail? Do you use a pre-shave oil? I've found that alongside softening the hair, it also provides a slick surface for the razor to shave over.

Hot towels. Seriously, these work great!

Lather up, hot towel over the top, wait a couple of mins and take the towel off then relather and shave. Works great!

I actually started using shaving oil again, indeed. I love that stuff, but sadly it doesn't prevent me from making all these little cuts.

I've been experimenting a lot with different ways of prepping for the shave. Recently I've been trying cold water with shaving oil as of late, but I think I might go ahead and try warm water with shaving soap again. Back to the good old shaving brush.

I might be pressing down too hard, though! Especially the hair in my throat area is very hard to remove.

Originally Posted by Stubear

Hot towels. Seriously, these work great!

Lather up, hot towel over the top, wait a couple of mins and take the towel off then relather and shave. Works great!

That sounds like a lovely idea, however, I don't always have the time to spend on shaving. Now, I could of course shave before I go to bed, but my facial hair grows back really quickly and I usually have to do another quick shave in the morning, haha! But thanks for the idea

If you are using a double edge, how many passes do you make?

If you use a mild DE like the Edwin Jagger 89, you should try for beard reduction even with stubble. Make sure to do good pre-shave preparation and try three easy passes (WTG, XTG, ATG). You could even omit the ATG and do WTG, XTG, and XTG. It's worth a try.

If you use a Gillette or other adjustable, do a first pass with setting of 1-2, a second pass with a setting of 3-4, and a final pass with a setting of 5-6 or higher.

With a tough beard, keeping it soft and hydrated is critical. You might try using a pre-shave oil under your lather. Others have also suggested using a hair conditioner on your face during your shower to soften the stubble.

I primarily use a straight razor. I do a WTG and XTG with the straight and, just because I also like DE razors, sometimes follow with a final ATG pass using a DE. I shave everyday and I do know what you are talking about. Often, a one-day growth is rock hard stubble whereas a two-day growth of beard is softer.

Good Luck and Happy Shaving!

Sounds like work for a fresh blade--a new DE blade, or a straight in top condition. Those tough barbs will steer a blade into the skin unless it's sharp enough to lop them off first.

With your first WTG pass, you might try laying the blade flat or almost flat on your face. Maybe, make a pass or two with the blade flat. This will reduce your beard length closer to the skin without razor burn (since the blade is very close to moving parallel with your skin.)

After that first WTG pass or two, relather, and the rest of your shave should be as before, with blade elevated a little more.

No matter the length of your beard the razor should not be causing those issues. You must be doing something different to cause the cuts. Check your angle and pressure. You can try a hot towel before and see if that helps.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

No matter the length of your beard the razor should not be causing those issues. You must be doing something different to cause the cuts. Check your angle and pressure. You can try a hot towel before and see if that helps.

+1. I would venture to say it has to be technique. Especially if you're getting these little nicks with the DE as well as a straight. Are you stretching the skin ? Did you 'map' your whisker pattern to see/feel the direction of the growth ? As crazy as it may sound you might also try the cold water shave. Forget all of the prep. Go to the sink and lather up with cold water. Rub it into your beard vigorously. Don't rinse, relather and shave. No pressure, 1 WTG and then either an XTG or ATG, again , no pressure and focus on proper stretching. That is my daily routine and it is working for me.

If you hold the razor, straight or DE firmly enough so you won't drop it but loosely enough that if it pulls it will flex in your grip you'll avoid nicks and cuts. If it is pulling never force it. Stop, put a dab of lather on the area and try again. An old barber tipped me to that many years ago and it has saved me from nicks and cuts ever since.

Originally Posted by JJMononoetoe

Hello there, folks.

I've been shaving with a straight razor for a while, but eventually went back to using a safety razor. There is, however, a problem I've been having lately. I can't seem to get good shaves when I have stubble. In fact, I usually get tons of little cuts here and there, and it usually ends up in a little bit of a bloody mess. Now, I could wait for my facial hair to grow out, but sometimes I just don't have the time and I have to look nice!

Heck, because of this I've actually been considering going back to electric shaving. So hey, guys, how do you deal with rockhard stubble? The kind that makes your partners face all scratchy and red?

How about going slower and shorter on your strokes? I have problem areas under my jawline with rock hard stubble, so after some analysis of how I shave, I slowed down more in my problem area and knocked down that pesky stubble.