DS 14 needs to start shaving - help!

[Namechangetry]

DS has no contact with his father so it's down to me to raise the subject and sort supplies. I'm thinking I'll ask him if he'd like a razor for starters, but what kind is best for a first shave? Is electric safer than a wet razor?

My only experience is starting to shave legs and that's easy to hide if you don't do a good job, not like your face. I'm keen to do the best for him as there's no dad to show him this stuff so advice welcome please!

Mine started with a electric shaver. In his 20s now still uses one never used a normal razor.

Identical to my son. He was baffled why anyone would choose to cut themselves when electric (USB rechargeable) razors existed. He's 20 now and never wet shaved.

Electric razors are safer and easier. I've had both Braun and Philips ones and they've been good.

Wet razors give a noticeably better and closer shave, at the risk of the occasional cut until you get the knack. Cheap disposables aren't great as the blades tend to be a bit more blunt and the heads are often fixed. The name-brand razors with replaceable heads and two or three blades all seem to be about as good as each other in my experience. If you can get one that has built-in moisturiser strips then they're often a bit easier to use but it's not essential.

I've been using the Nivea Men's Sensitive shaving gel for years and it works well for me. For best results put on some foam/gel, shave in the same direction as hair growth once or twice, then a bit more shaving foam/gel and then gently shave against the hair growth once or twice. The hair doesn't always grow in the direction you think it should - for some reason the hair on my adam's apple grows sideways(?) - and you don't want to keep shaving repeatedly as that's what makes your skin sore.

Safety razors (the ones where you just replace the blade) are even better but noticeably trickier so I'd avoid those for now. And don't even think about straight razors.

Mine both use electric. There are some really good ones now.

I was going to say if he needs an aftershave balm or moisturiser this could be good to get him now. My DB uses Kiehls moisturiser now and wishes he’d started earlier.

There’s lots of options re shaving foam gel but I’ve had several men tell me about King of Shaves oil I think it is.

Shaving (women or men) in the direction the hair grows is less likely to cause irritation, nicks, cuts and razor burn but shaving agains the direction of growth will give you a closer shave. So, there is no right or wrong way :)

Shave down (with the hair growth) unless you love infected angry red hair follicles.

I also have a four inch scar on my shin from shaving upwards and taking the top layer of skin clean off.

This is what I was going to suggest.
a nice razor lessens the chances of nicks or razor burn.
cheap disposible ones can chew a face up.

Ah that’s only true you need to shave down if you’re shaving with a blunt or cheap razor.

Hi op

Not read all the posts so sorry if I am duplicating . I grew up in a house with a dad who is loving in his own way but didn’t do any growing up stuff with us so I had to fair on my own I assume on a lot of things my mum just assumed he’d done it .

My whole year group got sent a Gillette shaving kit when we turned 16 in the 90’s and I’ve used them ever since there Mach 3 with any of their shaving gel is good. I’ve bought expensive stuff and had electric razors but always come back to the Mach 3 .

One thing that is nice if you want to treat him is the kiehl's facial fuel range their moisturiser is fantastic.

Do people shave down on their legs I always go upwards.

I have two sons, one wet shaves the other uses an electric razor.

The best advice apart from youtube videos is to do it when he has time so he isn't rushed and preferably on a weekend so his face can calm down if he gets red from doing it.

Dh was with Ds1 when he had his first shave. However Ds2 sprang it on me during the day when Dh was at work so I showed him the videos and talked him through it. He asked me as he knows I shave my legs and armpits whereas Dh has had a beard for the last 20 years so in his head that made sense.

I got that fro my DH but hes a skinflint and says its too expensive ! its really really good. He use Nivea for men and Bulldog cos they are cheap and says they are good too.

Do electric razors work on teenage fluff then? DS and I were literally talking about this earlier. I thought a wet razor would be better?

Electric is easier but do you have any men in your life who would be willing to help, many would be honoured to help you. I helped a friend raising his daughter (mum had passed away) in reverse by taking her bra shopping and a teacher knowing the situation did an amazing job prepping her for periods, I’m sure men would be equally happy to help

Thank you so much everyone - I was feeling quite crappy about this and now I feel quite on top of things. Getting aftershaving moisturiser and doing it at the weekend are top tips, and it turns out there's more than one shaving video in the dad how do I? YouTube channel to watch.

DS has a grandad and two uncles who I could ask to help but he's quite shy about his body, plus he has inattentive ADHD so it can be a bit of a knack to show him stuff and him take it in. I'll think about that.

I was all set to raise it tonight but of course DS went straight to the park after school and then threw some food at his face and is now glued to his Xbox! He can have a fluffy top lip for a few more days anyway!

From experience if your son has ADHD and struggles to be shown stuff and electric shaver will be easier for you both

Electric will handle fluff still, personally would avoid the electric shavers with the round blades and just go for something like a braun

This is a great idea.

https://www.boots.com/philips-oneblade-first-shave-with-anti-friction-blade-10340071

Philips do this

Doesn't matter whether I use orange Bic or the fancy Gillette Venus with the articulated handle and aloe strip, I get the red bumps. I get fewer of them if I shave downwards.

But then my skin is so sensitive that just tap water will make parts of it break out into flakes.

Ive no idea if they're better but yes they do work.