Thread: Cold water Shaving

I believe I read someplace that a fanatic won't change his mind and won't change the subject...or something like that.

Those of us who have gone over to the cold side are for the most part, fanatics.
Proud, un-apologetic, and always welcoming others to the fold...but fanatic.

Smooth & Cool Shaving...

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I know a dude who fills the jacket in his scuttle with shaved ice to keep the water ice cold. He swears by it especially in the Summer.

This sounds awesome!

MJC, I am a cold water advocate. The only things I am a fanatic about are a good pre dinner drink and an exceedingly rich dessert. All the rest in moderation (I try moderation on occasion just to see what it's like).

I think I may try hat water again sometime in the future but I like the cold water shaving, aside from the reduced irritation, it is very refreshing.

But I have a question, what is the quickest way to get rid of razor bumps and ingrown hairs? Should I just keep shaving or should I do something extra

Originally Posted by Nickayl

But I have a question, what is the quickest way to get rid of razor bumps and ingrown hairs? Should I just keep shaving or should I do something extra

Cold water shaving, I'm sure, reduced a lot of irritation. Did it alleviate any of the bumps and ingrown hairs? If not it could be as simple as consciously using a little less pressure when you shave. I like to quote another member (can't remember his name). He said shave the lather, not the beard. That helped me a lot.

The other thing it could be in prep work. At the end of my morning shower, complete with a cold water facial splash, I rub a very small amount of hair conditioner over my beard and leave my face undried. Just before I lather my face I also rub a small amount of Creamo or Kiss My Face into my beard. I feel it increases glide which, in my mind, helps with keeping irritation, etc down. I suffer from a light case of Rosacea, which means I often have a series of small pimple like eruptions occurring sporadically and they are minimized by the pre shave routine. There are also a few shaving creams available for sensitive or acne skin.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Cold water shaving, I'm sure, reduced a lot of irritation. Did it alleviate any of the bumps and ingrown hairs? If not it could be as simple as consciously using a little less pressure when you shave. I like to quote another member (can't remember his name). He said shave the lather, not the beard. That helped me a lot.

The other thing it could be in prep work. At the end of my morning shower, complete with a cold water facial splash, I rub a very small amount of hair conditioner over my beard and leave my face undried. Just before I lather my face I also rub a small amount of Creamo or Kiss My Face into my beard. I feel it increases glide which, in my mind, helps with keeping irritation, etc down. I suffer from a light case of Rosacea, which means I often have a series of small pimple like eruptions occurring sporadically and they are minimized by the pre shave routine. There are also a few shaving creams available for sensitive or acne skin.

Good point Razorfeld...last time I had coffee with Valery I was asking him about this, and he was adamant, at least from his point of view, that properly hydrating your beard was essential for a good shave, and easier on the blade. Excellent point you make, conditioner or any such moisturizer will work as well.

Since starting cold water shaving I did notice a reduction in razor bumps but they are still here. I'm not using any pressure other than the weight of the blade so it must be my preshave routine. Next time when I get out of the shower I'll splash my face with some cold water, apply some shea butter stuff, and apply a thick lather. How does that sound, is shea good thing to use.

I think that quote "shave the larger not your beard" will be helpful.

Worth the try. My only concern is the Shea butter. I had a negative reaction to that stuff, but then, every one's face is different. Because of the Rosacea I react negatively to Menthol and eucalyptus laden products and Shea's right there with them. It is a process of trial and elimination to find the combination right for your face and beard. Trial and error is a good teacher, go for it.

Yesterday I was in a hurry and I didn’t have hot water, so I shaved with tepid/cold water. It was not the most pleasant shave but I was surprised to find out that it was a very deep shave, deeper than what I get with hot water with the same razor, and not irritating at all. I was happily surprised with tepid water straight shave.

I tested this a few years ago and found it to not be a bad thing. It's kinda nice in the hot summer months. after mowing the yards, but not before!