Cold water Shaving

My last couple of shaves with hot water were certainly less than what should be expected from a straight razor shave. The first time I used the razor I honed and it was not the most pleasant shave one could have, my face was red and sore afterwards. Thank that my razor just wasn't sharp enough u used the professionally honed razor that I had, to my surprise this shave was even worse than my first one, I assume it was because I had a few bumps on my face and it was still a bit tender from the first shave. Not wanting to give up on straight razor shaving I rehoned my razor and got it as sharp as I could and went to go shave one more time. This time however, I used cold water instead of hot water and the results were completely different than my first two shaves. My face felt fine afterwards and the shave was pretty close. I think know that from this day forward I will shave with cold water.

I think cold water shaving is, and will remain, the preference of a minority.

Personally, it is not for me as I much rather have the warm comfort of a nicely prepped face and rich warm lather.
May have to do with the cold climate I grew up in where people would rather reach for a warm scuttle than a few ice-cubes in the morning.

Having said that; there was never only one way of "correct" shaving, and any variation from it would be "wrong".
That's the beauty of wet-shaving, you experiment and find what works best for you.

I found however that what may have worked at one time in the past may not that well work, or may no longer be needed later on.
Pre-shave creams are one example. I hardly use them any more.

Your experience with warm-water shaves might be similar.

Use whatever works best for you, but from time to time come back to the conventional warm-water technique again to see whether it works now better.




B

I noticed a dramatic improvement when I crossed over to the cold side, and have not been temped back. I even modified my "Navy Shower" routine to warm start and cold - aka "James Bond" finish.
For the shave I use cool water from the tap, finish with a hot water towell to clear the lather and then the big finish, an ice water washcloth press.

But what matters is what works for you...

Smooth Shaving
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Originally Posted by beluga

Use whatever works best for you, but from time to time come back to the conventional warm-water technique again to see whether it works now better.B

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Why in the world would I want to revisit a shaving scenario that left me wishing for either a doctor or a stiff drink when I know I had finally reached the closest thing to Nirvana a mortal can get. I certainly didn't start my shaving life by stating that I would only shave with cold water. That's for the dark ages of history when hot water was either a luxury or unheard of.

My path to the comfort of cold water shaving was the aging process and the evolvement of sensitivity to certain product used extensively in shaving soaps/creams and the unwished for mild case of Rosacea. All those situations were reduced and/or eliminated, including irritation, by switching to cold water shaving. ANd I need to say, ice cold water isn't necessary for a cold water shave. Tap cold is more than sufficient. Refrigerator cold is good but a little severe. I hate cold weather as much as most people but I found I tolerated cold water better in the winter than other seasons.

And by the way, "conventional warm-water technique" is a very irritating statement. Nowhere in life have I ever run into the "conventional" way of doing things. In all cases it's the way you, for example, tie your shoes as compared to the way I tie my shoes (and I only wear loafers).

I have been shaving for over 40 years and the vast majority of that using hot water. Hot water because everyone used hot water and that was the way it was supposed to be. Started using straight razors a few years ago and joined this forum to help me learn how. Stayed with using hot water and even got a nice double walled scuttle to keep the lather warm. Never used pre shave prepping before either and tried those too. Gave up on the prepping first as it did not make any difference to my shaves and then tried cold water after it had been written about on here. Cold water seemed to help and eliminated the need for the scuttle and rigamarola with using it plus saved on making hot water. I live in a climate where our winters are fairly long and given to stretches of -30C or more but still used cold water. Sorry for the long winded way of saying you use whatever works for you personally be it the conventional/accepted way or not. Getting a comfortable and decently close is the main thing.

Bob

Hot or cold is personal preference. Unfortunately for some of us even if we wanted to use hot water our skin disagrees with our preference and so we use cold water instead and get a better shave and no more irritation. personally I am willing to go cold for the comfort of not having my neck look like I shaved with sand paper.

Congratulations on finding something that works well for you. I also enjoy cool water shaving.

I've tried cold water once (tap water was around +7 degrees) and the shave and the sensation was not very good. I'll keep the hot water.

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Originally Posted by cariocarj01

I've tried cold water once (tap water was around +7 degrees) and the shave and the sensation was not very good. I'll keep the hot water.

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As an experiment draw a quart of tap water. Let it come to room temperature and try that as a tepid water shave to compare to a hot water shave.

I'm OK with either but have shaved mostly with cold water for the last couple years. As I've said before, in the hotter months of the year I've been known to add ice to the sink and shave with REALLY cold water. It's quite nice actually.

I tried both and I got good results from cold and warm water prep. My skin is easily irritated and cold water shaving eliminates some of the irritation problems for me. On the other hand, hot water in a cold morning can be rally important if you know what I mean?

I have moved away from the hot water aspects but have only gone so far as tepid/warm water for my shave and cold water rinse at the end. I firmly believe that the key is actually using water ("wet shaving"). After that is comes down to far too many variables to accurately measure and predict until you actually give it a shot.

I also noticed better results when I switched to cold water shaving a while back. Although, I miss that hot water shave, so I've slowly been adding a bit of hot water to the cold to get room temp water. It's been working so far.

I get a closer shave from warm water, but a much more comfortable shave with cold water. Good luck.

I get the chills just reading this thread. It seems like a good way to have a comfortable shave in the middle of the summer.

I've been a dedicated cold water shaver, and recently I've been adding some Proraso pre-shave cream to my beard. I'm finding that properly hydrating my beard, even with this little bit of extra prep, has been making a significant difference in terms of closeness, comfort and a much smoother shave.

But that's the great thing about this, you can always experiment and find out what you like. Funny, had a jar of the Proraso Green Tea and Oat lying around for a year, used it at the beginning then stopped, now I'm liking it...a lot.

I am probably the most vocal of current advocates for cold water shaving. Based on the many responses I've been reading over the last year, ranging from COLD! COLD! COLD! Give me more cold, to Horrors upon horrors there is no such thing as a good cold water shave, it's not the convention, and all the inbetween responses, I feel the need to state the following:

If at any time you are having difficulties of any kind, especially in the irritation and reaction to product areas and you are committed to the hot lather/hot water contingent, consider the following. Reduce the heat of water you are using by 15 degrees. Did it alleviate any problems you were having? No? Reduce an additional 15 degrees, check results. Continue reducing by 15 degrees as necessary to achieve a comfortable, for you, shave. Hot, lukewarm, tepid, cold or icy, find your specific level and rejoice, you have found your personal nirvana of shaving comfort. Like in life, we are all different and viva that.

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Originally Posted by Razorfeld

I am probably the most vocal of current advocates for cold water shaving. Based on the many responses I've been reading over the last year, ranging from COLD! COLD! COLD! Give me more cold, to Horrors upon horrors there is no such thing as a good cold water shave, it's not the convention, and all the inbetween responses, I feel the need to state the following:

If at any time you are having difficulties of any kind, especially in the irritation and reaction to product areas and you are committed to the hot lather/hot water contingent, consider the following. Reduce the heat of water you are using by 15 degrees. Did it alleviate any problems you were having? No? Reduce an additional 15 degrees, check results. Continue reducing by 15 degrees as necessary to achieve a comfortable, for you, shave. Hot, lukewarm, tepid, cold or icy, find your specific level and rejoice, you have found your personal nirvana of shaving comfort. Like in life, we are all different and viva that.

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Agreed - that's essentially what I do, with the recent addition of taking a small dab of the Proraso pre-shave cream on the palm of my hands that are wet with cold water, rub the palms together, and rub into my face...been enjoying this addition lately...but yes...cold, cold, cold!!

Phrank, you being a Canadian and living in the cooler climes of the earth I suggest we change your screen name to PolarBearExtrodinaire to honor your love of Cold! Cold! Cold!

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.

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...

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Originally Posted by Razorfeld

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.

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Lord Thunderin'! What a pleasant thread to see again after so many years! Wow - 2014. Great to hear from you....hope things are well with you.

I remember "cold shaving" for me being extremely cold water, as I found it would contract the skin and feel like a closer shave, so cold water and my Osma shaving Soap with built in Alum in the recipe, was always a great feeling shave. Still after all the years, love my Osma Shave Soap.

Great thread....

Some say hot water softens the whiskers for a smoother and closer shave and some say cold water makes the whiskers stand up at attention just like err:w.

To each his own as they say.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Some say hot water softens the whiskers for a smoother and closer shave and some say cold water makes the whiskers stand up at attention just like err:w.

To each his own as they say.

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What about tepid water?

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Originally Posted by Slur

What about tepid water?

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Why not if it gives you the best result.

Bob