Thread: Hello hello

Originally Posted by gomatty

I should have mentioned I have a strop coming too. I've got a mug and soap too so the only thing left on my starter list are some good creams etc. Not sure what I need as far as that goes though. I've been using a disposable single edge for quite some time now and I typically just wipe my beard one section at a time with cherry scented alcohol. No cream or soap. I'm sure that sounds harsh but I don't find it painful and I get good results. So I'm not sure what to get for pre and post shave.

Welcome aboard! The alcohol you're using is far too drying. Go w/ a good cream. One of my favorite creams is Proraso, made in Italy. You can get it in a tub or tube. It lathers wonderfully and is loaded w/ eucalyptus and menthol, so it's got a great cooling sensation.

As for pre shave, many of us shave immediately after a shower. If you you're going to shave w/o showering, then soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and wrap it around your face for 2-3 minutes. The point of all this is to have the hot water soften your beard and open the pores in your skin.

For your post shave, you have a lot of choices. Everyone probably does it a little different. My routine is a warm water rinse to remove all left over soap/cream then a pass or two w/ my alum block. This closes any small nicks and helps take care of any razor burn. While the alum is doing it's thing, I do my razor maintanance. A cold water rinse to remove the alum, then a splash of some kind of astringent. Many folks like witch hazel. I'm currently using Lucky Tiger Face Tonic. I wrap up w/ an aftershave and sometimes a scent free moisturizer. Bay rum (thats a scent, not brand name) is a popular aftershave. There are plenty of brands out there, but a lot of our members make their own.

Hope this gets you started. Welcome to your new obsession!