Thread: How I Prepare My Beard

I've always been a hot water man. For me good preparation makes all the difference between an ok shave and a great shave. I too had to cold water shave in the field whilst in the Army. An experience I'd rather forget!
I first wash my face as this removes excess sebum and dead skin cells. Hot water opens up the pores and allows for a closer shave, as stated by Obie and Glen this doesn't always mean a better shave. For me hot water swells my beard follicles more allowing the razor to cut better. I also leave the lather to work its magic for a few minuets to also hydrate and swell my beard. One thing Ive always done is carefully run hot water on the blade, this also seems to help with my experience. Finally I splash my face with hot water then cold water, this closes the pores and helps improve circulation.

Yeah, the face-lathering does wonders. Gotta work that hot lather in! Sweet!