Thread: Is the best prep no prep?

This may not work for every man's face. I spent so much time and money researching, buying, and trying the various pre-shave products and routines, and found that some prepped my beard for shaving better than others, perhaps. But it was when I tried a cold water shave that I had a revelation. Well, two revelations. First, cold water left me a smoother, closer shave, and resulted in less irritation and razor burn (none, actually) than warm water. Second, absolutely no prep worked perfectly for me. That is, all I do (and I mean I do nothing else whatsoever for prep) is splash cold water on my face, saturate my brush in cold running water, lather on my face with my preferred soap, and shave with 2, maybe 3, passes. That's it. No heating the water, or keeping the brush and lather warm while shaving. No pre shave oil. No glycerin. No hot towel. No hydrating shower before shaving. Nothing. And I get the best shave I've ever gotten. And I've tried most things, I think.

Now, I truly believe our faces are different, and this spartan method may not work well for some or even most men; I really don't know. Also, being a man of ritual and routine, I think there is great value and pleasure to be found in the pre shave rituals and practices we may employ. So, I'm not saying you are making a mistake doing those things. But I am saying that if you really just want to get to shaving in as easy a way possible, and get a fantastic shave to boot, this basic cold water approach MIGHT work for you. It does for me, and I love it.

I'm glad your happy with your shave, that's what the journey is about.

But,,,

I did not get into this journey for speed & no frills,,, I could have stuck with the Gillette Trac II disposable & the can of Barbasol.
A cold shave has no appeal at all to me.

The best pre shave routine is what works for the individual. I happen to shave exactly like the OP as pre shaves never did a damn thing to improve my shave. Even with this abbreviated shave routine I still enjoy a leisurely 20+ minute 4 pass shave daily. Each to their own.

Bob

It works for me though I have gone back to using noxzema before my shave. Though did it the other way for years

Congrats on finding the best routine that works best for you.
I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind?
What type of shave equipment do you use and what is your whisker thickness?

I'm with John.
I like the ritual and the steps that give me a close comfortable one pass shave.
I like room temp, read warm water. The Noxema, after a year of use, prevents any irritation. Quality soaps provide smooth razor strokes.

Thayer Witch Hazel nurtures my skin. A good AS just feels good.

We all find what works for us. There is no guarantee my process will work for you.

Originally Posted by Raol

Congrats on finding the best routine that works best for you.
I've got a couple of questions if you don't mind?
What type of shave equipment do you use and what is your whisker thickness?

I alternate between two straights (Red Point and an old Mandarin) and an occasional DE. I estimate my whiskers at a little thicker/heavier than average.

I do not prep. I take pleasure in face lathering with awesome brushes and great soaps.
I take my time with the shave, I go slow and enjoy the process.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm glad your happy with your shave, that's what the journey is about.

But,,,

I did not get into this journey for speed & no frills,,, I could have stuck with the Gillette Trac II disposable & the can of Barbasol.
A cold shave has no appeal at all to me.

Yeah, I acknowledge this in my original post. But I'm sure you don't mean to equate my shaving with brush, soap and a straight razor to shaving with a Gillette Trac II disposable and a can of Barbasol. FWIW, I do luxuriate in my various soaps, creams, and aftershaves...

Originally Posted by mainaman

I do not prep. I take pleasure in face lathering with awesome brushes and great soaps.
I take my time with the shave, I go slow and enjoy the process.

Exactly. Me too. There is still plenty of pleasure to be had.