I normally shower before i shave (probably like most); however, in the shower i rub water against the grain of my stubble. typically i can feel a very significant change to the stiffness of my stubble after 10-15 seconds of doing this. right before i lather / apply soap i do the same thing in the from the sink.. doesn't take but 2-3 seconds with warm water to feel the stubble soften. I also start my lather in my scuttle (partly) and then face lather.